Paolo Nutini admits to smoking dope every day since he was 16
Paolo Nutini has admitted that he has smoked cannabis every day since he was 16-years-old.
The Scottish singer revealed to Q magazine that the drug helps him to cope with fame and is no worse than alcohol.
Nutini, called for a more tolerant attitude to cannabis by authorities across the world before admitting it can cause problems for some users, but his comments were condemned by a leading expert who claimed the star’s views could encourage more youngsters to dabble with the drug.
Nutini was asked during the interview for Q if he had smoked pot.
He replied: “Every day since I was about 16. Can the world please get to grips with marijuana? How long can this go on?
“Don’t get me wrong, you can give it to the wrong person, marijuana can spawn all kinds of things, but no more so than alcohol.”
He also defended boy band One Direction after two members reportedly smoked cannabis, adding that raunchy singer Miley Cyrus was a worse influence on youngsters.
“They are men now. Let’s flip it and look at the female global pop stars out there.
“Sexualisation isn’t the problem, it’s a case of class. I saw a photo of Miley Cyrus with her leotard pulled up – is that cool? And One Direction can’t have a joint? They’re the bad role models? Come on.”
Professor Neil McKeganey of the Centre for Drugs Misuse Research at Glasgow University slammed Nutini’s comments.
“He (Nutini) has clearly failed to understand the terrible impact drug abuse has had throughout Scotland and particularly in the community from which he comes.
“Paolo is a fantastic musician but when it comes to drugs he’s just another pop star on pot.
“It’s grossly irresponsible for him to be effectively advocating for young people to use cannabis.
“It’s quite likely that comments from someone who has his celebrity status, who is revered by many young people, could have a hugely negative impact on young people.”
