In June 2008, British soul singer Joss Stone was photographed smoking a spliff in public in London. In Nov. 2009, she acknowledged, "I smoke cannabis, but I don't think it's really a drug. It's more of a herb. I don't regret saying that. Weed has been given this evil stamp, but how is it dangerous? It’s going to make you laugh your arse off? You might go to sleep? I think alcohol is much more harmful. People beat the fuck out of each other on alcohol."

The National Drugs Prevention Alliance not happy with Stone's stance. "People like Joss Stone should keep their mouths shut about things like this," commented David Raynes. "It is terribly damaging and she clearly hasn't considered the wider effects of the drug, although she clearly didn't get to become a pop star because she is a student of social sciences. We already have a drug culture in the UK and she is simply adding to that."

Stone, 22, replied: "'I’m very honest and I’ve been punished for that over and over again. Every time I say what I think I get shit for it. But that won’t stop me from being an honest person."