George Michael has disclosed that marijuana keeps him "sane and happy" - while admitting it can be a "terrible, terrible drug". The 43-year-old singer launched into an extraordinary defense of his habit in an ITV interview in which he openly smoked a joint before the cameras.

Inhaling deeply, he said: "This is the only drug I've ever thought worth taking but you have to wait. It never occurred to me to take even this until I was about 22 or 23. This stuff keeps me sane and happy. I could write without it...if I were sane and happy. I'd say it's a great drug - but obviously it's not very healthy. You can't afford to smoke it if you've got anything to do. Anything at all would be foolish."

OK I officially like George Michael. Indicating your displeasure with "the system" by publicly smoking a joint is downright rebellious. If this was 50s, George would probably have a permanent parking spot at makeout point. And a cool leather jacket to go with his horrific World War II flashbacks.

an ITV interview in which he openly smoked a joint before the cameras.

Inhaling deeply, he said: "This is the only drug I've ever thought worth taking but you have to wait. It never occurred to me to take even this until I was about 22 or 23. This stuff keeps me sane and happy. I could write without it...if I were sane and happy. I'd say it's a great drug - but obviously it's not very healthy. You can't afford to smoke it if you've got anything to do. Anything at all would be foolish."

OK I officially like George Michael. Indicating your displeasure with "the system" by publicly smoking a joint is downright rebellious. If this was 50s, George would probably have a permanent parking spot at makeout point. And a cool leather jacket to go with his horrific World War II flashbacks.