The Rolling Stones star has confessed he is a still a regular pot smoker and often starts his day with a joint, but admits that although American officials are gradually decriminalising the drug he is unsure whether it will be beneficial in the long term.

Richards recalls how the extent of the softening of drug laws across the U.S. became apparent to him when he saw a map of all the states where weed is now legal.

He tells Mojo magazine, "I still smoke a lot, and not just cigarettes. One of the most pleasant things to watch is a map of America where it goes, Green... green... green (in states where marijuana is decriminalised). Whether it's a good thing in the long run, I don't know...

"(I like smoking while) sitting in the sun... I smoke regularly, an early morning joint. Strictly Californian."