Parents should smoke WEED with their kids, says Virgin boss Richard Branson
TOUSLE-haired billionaire Richard Branson has said parents should take DRUGS with their kids.
The Virgin boss, who's made no secret of his occasional marijuana-use, said it's better for mums and dads to light-up with their children than let them do so alone.
Speaking to an audience in Chicago on Tuesday, father-of-two Branson, said: "If they're going to have a joint, do it with them.
"Don't let them sneak off and do it on their own".
Explaining his comments to the stunned audience, Branson, 66, said he is campaigner for drug legalisation.
To stuttered applause, laid-back Branson told the audience at Chicago's McCormick Place: "I'm on the global drug commission".
He said he has been working for years to promote the idea that drugs are "a health problem and not a criminal problem", reports.
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In an article written in March, the smiley business guru -- who is thought to be worth close to £4billion -- said it was time for "governments" to regulate drugs and even allow them to be sold in shops.
He wrote: "Put governments in charge, so that drug production, supply and use can be regulated via doctors, pharmacists and licensed retailers".
If they're going to have a joint, do it with them. Don't let them sneak off and do it on their own.
Sir Richard Branson
Philanthropist Branson, whose latest pet project is setting up the world's first commercial space travel company, also spoke of how "lucky" he is to live on Necker Island -- his private hideaway in the Caribbean.
"I'm lucky enough to work on an island ... and one day you can all do that too", he joked.
Sun Online recently revealed knight-of-the-realm Sir Richard's newest holiday home, which comes with a personal chef, can be yours for just under £20,000 a week.
The plush two-villa, 700-acre estate in Mallorca is up for rental bookings under Virgin Limited Edition's collection of luxury retreats.
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