London, April 3 (IANS) British musician Sting has angered anti-drug groups by adding his name to the campaign to legalise marijuana in America.

As politicians in many states, including California, consider legalising pot, celebrities have come out in support of the suggested legislation and Sting wants America to spend the money it uses in the war on the drug, on poverty and environmental issues instead, reported aceshowbiz.com

"The war on drugs has failed but it's worse than that. It is actively harming our society. People who genuinely need help can't get it. Neither can people who need medical marijuana to treat terrible diseases," he said.

Sting is calling on fans to support activists at the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) that campaign for those jailed for no violent drug offenses to be released from prison.

But his comments have upset anti-drug activists.

"Sting should stick to singing and not meddle in matters he doesn't understand. We do not need pop stars coming out and making irresponsible statements like that," said a spokesperson for DARE, which teaches schoolchildren about the dangers of drug use.