Elijah Wood "wishes" he had a higher "tolerance" for marijuana.

The 30-year-old actor can't understand why the drug is still illegal because he believes it to be "harmless" but admits he rarely uses the substance himself because of the side effects it produces.

He said: "I think the whole notion that marijuana is illegal is past the point of ridiculousness. It seems a little silly to be uptight about something that's so natural.

"To be honest, I'm not really much of a pot smoker - it never really sat well with me. I've got friends that smoke and have smoked for years. I've always wished I could achieve that comfort and tolerance, but I have no tolerance for it whatsoever.

"But I've always been an advocate. I just feel it should be decriminalized. We're spending taxpayers' money on putting people away for something so harmless."

The 'Lord of the Rings' star believes marijuana use is widespread in Hollywood and has become a "normal" part of life.

He told High Times magazine: "It's gotten to the point where it just seems a natural part of people's lives. It's certainly not taboo; I know a number of people who have medical cards. People feel very free talking about it. It doesn't seem to be hidden or shoved under the carpet. It's part of people's lives in a very natural way."