California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has defended his use of marijuana in the 70s by claiming it is not a drug.

In an interview with GQ magazine, the former bodybuilder said: "I didn't take any drugs."

When reminded he was pictured smoking it in bodybuilding magazine Pumping Iron he replied: "That is not a drug. It's a leaf. He added: "My drug was pumping iron, trust me."

And refusing to condemn politicians who take drugs, Mr Schwarzenegger continued: "What would you rather have? A politician taking stuff and not saying, but making the best decisions and improving things? Or a politician who names all the drugs he or she has taken but makes lousy decisions for the country?"

Asked how he rates President George W Bush, Mr Schwarzenegger replied: "I would say that I was... very fond of his father. I worked for President Bush Sr and he was a great man.

"I think his son does some great things and there are some other things I don't agree with."

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