Singer Hoyt Axton Faces Drug Charges

Hoyt Axton, the singer and actor who wrote the lyrics “No, no, no, I don’t smoke it no more,” was charged Thursday with possessing dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Axton was an honorary sheriff’s deputy who spoke against drug use to school children.

He lost his badge on Wednesday after authorities found more than a pound of marijuana worth about $3,000 in his house along with drug paraphernalia and drug residue, said Ravalli County Sheriff Jay Printz.

Axton, 58, and longtime companion Deborah Hawkins, 43, were summoned to appear in court on Tuesday.

Among Axton’s many songs are “Joy To The World,” a No. 1 hit for the rock group Three Dog Night, and “The Pusher” by Steppenwolf. He also wrote the “No No Song,” performed by Ringo Starr.

Axton suffered a debilitating stroke last year and spent considerable time at a rehabilitation center. He now uses a wheelchair much of the time, Printz said.