Ezekiel Elliott Says Weed Shop Was 'Bad Decision'

Ezekiel Elliott says he didn't think he was doing anything wrong by visiting a recreational weed shop in Seattle before the Seahawks game last week ... but says it was ultimately a "bad decision."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the 21-year-old rookie running back hit up Herban Legends -- which LEGALLY sells weed for recreational purposes to people 21 and older.

"It was a bad decision," Elliott said (via Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram) ... "Just seen it walking around. Was curious."

"I didn't really think about it before I went in, what the repercussions could have been. It wasn't like I was trying to hide it or anything."

"I took pictures with people. It wasn't like I was up to no good."

As we reported, Elliott did not purchase anything or smoke anything while inside the shop.

Still, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was pissed -- calling the visit "not good."

Elliott says he apologized to Cowboys management -- and claims he's learned a valuable lesson.

"You definitely got to think of the perception of things before you actually do certain things ... It may not seem like it's a big deal to you yourself but there is a bigger picture."