Elon Musk opens up about drug use. In a recent interview with journalist Don Lemon, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk opened up about his use of ketamine to manage his bouts of depression.
While Musk asserts that the drug helps alleviate negative mental states, his disclosure has sparked both curiosity and apprehension among observers of his vast business empire.
Elon Musk opens up about drug use: The Ketamine Revelation
During the interview, Musk disclosed his occasional use of ketamine, obtained through a prescription from a qualified physician, to combat depressive episodes.
He emphasized its role in enhancing his mental acuity, crucial for maintaining his rigorous work schedule, which often entails grueling 16-hour days.
“There are times when I have sort of a… negative chemical state in my brain, like depression I guess, or depression that’s not linked to any negative news, and ketamine is helpful for getting one out of the negative frame of mind,” he told Mr Lemon.
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Mr Musk continued, saying he uses the medication in “a small amount once every other week or something like that” and that he had a prescription for it from “an actual, real doctor”. “If you use too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done, and I have a lot of work. I’m typically putting in 16-hour days… so I don’t really have a situation where I can be not mentally acute for an extended period of time,” he said.
Musk’s Approach to Drug Use
Despite acknowledging his occasional use of ketamine, Musk clarified that he remains committed to sobriety during work hours, particularly when leading late-night initiatives.
However, he stopped short of specifying whether this commitment extends to ketamine or other substances.
Controversy and Criticism
Musk’s candid admission has drawn scrutiny from several quarters, including former Tesla director Linda Johnson Rice, who expressed concern over what she perceived as erratic behavior linked to Musk’s drug use.
Moreover, reports suggest a broader pattern of substance consumption, including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, at private gatherings hosted by Musk.
Navigating Legal and Regulatory Minefields
The revelation raises pertinent questions about the potential impact on Musk’s leadership and the stability of Tesla and SpaceX.
Given the regulatory and contractual obligations governing these companies, concerns loom large over compliance with corporate regulations and federal contracts, particularly concerning illegal drug usage.
“From a standpoint of Wall Street, what matters is execution. Are you building value for investors? Tesla is worth about as much as the rest of the car industry combined… so from an investor standpoint, if there is something I’m taking, I should keep taking it,” he said, adding that he believes his depression is genetic.
Assurances Amid Skepticism
Despite the scrutiny, Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, underscored Musk’s compliance with drug testing protocols at SpaceX, highlighting a clean record.
Musk himself remains steadfast in his belief that his depression is genetic and contends that his drug use won’t jeopardize investor relations or government contracts.
The controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s drug use serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between personal well-being, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance in the realm of high-profile business leadership.
As stakeholders grapple with these complexities, Musk’s candid disclosure offers both insight and fuel for ongoing debate.
