
In an interview, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, admitted to using prescribed ketamine and claimed that it has a “beneficial impact on investors,” according to a report by Reuters.
During a conversation with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, Musk explained that ketamine helps him manage a “negative chemical state,” similar to depression. He also suggested that his use of the drug could be beneficial for Wall Street, stating, “For investors, if there’s something I’m taking, I should keep taking it.”
Musk addressed concerns raised during the interview about the potential influence of his ketamine prescription on government contracts and Wall Street’s perception. A Wall Street Journal investigation published in January raised alarms about Musk’s alleged use of drugs such as LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. This report sparked concerns among executives and board members about potential violations of federal policies that could impact SpaceX’s government contracts.
Musk hinted that his prescribed use of ketamine might be helpful for others dealing with depression, saying, “The reason why I mentioned ketamine prescription on the X platform was because I thought maybe this is something that can help other people.” He added, “Obviously, I’m not a doctor, but I would say if somebody has depression issues, they should consider talking to their doctor about ketamine instead of SSRIs,” referring to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Despite growing concerns among investors and corporate boards regarding Musk’s behavior and drug use, the Tesla CEO reassured that his use of ketamine has not negatively affected his business endeavors. He highlighted Tesla’s successes, stating, “We had the best-selling car on Earth last year,” to emphasize his effective leadership. However, a previous Wall Street Journal report emphasized potential risks associated with Musk’s alleged use of various drugs.
Musk also addressed the impact of his drug use on government contracts, particularly in relation to SpaceX’s interactions with NASA. In response to reports about his drug use, Musk revealed that he agreed to undergo random drug testing for three years at NASA’s request. He confirmed that no traces of drugs or alcohol were found, ensuring compliance with federal regulations for SpaceX’s ongoing contracts with the government.