Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has been at the center of controversy regarding his alleged drug use.
One pivotal event that brought Musk’s drug use into the spotlight was his appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast in 2018. During the interview, Musk famously smoked marijuana, which sparked a significant backlash. NASA, a partner of Musk’s SpaceX, conducted a review of his federal security clearance due to his role in launching military spy satellites.
Musk responded to the incident by stating that he agreed to undergo three years of random drug testing at NASA’s request. He emphasized that no trace of drugs or alcohol was found in his system during these tests. However, the controversy surrounding his drug use did not end there.
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According to reports by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), witnesses and individuals familiar with Musk claimed that he has used various illegal substances, including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. These alleged instances of drug use were said to have occurred at private parties. Moreover, sources close to Musk suggested that he continues to consume ketamine, a drug typically used as an anesthetic but also known for its off-label use in treating depression.
The WSJ report highlighted concerns raised by executives and board members at Tesla and SpaceX regarding Musk’s drug use. One Tesla board director even decided not to run for reelection due to alarm over his behavior. The article also mentioned that former Tesla director Linda Johnson Rice left the company in 2019, citing frustration with Musk’s conduct and concerns about his drug consumption.
Elon Musk promptly responded to the allegations, refuting the claims made in the WSJ report. On his social media platform, X, Musk stated that he undergoes regular and random drug testing at SpaceX and has never failed a test. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, also confirmed this information to the WSJ, dismissing the article as containing “false facts.”
It is worth mentioning that Elon Musk has acknowledged his use of ketamine in the past but only as a treatment for depression and with a prescription. Ketamine, while approved by the FDA as an anesthetic, is increasingly being explored for its potential off-label use in treating mood disorders.
The allegations of drug use and the subsequent concerns raised by executives and board members undoubtedly pose potential challenges for Musk’s businesses. Tesla, a company at the forefront of the electric vehicle market, relies heavily on investor confidence and trust in its leadership. Any perceived instability or questionable behavior from its CEO could impact the company’s reputation and stock performance.
Similarly, SpaceX, which holds contracts with NASA and the Pentagon, requires a drug-free workplace to maintain its status as a government contractor. The review of Musk’s security clearance following the Joe Rogan incident demonstrates the importance of adhering to these regulations. Any ongoing concerns about Musk’s drug use could potentially affect SpaceX’s relationship with its partners.
Elon Musk’s actions and statements have often attracted intense scrutiny and speculation. In 2018, he tweeted about taking Tesla private, which led to an SEC investigation and a $40 million fine. During this period, some individuals within the Tesla board and those close to Musk expressed concerns that his tweets may have been influenced by drug use.
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It is crucial to note that the allegations of drug use remain unverified beyond the WSJ report’s claims and anonymous sources. The controversy surrounding Musk’s drug use should be approached with caution, as it is essential to separate speculation from substantiated facts.
Elon Musk is widely recognized for his involvement in various ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Co., Neuralink, and xAI. His net worth, estimated at $219.4 billion, makes him the wealthiest person in the world. Despite the controversies surrounding his drug use, Musk’s impact on the electric vehicle industry, space exploration, and other groundbreaking technologies cannot be denied.