Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X, and SpaceX founder, has recently responded to concerns about his alleged drug use. He strongly stated that he does not use illegal drugs.

This response comes after a Wall Street Journal report that suggested leaders at his companies were worried about his possible drug use.

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1743966490917794153?s=46&t=bUTQCdKx4w7TbNWl8KRyJw

Musk’s answer was straightforward. He said that he has been taking unexpected drug tests for more than three years, and all tests showed no drugs or alcohol in his system.

It is worth noting that Musk did smoke marijuana once in 2018 on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast (though it’s debated whether he inhaled the smoke too). This action caused some issues with NASA because SpaceX, Musk’s company, works closely with NASA on important space missions. After this incident, Musk made it clear in a biography by Walter Isaacson that he avoids illegal drugs.

To ease any worries at NASA, Musk agreed to take random drug tests for three years after his podcast appearance. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, confirmed that Musk has passed all these tests. However, Spiro did not point out which parts of the Wall Street Journal report he thought were wrong.

Musk has also openly talked about using ketamine, mainly to help with depression. Although ketamine is usually used as an anesthetic, doctors have been exploring its use to treat depression and other mood issues and it is not an illegal drug in the US when prescribed.

The Wall Street Journal’s Report on Elon Musk’s Drug Use

The Wall Street Journal article expressed concerns from some Tesla and SpaceX leaders about Elon Musk’s possible use of illegal drugs, including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, mushrooms, and ketamine. Critics worry that this could affect his health and the companies he runs.

The Wall Street Journal reported several instances where Elon Musk, now 52 years old, allegedly used drugs at private events. To this, Elon Musk stated that TMZ has higher reporting standards than the Wall Street Journal.

In 2018, Musk reportedly took multiple tabs of acid during a party he hosted in Los Angeles. The following year, he was said to have used magic mushrooms at a gathering in Mexico. In a more recent event in 2021, Musk was reported to have used ketamine recreationally. This occurred in Miami at a house party during the Art Basel event, where he was with his brother, Kimbal Musk.

Additionally, Musk has been reported to have used illegal drugs alongside Steve Jurvetson, who is currently on the board of SpaceX and is a former member of Tesla’s board.

The article also described an incident at a SpaceX event in 2017, which raised concerns about Musk’s condition. People who know Musk are used to his unpredictable behavior. However, at a late 2017 company event, some long-time SpaceX executives noticed a change in him.

This event took place at SpaceX’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California, where hundreds of employees gathered for an important all-hands meeting about the company’s latest rocket project.

Musk was almost an hour late to this meeting. When he arrived and addressed the crowd, his speech was notably unclear. According to executives present, Musk’s words were slurred and he rambled for about 15 minutes. During his talk, he repeatedly referred to SpaceX’s Big Falcon Rocket prototype, known as BFR, as “Big F—ing Rocket.”

Due to the unusual nature of his presentation, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell had to step in and take control of the meeting.

This concern grew after Musk smoked marijuana on the Joe Rogan show in 2018, leading to SpaceX employees being tested for drugs due to NASA’s rules.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BAYVi_UrRag

The Business Impact of Elon Musk’s Alleged Drug Use

Elon Musk’s alleged drug use, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, raises significant concerns in the business community, particularly regarding the potential impact on the companies he leads. Here’s why this is a crucial issue:

  • Decision-Making: As CEO, Musk makes big decisions. If he’s using drugs, it could affect his judgment, worrying investors, shareholders, employees, banks, and others.
  • Company Image and Investor Trust: A company’s image matters. News about Musk using drugs could make investors and the public see the companies negatively, which might hurt stock prices and trust.
  • Legal Issues and Contracts: SpaceX works with the US government and has to follow strict rules, including being a drug-free workplace. Musk’s drug use could risk these deals and SpaceX’s legal standing.
  • Health and Leadership Future: If Musk’s health is affected by drugs, it raises questions about who would lead his companies if he couldn’t. This uncertainty can make investors and employees nervous.
  • Board Members’ Worries: The people who help manage Tesla and SpaceX, the board members, have to look out for the company and its shareholders. They might be worried about how Musk’s actions affect the company.
  • Influence on Company Culture: How a CEO acts can set an example for the whole company. If Musk is not following the rules, employees might think they don’t have to either.
  • Relationships with Other Companies: Other businesses might hesitate to work with Tesla and SpaceX if they’re worried about Musk’s behavior. This could lead to lost opportunities and strained business relationships.