Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has made a surprising revelation through a series of tweets. Confirming rumours that have long been circulating in tech circles, Musk admitted that he uses Ketamine, a potent psychedelic substance, to manage his depression. While it might seem unusual or even reckless for a public figure to openly admit to using such substances, Musk’s revelation aligns with emerging trends in mental health treatments.
Psychedelics were viewed with scepticism and disdain during much of the twentieth century. However, attitudes have been shifting recently, with more people advocating for the benefits of micro-dosing — the practice of consuming small, sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelic substances. Supporters of this practice argue that it can effectively address various mental health issues.
The substance that Musk admitted to using, Ketamine, is among the most powerful psychedelics known to science. High doses can cause users to lose touch with reality, which has raised concerns among health professionals.
The Public Repercussions of Musk’s Drug Use
Despite his confession of using high doses of Ketamine at parties, Musk stated that he primarily uses it in microdoses to manage his depression. His revelation comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an inhalable version of Ketamine for depression treatment in 2019 based on promising clinical trial results. Originally used as an anaesthetic, Ketamine can induce hallucinations at lower doses.
Musk, whose net worth exceeds $230 billion, making him the world’s richest person, is no stranger to controversy. From expressing unconventional viewpoints to pushing the boundaries of tech innovation, Musk has a knack for staying in the headlines. His latest admission further underscores the apparent impunity that comes with his vast wealth, as ordinary people might face significant legal consequences for similar actions.
This isn’t the first time Musk’s substance use has attracted public attention. A few years ago, he was seen smoking cannabis during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, a move that affected Tesla’s stock prices.
As the new revelation circulates, how it will impact the stocks of Musk’s various companies remains to be seen. Commenting on the broader issue of depression treatment, Musk tweeted, “Depression is overdiagnosed in the US, but for some people, it is a brain chemistry issue. But zombifying people with SSRIs for sure happens way too much. From what I’ve seen with friends, Ketamine taken occasionally is a better option.”
