Elon Musk highlighted the benefits of ketamine during a tense interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, released on Monday.
In the first episode of Lemon's latest interview series, the host questioned the Tesla and SpaceX CEO on topics ranging from content moderation to his political stances and ownership of X, previously known as Twitter. Lemon also delved into rumors surrounding Musk's use of the dissociative drug ketamine, which the billionaire defended as a beneficial aid for depression.
Elon Musk's Relaxation Technique
Lemon inquired about Musk's relaxation techniques and tendency to share controversial opinions on X. He asked if Musk was "under the influence of anything" when posting late at night, which Musk denied, stating he does not drink.
Lemon mentioned Musk's experience smoking a blunt with podcaster Joe Rogan in 2018. Musk clarified that he had only taken one puff. When Lemon pressed further, Musk acknowledged having a ketamine prescription.
Musk commented that inquiring about someone's medical prescription was a private matter. He then explained that sometimes he experiences a negative state of mind, like depression, unrelated to negative news, and "ketamine helps get one out of a negative frame of mind."
The Controversial Ketamine
In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration sanctioned a nasal spray version of ketamine for treating depression. However, ketamine also carries a reputation as a readily accessible club drug known for its hallucinogenic properties. In an August profile on Musk, journalist Ronan Farrow referenced the CEO's use of ketamine, which some of Musk's associates hinted might influence his tendency to make erratic and impulsive statements and decisions.
According to anonymous sources cited by The Wall Street Journal in June, Musk was reported to have microdosed ketamine for depression and taken full doses at social gatherings. Musk responded to the article on Twitter, asserting that ketamine could be a preferable choice to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for certain individuals. During the interview, Musk elaborated on his perspective, advising someone with depression to consider talking to their doctor about using ketamine instead of SSRIs.
Elon Musk Publicly Discussing About Ketamine to Help People with Depression
After confirming that Musk obtained ketamine legally with a doctor's prescription, Lemon questioned whether Musk believes he misuses the drug, which he then denied, saying ketamine hampers productivity, given that he works 16 hours a day, "I don't really have a situation where I can be not mentally acute. I can't really get wasted."
When questioned about his frequency of ketamine use, Musk mentioned it is a "small amount," occurring once every two weeks. They briefly discussed depression, with Musk mentioning he does not face constant mental health issues but occasionally experiences a "brainstorm."
Lemon shifted the discussion back to ketamine, inquiring whether Musk believed his usage might disrupt government contracts, clearances, or Wall Street perceptions. Musk responded, emphasizing that what counts for Wall Street is execution. He pointed to Tesla's stock price and car sales success as evidence that investors should support his continued use of any beneficial treatments.
Musk concluded the conversation on ketamine by expressing his desire to discuss his prescription publicly to benefit others.
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