Executives Concerned About Elon Musk's Possible Drug Use and Its Impact on Companies
Executives at Tesla and SpaceX reportedly worry that Elon Musk's questionable decisions may be linked to his drug use, potentially endangering his health and the companies' bottom lines.
Concerns About Drug Use and Decision-Making
According to The Wall Street Journal, executives at Tesla and SpaceX have expressed ongoing concerns that Elon Musk's unconventional comments and actions may be a result of his drug use. While many attribute his behavior to his creativity or mental health challenges, these executives fear that drugs may be a contributing factor.
This poses a significant risk not only to Musk's personal well-being but also to the performance of the companies. His questionable decisions may have adverse effects on the companies' bottom lines, as they are closely tied to his leadership and decision-making abilities.
Musk's Alleged Drug Use
The Wall Street Journal reports that Elon Musk has allegedly used various drugs, including marijuana, mushrooms, ketamine, LSD, ecstasy, and cocaine. While the extent and frequency of his drug use remain unclear, specific incidents related to certain substances have been highlighted.
For instance, Musk's marijuana use on Joe Rogan's podcast in 2019, which was broadcasted to the public, put his security clearance at risk. This is a concern for SpaceX, as federal regulations mandate drug testing for workplaces with contracts of $100,000 or more, even if the drug is legal in the state. NASA also conducts drug tests for substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP.
Incidents and Indications of Influence
The Journal mentions several incidents where Musk appeared to be under the influence of drugs, although his drug use was not officially confirmed. Notably, former Tesla director Linda Johnson Rice chose not to seek re-election to the board in 2019 due to frustrations with Musk's volatile behavior.
Another example is Musk's endorsement of micro-dosing ketamine for business breakthroughs, a claim he made after it was reported that he and other tech CEOs were using the substance. Although Musk stated that he has a prescription and believes occasional use of ketamine is a better option than antidepressants, concerns remain regarding the potential impact on decision-making and leadership.
