Elon Musk Defends Ketamine Use and X Platform in Contentious Interview with Don Lemon

During a recent interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk defended his use of prescription ketamine to manage his occasional depressive episodes. Musk revealed that he takes a small dosage of ketamine once every other week to address what he described as chemical imbalances triggering his depression.

Musk touted the benefits of ketamine in shifting his negative state of mind, indicating it could be advantageous for investors in his companies. He emphasized that Wall Street’s focus is on performance and value creation, highlighting Tesla’s valuation and growth as a testament to his effectiveness as a leader.

Earlier this month, Lemon announced the cancellation of their deal to host a show on Musk’s social media platform X, following a tense interview with Musk at Tesla’s headquarters in Austin, Texas. While the interview was marked by disagreements, Lemon raised concerns about Musk’s ketamine use and its potential impact on his contractual obligations.

Musk’s openness about his prescription ketamine use has sparked discussions, especially given his past criticism of certain antidepressants like Wellbutrin. Last year, a report in The Wall Street Journal raised concerns among Tesla and SpaceX executives regarding Musk’s drug use.

Addressing Lemon’s questions about ketamine abuse, Musk clarified that he strictly follows a doctor’s recommendations and does not believe he excessively uses the drug. He underscored the importance of maintaining productivity, acknowledging his workload and the necessity of managing depression effectively.

Ketamine, known for its anesthetic properties, has gained attention as an alternative treatment for depression and anxiety. However, the drug has also been linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry due to its acute effects, highlighting the importance of responsible usage.

In the interview, Musk and Lemon delved into various topics, including the impact of Musk’s actions on X’s policies and advertisers. Musk defended X’s commitment to free speech and reiterated his mission to uphold First Amendment rights, even if it means sacrificing financial gains. Despite the confrontational tone of the conversation, Musk expressed optimism about X’s future and the return of advertisers to the platform.