Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk recently addressed his use of the medication ketamine, his late-night social media activity, and the challenges facing X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. In a wide-ranging interview with journalist Don Lemon, Musk explained his reasons for using ketamine, emphasizing its effectiveness in managing what he described as a “negative chemical state” in his brain. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also defended his work ethic, stating that excessive use of ketamine would interfere with his ability to manage his companies. The conversation further touched on X’s advertising struggles, Musk’s stance on content moderation, and the controversial termination of Lemon’s deal with the platform.
Elon Musk reveals why he uses Ketamine—and why investors should approve
During the interview, Musk disclosed that he has a prescription for ketamine from a licensed medical professional. He explained that he takes a small dose of the drug once every other week to alleviate symptoms of depression. Musk described his condition as possibly genetic and not necessarily linked to external negative events.
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has gained attention in recent years as a potential treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Some clinical studies have suggested that low doses of ketamine can have rapid antidepressant effects, though concerns remain about its long-term safety and potential for misuse.
Musk firmly denied any overuse of the drug, emphasizing that maintaining mental sharpness is crucial given his demanding work schedule, which often involves 16-hour workdays. He argued that excessive ketamine consumption would hinder his ability to run his companies effectively.
Musk on late-night posts: ‘Almost always sober, but questions remain’
Musk also addressed concerns about his frequent late-night posts on X. When asked whether he is under the influence while posting, he responded that he is “almost always” sober during these sessions. However, he did not clarify whether he was referring specifically to ketamine or other substances.
The billionaire’s social media activity has often attracted controversy, as his posts have led to significant market fluctuations, legal disputes, and public scrutiny. Despite this, Musk continues to use the platform actively, frequently sharing updates, opinions, and memes.
X’s advertising business and content moderation policies
The conversation also covered X’s advertising business, which has faced challenges since Musk acquired the company. Many advertisers distanced themselves from the platform due to concerns about the rise in controversial and hateful content under Musk’s leadership.
In a previous public statement, Musk harshly criticized advertisers who left X over concerns about antisemitic content, telling them they could “go f**k yourself.” However, in the interview with Lemon, he claimed that almost all major advertisers have returned to the platform and that both advertising and subscription revenue are growing rapidly.
Musk reiterated his position on content moderation, stating that advertisers are free to choose where their ads appear but should not dictate censorship policies for the entire platform. He maintained that X would not accommodate demands for broad censorship beyond ad placement preferences.
Elon Musk cancels Don Lemon’s X deal after tense interview
The interview also led to a falling-out between Musk and Don Lemon. Originally, Lemon had entered into a deal with X to host his new streaming show on the platform. However, following the interview, Musk canceled the agreement, claiming that Lemon had approached the conversation with a bias akin to mainstream media.
The dispute between Musk and Lemon further highlights the ongoing tensions between X and traditional media organizations. Since taking over the platform, Musk has positioned X as a space for “free speech,” often clashing with journalists and critics who argue that the platform has become more hostile to certain viewpoints.
