Written by: Sam Orlando
AUSTIN, TX - Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul, has a well-documented interest in psychedelic substances and often discusses their potential benefits, according to a new report by The New York Times. Musk's conversations revolve around the potential therapeutic applications of drugs such as MDMA and psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin.
Musk, according to anonymous sources and close friends, is fond of sharing a chart comparing the relative health impacts of MDMA, psilocybin, and alcohol. The chart ostensibly demonstrates a favorable health profile for the psychedelic substances over alcohol.
The report draws from the experiences of over 40 people who have interacted with Musk over the past fifteen years. Some of these individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, highlighted their concerns about potential repercussions and mentioned non-disclosure agreements linked to Musk-attended gatherings.
A prominent fixture at the Burning Man festival for the past two decades, Musk is known to have been accompanied by his younger brother, Kimbal Musk. David Marglin, a Bay Area lawyer and a friend of Musk for 20 years, shared, "I have been with him on mild exploratory journeys... Nothing out of control or wild, but it's all night, and there's dancing and revelry."
Musk's interest in psychedelics is also evident in his public statements. Earlier this year, he expressed support for psychedelics and ketamine over SSRIs and amphetamines in a Twitter exchange with investor Marc Andreessen. More recently, Musk acknowledged the potential benefits of psychedelics for conditions like PTSD and depression in an interview with the Full Send Podcast.
The science on the health impacts and therapeutic potential of psychedelics is still emerging. Early studies suggest that psilocybin may improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and could potentially aid in the reduction of heavy alcohol use. MDMA, under therapist supervision, shows promise in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Musk's openness about his experiences with and beliefs about psychedelics aligns with a broader trend in Silicon Valley. Tech leaders like Apple's co-founder, Steve Jobs, have also expressed interest in the therapeutic and creative potential of these substances. As research continues to evolve, the dialogue around the role of these substances in healthcare and society is poised to expand.