Does Elon Musk Really Smoke Weed?

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and several other groundbreaking companies, is no stranger to controversy. Whether it's his bold statements on social media, his ambitious ventures into AI and space exploration, or his unpredictable public appearances, Musk always finds a way to capture headlines. One of the most infamous moments in his public image was when he appeared to smoke weed on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast in 2018. But does Elon Musk actually smoke weed, or was it just a one-time incident?

The Joe Rogan Podcast Incident

On September 6, 2018, Musk sat down with Joe Rogan for a long, free-flowing conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, a podcast known for its open discussions on science, technology, philosophy, and even psychedelics. During the interview, Rogan offered Musk a joint that was reportedly a mix of tobacco and marijuana. Musk took a single puff before handing it back, seemingly unfazed.

The moment quickly went viral, generating countless memes and sparking debates about Musk’s personal habits, his leadership as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and the potential legal implications of a high-profile executive engaging in drug use. Tesla's stock even saw a brief dip following the incident, though it later rebounded.

Does Elon Musk Regularly Use Marijuana?

Photo courtesy of The Joe Rogan Experience

Despite the widespread reaction to the podcast clip, Musk has consistently downplayed his marijuana use. In a 2019 60 Minutes interview, he clarified, "I do not smoke pot. As anybody who watched that podcast could tell, I have no idea how to smoke pot." He also mentioned on the podcast itself that he "almost never" uses cannabis and that he didn’t feel any noticeable effect from the joint.

Additionally, Musk later tweeted that his one-time use of the podcast was "not wise" because of the regulatory scrutiny it brought upon SpaceX. The company holds multiple contracts with the U.S. government, and as a result of the podcast incident, both Musk and his employees at SpaceX were subjected to random drug testing for nearly a year.

The Fallout: NASA and Federal Regulations

As the head of SpaceX, a company that collaborates closely with NASA and other government agencies, Musk’s actions had broader implications beyond just public perception. Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, companies with federal contracts must maintain a drug-free environment.

Following the podcast, NASA ordered a $5 million safety review of SpaceX, ensuring that the company adhered to federal workplace drug policies. Musk himself had to undergo multiple drug tests, which he reportedly passed each time.

Elon Musk’s Views on Cannabis and Psychedelics

Photo courtesy of The Joe Rogan Experience

While Musk has stated that he does not regularly use marijuana, he has expressed open-minded views on psychedelics and drug policy reform. In recent years, he has tweeted about the potential benefits of psychedelics for mental health and has advocated for more research into their therapeutic uses.

In 2022, he tweeted, "I’ve talked to many more people who were helped by psychedelics & ketamine than SSRIs & amphetamines." This suggests that while he may not personally use these substances regularly, he is interested in the ongoing scientific and cultural discussions surrounding them.

Final Puff

While Elon Musk’s brief encounter with marijuana on The Joe Rogan Experience sparked controversy and led to regulatory scrutiny, all available evidence suggests that he is not a regular user. His own statements, the federal response, and the subsequent drug tests all point to the fact that the incident was more of a spontaneous media spectacle than a reflection of his lifestyle.

However, Musk remains an advocate for open discussions about drug policies and their potential benefits, especially in the realm of mental health. Whether or not he personally uses cannabis, his influence ensures that conversations about drug laws, space exploration, and technology will continue to intersect in fascinating ways.