Elon Musk Calls Drug Bans a Net Societal Negative

Twitter CEO Elon Musk, who apparently believes that banning drugs is not a good solution, is taking part in the drug legalization talks. Using alcohol as an example, Musk called banning it a “stupid” decision that has contributed to the rise in crime in America.

Although Musk clarified (according to The Street) that he does not support the use of cocaine or drugs in his response to an exchange that took place on Twitter.

Elon Musk and Psychedelics

Musk has been outspoken about psychedelic substances in the past and is not shy about speaking openly about their benefits. He has also repeatedly supported the idea of legalizing cannabis.

Elon shared a chart with a friend that showed that MDMA and psychedelic mushrooms are healthier than alcohol consumption, according to a friend who spoke to The New York Times.

On the Record

The Twitter CEO has also expressed support for using psychedelics and ketamine. Early last year, he was part of a conversation between two Twitter users, one of whom, Netscape co-founder Marc Andreessen, referred to a 2016 New York Times article on the drug Adderall and wondered if the increase in Google searches for the phrase “Adderall” and the increased interest in the drug was having an impact on our society.

Musk responded: “I have talked to a large number of people who have been helped more by psychedelics and ketamine than SSRI drugs and amphetamine (Adderall).”

Musk Says Psychedelics Useful for PTSD

Recently, the billionaire said in an interview with the Full Send Podcast that he believes psychedelics can be “quite helpful” for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Musk also noted that he and “all of SpaceX” were subjected to random drug testing for a year after he appeared on a podcast with Joe Rogan in which he smoked pot.

What the Science Says

Alcohol reduces the production of serotonin and dopamine, mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. This has been linked to a higher risk of depression. Alcohol use has also been linked to a number of health disorders and chronic diseases. 

Researchers have not directly compared the health benefits of alcohol and psychedelic mushrooms. Scientists are still studying whether psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, improves anxiety and depression.

However, one small, 12-week study published last month found that psilocybin reduced the number of days heavy drinkers drank alcohol compared to those who took a placebo. 

As for MDMA, the results of clinical trials are promising for treating patients with post-traumatic stress disorder under the supervision of a therapist. Again, the researchers did not directly study MDMA and alcohol.

Musk the Only CEO to Show Interest

Musk is not the only successful tech CEO who has shown interest in psychedelics. Apple founder Steve Jobs has also talked about microdosing psychedelics, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, to promote creativity. Jobs also claimed that LSD-influenced trips were among the highlights of his life. He also spent a lot of time in India, seeking enlightenment and studying Zen Buddhism.

—

(Featured image by Daniel Oberhaus (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Fakty Konopne, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.