Musk’s ketamine use ‘could jeopardize security clearance’

Musk’s ketamine use could prompt an investigation into his security clearance for SpaceX and Tesla. It was reported that Musk microdoses ketamine for depression, and takes full doses of ketamine at parties. He has also tweeted approvingly of ketamine use to treat depression. Two national security attorneys say drug use is typically grounds for the government to revoke someone’s security clearance. They expect to see the federal agency in charge of security clearances investigate Musk’s use of ketamine, which is a schedule III drug, meaning it can be legally prescribed under federal law. One of the attorneys says:

[S]omeone who takes a cavalier approach to drug use may take a cavalier approach to the handling of classified information.

Musk does not respond to a request for comment. There is no evidence that the government has opened a review of Musk’s clearance.