When a CEO makes use of a semi-illegal (or semi-legal) drug in full public view, just what kind of problem is it. It’s clearly a problem. But is it an ethics problem, a legal problem, a corporate policy problem, or a PR problem?
Note: prior to June of 2010, Tesla was a private company (with a handful of private investors, rather than thousands of shareholders). If this had happened prior to 2010, would that make a difference?
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LINK: Elon Musk may have violated Tesla’s business conduct policy by smoking weed (by Michelle Castillo for CNBC)
Elon Musk’s public marijuana consumption could be a hit to his professional career.
The Tesla CEO appeared on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast on Thursday night, where he discussed a wide range of topics including his tweeting behavior, his Boring Co.’s flamethrowers, and “neuralink” devices that could connect brains to computers. He also sipped whiskey and definitely inhaled a mixed tobacco and marijuana cigarette.
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One could argue Musk was representing Tesla as its CEO during the interview. By imbibing alcohol and marijuana, he was “under the influence” while at work….
What do you think?
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I think it’s hypocritical to hold Musk accountable for consuming legal substances (marijuana is legal in CA) while politicians are doing far more illegal and immoral things and they are getting a free pass. If anything, after watching a big chunk of the interview, I am more inclined to invest in Tesla.
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