Former world's richest man Bill Gates admitted his history of marijuana use, saying he only smoked pot to impress girls.

In the upcoming memoir "Source Code", former world's richest man and co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates reveals his teenage experiences, admitting to experimenting with various drugs including psychedelics, marijuana, and alcohol. The book is set to be published next week.

Before the publication of his memoir, Gates gave an interview to People magazine, reminiscing about his rebellious years in his early life. Most of the stories revolved around his close friendship with the late Paul Allen, with whom he co-founded Microsoft in 1975.

Gates recalled his experience trying the hallucinogenic drug LSD in high school, a substance that is still illegal in many parts of the world. Gates humorously blamed his friends Paul Allen and rock legend Jimi Hendrix for influencing his decision. "I tried LSD a few times in high school mainly because of Paul," Gates recalled with a smile. "Everything I did was Paul and Jimi Hendrix's fault."

Gates also mentioned Apple's former CEO Steve Jobs, recalling, "Steve Jobs once said that he wanted me to take LSD, because he thought that it might make my products more tasteful."

Because I have an optimistic personality, enjoy taking risks, and am willing to take risks, I have tried many things. But Gates also admitted that he does not recommend taking hallucinogenic drugs. "I gave up after trying it a few times. I think the last time was when I was around 21," Gates shared.

Gates also recalled his first experience drinking alcohol. In the book, he vividly remembers the night he drank too much whiskey for the first time, vomited, and passed out.

In addition, the billionaire admitted that he initially tried marijuana in order to make himself "look cool." "I didn't really smoke marijuana for marijuana, but to fit in," Gates said. "I thought maybe some girls would be impressed by it. But it didn't work out as I hoped. At least I tried."

Gates pointed out, "One aspect of my personality is that I enjoy using my brain and I am very logical. So I quit marijuana in my early 20s because sometimes it would make my thinking become confused."

The occasion mentioned by Gates in his memoir is Senior Skip Day, a tradition in many American high schools where students skip class together, gather and engage in some rebellious activities. He recalled that he could still feel the effects of the drugs when he went to the dentist the next day.

In the book "The Source Code," Gates rarely allows us a glimpse into the inner world of the young man he once was, despite trying various substances that were deemed "not so good" by people. However, he still possessed a sharp, curious nature, which later helped him achieve success in his career. Gates' experiences offer valuable insights for reflection on that era, revealing how his curiosity and analytical thinking helped him completely change the technology world.

Although the 69-year-old tech tycoon's experiences with psychedelic drugs, marijuana, and alcohol were brief, his rebellious experiences during his teenage years show a more human side of him. In fact, Gates is typically closely linked to his work at Microsoft and his charitable endeavors. As he emerged from the mistakes he made when he was young, he was very candid and encouraged young people to avoid making similar choices. "I do not recommend it," Gates summarized with a smile.

In 2023, Gates said in a conversation with actor Seth Rogen that the changes in marijuana policy and culture since he smoked marijuana in high school to fit in with his peers have been "surprising." He believes the ongoing conflict between federal and state marijuana laws "must be effectively resolved".

It seems that Gates' marijuana fixation has not yet subsided.