The Rest Is Classified 36. CIA Mind Control: Fighting Communism with LSD (Ep 2)
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Apr 8, 2025 Dive into the bizarre world of the CIA's mind control experiments with LSD during the Cold War. Discover the eccentric Sidney Gottlieb, who spearheaded chaotic drug trials that included laced coffee and psychedelic office parties. Hear about the ethical dilemmas and chaotic outcomes of the MKUltra program, highlighted by the agency's reckless behavior and their obsession with psychological manipulation. This eye-opening tale blends humor and horror, revealing the dark legacy left behind by these covert operations.
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CIA's LSD Experiments
- Sidney Gottlieb's LSD experiments within the CIA involved spiking colleagues' drinks and food.
- One incident involved a scientist hallucinating, believing he was Fred Astaire and a secretary was Ginger Rogers.
CIA's Drug Exploration
- The CIA explored various drugs for mind control, including marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, with varying and often ineffective results.
- Their research on marijuana led to predictable conclusions such as increased laughter and relaxed inhibitions.
LSD's Allure
- LSD was appealing due to its potency and the ability to cause significant mental reactions with minuscule doses.
- The CIA saw LSD's potential to reshape fundamental concepts like time, space, and emotions, leading them to believe it was the key to unlocking the universe.
