PT551 – Tripped: The Connection Between LSD, Nazi Germany, and MKUltra, with Norman Ohler
Sep 27, 2024
auto_awesome
Norman Ohler, an award-winning novelist and journalist, delves into the surprising connections between Nazi Germany's drug experiments and the CIA's MKUltra program. He shares insights on how the Nazis' initial interest in methamphetamines shifted to LSD, revealing its potential as a truth serum. Ohler discusses his mother's experience with microdosing, the ethical concerns of historical drug use, and his belief in the imminent legalization of psychedelics in the U.S. He also reflects on his journey as a 'gonzo historian' and the evolving societal perceptions of these substances.
Norman Ohler reveals the Nazi regime's extensive use of methamphetamine as a critical factor in their military strategies during WWII.
The podcast discusses the SS's experiments with LSD as a potential truth serum, highlighting the ethical issues surrounding psychedelic research.
Ohler emphasizes the need for a cultural shift to recognize psychedelics' therapeutic potential amidst ongoing societal and political challenges regarding their legalization.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Nazi Germany and Drug Use
The discussion highlights the previously underexplored link between drug use and the military strategies employed by Nazi Germany during World War II. The author, Norman Oler, emphasizes that methamphetamine played a crucial role in the German army's blitzkrieg tactics, enhancing soldier performance and endurance. Historical evidence suggests that the widespread use of methamphetamine contributed significantly to early German military successes, raising questions about the ethical implications of drug usage in warfare. This revelation challenges common perceptions of drug use in history, urging a reevaluation of the narrative surrounding WWII and its associated substances.
Researching Psychedelics and the Nazi Regime
Oler recounts his journey of discovering the Nazi regime's interest in psychedelic substances, particularly LSD, during his research on drugs in WWII. He reveals that the SS conducted experiments involving psychedelics, aiming to develop truth serums as interrogation tools. This aspect of historical research sheds light on the darker side of psychedelic experimentation, linking it to the horrific conditions of concentration camps. Oler’s findings underscore the complex and often contradictory nature of drug usage in one of history's most notorious regimes, prompting reflection on the potential consequences of such research.
Personal Motivations Behind Writing
Oler's writing is deeply influenced by personal experiences, particularly his desire to understand the potential therapeutic benefits of LSD for treating his mother's Alzheimer's disease. His father's inquiry about the availability of LSD in pharmacies prompted Oler to investigate the reasons for its prohibition and stigma, ultimately leading to his work in tracing the early history of LSD. Through this personal lens, Oler seeks to demystify psychedelics and advocate for their therapeutic potential in modern medicine. This narrative adds a layer of emotional depth to his exploration of psychopharmaceuticals, demonstrating the impact of personal motivations on historical research.
The Evolution of Psychedelic Policies
The conversation shifts to the contemporary psychedelic renaissance, highlighting the political and social challenges surrounding the legalization of psychedelics in modern society. Oler emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to navigate current drug policies, noting that psychedelics must be reintroduced with care and integrity to tap into their full potential for mental health treatment. The reluctance of governmental bodies to embrace psychedelics reflects a larger struggle between profit-driven pharmaceutical companies and the potential benefits of these substances for public health. Oler advocates for a cultural shift that recognizes the therapeutic merits of psychedelics, urging policymakers to prioritize societal well-being over outdated stigmas.
The Role of Media in Shaping Drug Narratives
The dialogue touches on the influence of media figures, such as Joe Rogan, in demystifying drug culture and facilitating discussions surrounding psychedelics. Oler shares his experiences appearing on various media platforms, noting how these opportunities expanded public access to the knowledge and acceptance of psychedelics. The juxtaposition of mainstream media narratives against traditional stigmas showcases the potential for podcasts and similar platforms to challenge entrenched views and promote awareness. Oler’s engagements in this media landscape illustrate the evolving perceptions of psychedelics and their possible integration into modern society.
In this episode, Joe interviews award-winning novelist and screenwriter, Norman Ohler.
Following in the footsteps of "Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich," his newest book, "Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age," tells the story of how the Nazi’s passion for methamphetamine turned into a curiosity about LSD, and how their experiments with trying to harness LSD as a truth drug eventually led to the CIA continuing their research under their MKUltra program. The book came about from trying to understand why LSD never became medicine – a question posed by his father, when discussing how LSD could help with his wife’s progressing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
He discusses:
His path to becoming a “gonzo historian” and how his early psychedelic research was inspired by a friend’s discovery of methamphetamine tablets from the 40s
Henry Beecher’s LSD experiments with students at Harvard, and how researchers often didn’t know they were contributing to MKUltra
His recent appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and Jesse Watters Primetime
His mother’s experience with microdosing LSD and why police showed up at his father’s door with a warrant
Why he believes psychedelics will be legalized in the U.S. in the next 10 years