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Psychedelics Today

PT551 – Tripped: The Connection Between LSD, Nazi Germany, and MKUltra, with Norman Ohler

Sep 27, 2024
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.
01:02:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

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