Could the Nazis, CIA Have Contributed to LSD’s History

LSD was discovered less than a hundred years ago, in 1938 to be precise, by Albert Hofmann. Hofmann, who was a chemist at the time, was working at a Swiss pharmaceutical firm. Its hallucinogenic effects were discovered years later though, in 1943, when the chemist accidentally consumed a small amount.

In the 60s, the drug was heralded in hippie counterculture, before being banned with the introduction of the Controlled Substances Act. Did you know that LSD was used by the Nazis as a truth serum, with the CIA also using it in experiments?

Following the drug’s discovery, the company Hofmann was working at, Sandoz, began looking into its potential as a new drug for mental health. Sandoz’s CEO at the time, Arthur Stoll, corresponded with Richard Kuhn about the discovery. Kuhn was the leading biochemist in Hitler’s camp at the time.

These developments were taking place as World War II raged on and with the Nazis growing even more paranoid about opponents in the regime, it was inevitable they’d resort to new techniques to extract truth. It is estimated that the Nazis operated over 1,000 concentration camps while they were in power, with many being used for medical experiments.

SS documents show that various tests were carried out using LSD to determine how to extract secrets from prisoners.

Following the liberation of some camps, Americans stumbled on similar documentation showing what the Nazis had been conducting research on. Soon after, the American military’s interest in LSD peaked, with the CIA taking over research on the psychedelic. Project MK-Ultra, led by the CIA, investigated the effects of LSD on human subjects, often without obtaining consent.

The agency’s objective had been mind-control and while that wasn’t successful, the agency did determine that the psychedelic could disrupt an individual’s thinking. This was in the 1950s, when America was paranoid that the Soviets were brainwashing individuals using drugs.

Using LSD, the U.S. military thought it could develop a pharmacological weapon. This wasn’t successful though, with the project being condemned for its use of individuals without their consent.

Now, the psychedelic is being used in medical treatment and research. Various studies have already found that when combined with therapy, the drug may be effective in treating a range of mental conditions, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Many hope that in the future, LSD along with other psychedelics will be approved as treatment options for a range of mental disorders. This comes as many psychedelic drug development companies like atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ: ATAI) have invested heavily in taking several of these compounds through the clinical drug development process so that regulatory agencies can approve their formulations.

About PsychedelicNewsWire

PsychedelicNewsWire (“PNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on all aspects of psychedelics and the latest developments and advances in the psychedelics sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, PNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, PNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. PNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from PsychedelicNewsWire, text “Groovy” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

PsychedelicNewsWire
San Francisco, CA
www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@PsychedelicNewsWire.com

PsychedelicNewsWire is powered by IBN

Archives

Select A Month

PsychedelicNewsWire Currently Accepts

Bitcoin

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash

Doge Coin

Dogecoin

Ethereum

Ethereum

Litecoin

Litecoin

USD Coin

USD Coin

Contact us: 415.949.5050