Project MK Ultra and Other Shocking CIA Programs

3. Project Bluebird

In the 1950s, the CIA initiated a program called Bluebird, which was later renamed to Project Artichoke. Once more, controlling people was the purpose of it all, as the CIA was looking for ways to control individuals through specific interrogation techniques. As an extension of this program, the CIA also wanted to make sure they had a way to prevent the extraction of information from CIA agents should they get caught by foreign forces. Hypnosis and drugs were part of Project Bluebird too, including LSD, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, heroin, and more.

Most importantly, in a memo from 1952, the scientists running the experiment wondered whether they could get people to do what they wanted against their will and even against what they called “laws of nature,” meaning instincts of self preservation.

Over 7,000 US military personnel were given LSD without their knowledge or consent. This earns it a place alongside project MKUltra and other shocking CIA programs.