JRE #2183 – Norman Ohler

This podcast delves into the world of psychedelics, exploring their history, effects, and controversial legal status. Topics range from the Nazis’ use of methamphetamine and LSD to modern-day debates surrounding the medical potential of these substances. Norman Ohler, a renowned author and screenwriter, shares his insightful perspective on the intersection of drugs and human history, offering a provocative exploration of the power, dangers, and potential of these substances.

Underlying themes touch on the human drive for transcendence, the complexities of societal control, and the persistent tension between individual liberty and collective safety. Ohler’s journey through historical archives, scientific research, and personal experiences paints a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle to understand and navigate the world of psychedelics, highlighting the potential for both progress and peril.

1. The Rise of LSD and Its Connection to Nazi Germany:
   • Ohler details how LSD was synthesized in Switzerland in 1943, not as a mind-altering drug but as a potential stimulant.
   • He reveals the existence of Nazi experiments with psychedelics in concentration camps, specifically Dachau, where they sought to develop a “truth drug” to extract information from prisoners.
   • Ohler unearths a previously unknown connection between the Swiss pharmaceutical company Sandoz, which developed LSD, and the SS, who conducted these experiments, through letters and documents he discovered in archives.
   • The revelation that the Nazis had obtained LSD raises profound questions about the development and use of psychedelics in the context of war and power.
2. The Prohibition of LSD and the Rise of MKUltra:
   • Ohler explores the origins of the prohibitionist approach to LSD, tracing it back to Harry J. Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who actively demonized cannabis and other drugs for racist and political reasons.
   • He exposes the CIA’s MKUltra program, which sought to investigate the potential of LSD as a mind-control weapon, utilizing university research and questionable methods.
   • Ohler highlights the dark side of LSD’s history, pointing to the unethical human experiments conducted by the CIA, including those involving unwitting individuals and even sex workers in brothels.
   • This chapter sheds light on the unintended consequences of the Cold War and the detrimental impact of government-funded research on the development and acceptance of LSD as a potential medicine.
3. The Stoned Ape Theory and the Evolution of Human Consciousness:
   • Ohler delves into the “stoned ape theory,” which posits that early humans’ use of psychoactive plants, particularly mushrooms and iboga, played a crucial role in the development of human consciousness, language, and social structures.
   • He connects the idea of transcendence, a fundamental element of the psychedelic experience, to the evolution of our species, suggesting that these substances may have helped us develop a unique cognitive edge over other hominids.
   • Ohler argues that the stoned ape theory offers a compelling explanation for the rapid growth in human brain size and the emergence of complex language and social behavior.
   • This intriguing theory challenges traditional views of human evolution and opens new avenues for exploring the relationship between psychedelics and the origins of our species.
4. The Medical Potential of Psychedelics:
   • Ohler discusses the growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that psychedelics hold significant potential for treating mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
   • He highlights recent research demonstrating the effects of LSD and psilocybin on the brain, particularly their ability to disrupt negative thought patterns and enhance neuroplasticity, a key factor in brain healing and adaptation.
   • Ohler advocates for the legalization of LSD and other psychedelics, arguing that they represent a promising avenue for therapeutic innovation.
   • This section emphasizes the importance of scientific research and the need to overcome the outdated stigma surrounding these substances to unlock their potential for improving human well-being.
5. The Role of Drugs in Nazi Germany:
   • Ohler details the Nazis’ widespread use of methamphetamine, particularly in their military, to enhance alertness and combat fatigue, a key factor in their early military victories, particularly during the Blitzkrieg.
   • He explores the connection between methamphetamine use and the German military’s aggression and brutality, highlighting the potential for drugs to influence behavior and decision-making in war.
   • Ohler shares personal anecdotes and research findings illustrating the impact of methamphetamine on the German soldiers, both physically and psychologically.
   • This segment delves into the historical context of drug use in war and its consequences, offering a cautionary tale about the ethical implications of manipulating human behavior through chemical means.
6. The Drug Use of Adolf Hitler:
   • Ohler examines the drug use of Adolf Hitler, relying on the detailed notes of his personal physician, Theodor Morell, who documented the wide range of substances Hitler consumed throughout his life, including vitamins, hormones, and opioids.
   • He suggests that Hitler’s increasing dependence on potent drugs, particularly oxycodone (Eukodal), contributed to his erratic behavior and poor decision-making in the later stages of World War II.
   • Ohler explores the possibility that Hitler’s drug use may have been a factor in the Allied victory, as his increasingly irrational actions weakened the Nazi war effort.
   • This chapter sheds light on the potential role of drugs in shaping the actions and decisions of powerful individuals, highlighting the human vulnerability to their influence.
7. The Ongoing Debate on Drug Policy:
   • Ohler concludes by addressing the ongoing debate on drug policy, advocating for a more open and nuanced approach that acknowledges the potential benefits of psychedelics while addressing concerns about their potential for misuse.
   • He highlights the irony that those who support drug prohibition often haven’t experienced these substances themselves, arguing that a more informed and open dialogue is crucial for creating effective and compassionate policies.
   • Ohler emphasizes the need for a global perspective on drug policy, arguing that a more unified and informed approach is necessary to address the complex issues related to drug use and its impact on societies worldwide.
   • This final section calls for a radical shift in how we think about drugs, urging a more pragmatic and compassionate approach that recognizes both the dangers and the potential benefits of these substances.

5 Memorable Quotes:

1. “We are stoned sapiens. We were stoned from the start.” – This bold statement encapsulates Ohler’s central argument, highlighting the potential influence of psychedelics on human evolution and consciousness.
2. “Hitler wanted to find a truth drug. It’s the wet dream of intelligence. You give someone a substance, and then you can control that person. You can extract secrets from them. You can kind of, you can control a person.” – This quote reveals the sinister motives behind the Nazi experiments with psychedelics, illustrating the dark side of power and the desire for control.
3. “It’s kind of crazy that your book and your work is what’s really illuminating the effect that this had on one of the most historically significant events in human history, which is World War II.” – Rogan acknowledges the groundbreaking nature of Ohler’s research, highlighting the profound impact of his work on understanding the role of drugs in shaping the course of history.
4. “The thing is, like, we don’t know. It’s kind of crazy that your book and your work is what’s really illuminating the effect that this had on one of the most historically significant events in human history, which is World War II.” – Rogan recognizes the groundbreaking nature of Ohler’s research, highlighting the profound impact of his work on understanding the role of drugs in shaping the course of history.
5. “Hitler was very clever, actually, in in in using that drug to, you know, for his like, horrific vision.” – This chilling statement reveals the extent to which Hitler’s drug use may have contributed to his ability to commit atrocities, highlighting the potential for substances to enhance both charisma and cruelty.