MK-Ultra
RegulatoryThe CIA's secret, two-decade program (1953–1973) testing LSD and other drugs on non-consenting subjects in search of a mind-control or interrogation method. Distinct from the U.S. Army's parallel Edgewood Arsenal testing program.
Example: It never produced a usable method and most of its records were destroyed in 1973 — but Congress held a hearing revisiting it as recently as June 2026 — see the full history.
What was MK-Ultra?
The CIA's secret, two-decade program (1953-1973) testing LSD and other drugs on non-consenting subjects in search of a mind-control or interrogation method.
Is MK-Ultra the same as the Army's LSD testing program?
No — they're distinct. MK-Ultra was the CIA's program; the U.S. Army ran a parallel, separate testing program at Edgewood Arsenal. See our coverage of the Army's program.
Is MK-Ultra still relevant today?
It never produced a usable method and most of its records were destroyed in 1973 — but Congress held a hearing revisiting it as recently as June 2026. See the full history.