Joe Rogan Experience #2183 with Norman Ohler – Introduction to Norman Ohler and “Tripped”
Norman Ohler, a novelist turned non-fiction writer, appeared on Joe Rogan Experience #2183 to discuss his new book “Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age.” The book delves into the historical intersections of drug use in Nazi Germany and subsequent psychedelic research. Ohler’s journey into non-fiction was spurred by his previous work, “Blitz: Drugs in the Third Reich,” where he explored the extensive use of methamphetamine within Nazi ranks.
Methamphetamine Use in Nazi Germany
Ohler explained that the Nazis were pioneers in recognizing methamphetamine’s potential to alter the course of war. They administered the drug to soldiers to enhance their endurance and focus. This topic was a central theme in “Blitz,” which also touched upon Hitler’s own notorious drug use. According to Ohler, this was a relatively untapped scholarly topic until his research brought it to light, revealing a side of the Nazi regime that contradicted its outward facade of disciplined austerity.
Discovery of Psychedelic Research in Nazi Archives
While researching for “Blitz,” Ohler stumbled upon documents indicating that the Nazis had not only experimented extensively with methamphetamine but had also conducted experiments with psychedelics. This unexpected discovery occurred in the archives of the Dachau concentration camp, a place where the Nazis meticulously documented their barbaric experiments. These findings prompted Ohler to further investigate the extent of psychedelic research under the Nazi regime, leading to the foundation for “Tripped.”
Transition to America and CIA’s Role
Ohler narrated that after the war, the American military seized a wealth of documents from Germany, including those related to psychedelic research. This transfer of knowledge contributed to future studies in America and piqued Ohler’s interest in following the trail to the U.S., where he hoped to explore archives that could shed light on these early psychedelic experiments.
The Link to Modern Psychedelic Research
The discussion also touched upon how these historical threads connect to contemporary interests in psychedelics, particularly their potential use in medicine and therapy. Ohler highlighted the irony of psychedelics’ potential, discovered under such dark circumstances, now offering hope for treating conditions like PTSD, depression, and even assisting in palliative care.
Exploring the Shadows: Norman Ohler on Joe Rogan Experience #2183
Introduction to Psychedelics and Nazi Germany
In an eye-opening episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Norman Ohler, renowned for his investigative narratives, dives deep into the less discussed aspects of Nazi Germany’s foray into drug use, specifically focusing on psychedelics. Ohler, whose research has previously uncovered the extensive use of methamphetamine within the Nazi ranks, now turns his attention to the role of psychedelics during and after the regime.
Psychedelics Under the Nazi Regime
Ohler discusses his shocking discovery while researching his previous book that the Nazis were not only experimenting with stimulants like methamphetamine but were also exploring the effects of psychedelic drugs. This revelation came from documents found in the archives of the Dachau concentration camp, detailing experiments that involved psychoactive substances. This unexpected discovery led Ohler to further explore the intersection of Nazi drug use and the development of psychedelic research.
The American Connection and the CIA
Following World War II, the American military seized a plethora of documents from Germany, including those related to Nazi psychedelic research. This trove of information was transported to America and subsequently influenced U.S. military and CIA research. Ohler’s discussion illuminates how the transition of this knowledge from Nazi Germany to the United States spurred further exploration into psychedelics by American forces, setting the stage for future experiments like MKUltra.
From War Secrets to CIA Projects
Ohler elaborates on how the psychedelic research initially seized from Nazi sources found a new home within the American intelligence community. This knowledge contributed to the inception of projects aimed at exploring mind control and interrogation techniques using psychedelic drugs. The conversation reveals a direct line from the Nazi experiments to the CIA’s infamous MKUltra project, which explored the use of LSD and other psychedelics for mind control and psychological torture.
The Shift to Modern Research
Transitioning from historical accounts to contemporary implications, Ohler discusses the current state of psychedelic research. He highlights the resurgence in studying these substances for their potential therapeutic benefits, contrasting sharply with their historical use for control and warfare. This part of the discussion underscores a significant shift in perspective from viewing psychedelics as weapons to understanding them as tools for healing and psychological exploration.
The Strategic Impact of Drugs in World War II: The Nazi Experiment
Introduction to the Blitzkrieg and Drug Use
In an eye-opening segment of the Joe Rogan Experience featuring Norman Ohler, a detailed discussion unfolds about the strategic use of drugs, particularly methamphetamine, by Nazi Germany during World War II. This exploration delves into the pivotal role these substances played in the execution of military operations that were both daring and devastating in their efficiency and brutality.
The Sickle Cut Plan: Methamphetamine Fuels the Blitzkrieg
Ohler explains the ambitious military strategy known as the “Sickle Cut,” where German forces aimed to quickly break through enemy lines by moving rapidly and continuously, bypassing the need for sleep. This plan required soldiers to traverse the challenging terrain of the Ardennes and reach the French border town of Sedan in just three days and nights without rest. To achieve this, Nazi high command turned to methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant that allowed troops to stay awake and alert for extended periods.
Hitler’s Ideological Assertions Versus Harsh Reality
The discussion highlights a stark contrast between Hitler’s ideological assertions and the practical needs of warfare. Hitler romantically proclaimed that the sheer willpower derived from belief in National Socialism would enable German soldiers to go without sleep. However, the reality on the ground was far different. Many soldiers were not ideologically committed to Hitler’s cause and faced immense fear and doubt about the war, requiring a pharmacological solution to maintain their operational tempo.
The Widespread Use of Methamphetamine in Nazi Ranks
The segment further reveals that the German military, recognizing the limitations of human endurance, embraced methamphetamine wholeheartedly. This led to the issuance of millions of doses to troops, particularly tank crews who spearheaded the attack. The drug not only kept the soldiers awake but also reduced their capacity for complex thinking, aligning them more closely with the needs of a fast, aggressive blitzkrieg.
Psychological and Strategic Outcomes
Ohler describes the profound impact of drug use on the war’s dynamics. French forces, hindered by traditional rest periods and even alcohol consumption, were ill-prepared for the relentless advance of the methamphetamine-fueled German soldiers. This disparity in tactical readiness led to quick and decisive victories for Germany, altering the course of the war in the West significantly.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Role of Drugs in Military Strategy
This discussion on the Joe Rogan Experience with Norman Ohler serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths to which the Nazi regime went to secure victory and the role of drugs in shaping military strategy and outcomes. It raises important questions about the ethical implications of drug use in warfare and its long-term effects on soldiers and society. The revelations offer a deeper understanding of the complexities of World War II and the dark innovations that came with it.