Psychedelics and the Specter of Mind Control

Sever Hall, Room 113
Harvard Yard
Cambridge
Mon., Apr. 6, 2026, 6 – 7:30 p.m.



Is mind control possible? The CIA certainly thought so. And sought to prove it by experimenting with a shocking array of psychedelic drugs to create the perfect assassin. Did they succeed? Can LSD really be used as a weapon? Where does the hippie cultist Charles Manson fit into all of this? Come and explore the facts and fictions of psychedelic brainwashing from historical lessons to present-day dilemmas. This evening of discussion will feature Benjamin Breen, J. Christian Greer, Rebecca Lemov, and Tom O'Neill.

Gazette Classification: Ethics, Humanities, Lecture, Mental Health / Wellness, Science, Social Sciences, Special Events
Organization/Sponsor: Mahindra Humanities Center
Speaker(s): Benjamin Breen, J. Christian Greer, Rebecca Lemov, Tom O'Neill
Cost: Free and open to the public; no registration required.
Contact Info: [email protected]
Harvard Key Required: No
More info: mahindrahumanities.harvard.edu…