Subproject 22
Subproject 22 was a subproject of Project MKULTRA in which the CIA tested the effects of a plant known as Rivea corymbosa, a morning glory species containing the chemical LSA that has effects similar to those of LSD.
Purpose
CIA papers involving this subject stated that the purpose of this project was to secure funding in order to carry out experiments studying the characteristics of the plant known as Rivea corymbosa.
Budget
One record of the project states that the Geschickter Fund for Medical Research would serve as a cutout for the transfer of funds to the investigator. The same document contained an outlined budget.
- Equipment Costs $1000
- Analyses and Tests $350
- Travel Expenses $500
- Salaries $4000
- Miscellaneous $100
Total: $5950.00
Discoveries
The work with the seeds of the plant Rivea corymbosa indicated to the researchers that, even though all seeds in question had been called Rivea corymbosa, there were differences between seeds depending on their country of origin. One variety came from Cuba. It was smaller, and it did not have the same psychological effects. The Mexican variety was larger, however, and had more profound effects.