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, which contained a chemical, LSA that had effects that were similar to the effects 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

From the salaries being paid out, it can be determined that one laboratory assistant, one director, and some laboratory help were hired for the experiments the project was attempting to secure funding for.

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.

External links

• CIA Website
• Project MKULTRA

Sources

• The CIA FOIA Electronic Reading Room
• The Wikipedia article on Rivea corymbosa