Master Manipulator: Dr. Louis Jolyon West

The Man Behind MKUltra, Jack Ruby, and Charles Manson 🧠

The Psychiatrist Behind America’s Fascination with Mind Control

Dr. Louis Jolyon West, commonly known as Jolly West, remains one of the most contentious figures in the history of psychiatry and American intelligence.

His work intersects with some of the most secretive and scandalous programs of the 20th century, including the CIA’s Project MKUltra, notorious LSD experiments, and high-profile criminal cases.

The latest edition of POP ‘N’ PIZZA delves into the life and career of Dr. West, shedding light on his involvement with Project MKUltra, his research on LSD, his interactions with figures like Jack Ruby and Charles Manson, and the infamous 1967 San Francisco "crash pad."

Early Life and Career

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1924, Louis Jolyon West grew up in a family that valued education. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa and later obtained his medical degree from the University of Minnesota. West’s early career was marked by his service in the United States Air Force, where he gained significant experience in aviation medicine and psychiatry.

Project MKUltra and LSD Experiments

West’s most controversial work began in the 1950s when he became involved with the CIA’s Project MKUltra. This covert program was officially sanctioned in 1953 and continued for about two decades. The program involved numerous experiments on human subjects, often without their knowledge or consent.

The goal was to develop techniques that could be used for interrogation, brainwashing, and mind control. The program’s existence was not publicly acknowledged until the 1970s, leading to widespread outrage and calls for greater oversight of intelligence activities.

West’s role primarily focused on the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). His research was part of a broader effort to understand how the drug could be used for interrogation and behavior modification. He conducted experiments on both willing and unwitting subjects, often without their informed consent.

One of his most infamous experiments took place at the University of Oklahoma, where he administered LSD to an elephant named Tusko, resulting in the animal’s death. This experiment raised ethical questions about the use of animals and humans in such studies.

Jack Ruby and the JFK Assassination

In 1963, Jack Ruby, a nightclub owner in Dallas, Texas, shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy. Ruby’s mental state became a focal point during his trial, and Dr. Louis Jolyon West was brought in to examine him. West diagnosed Ruby with psychosis, which played a significant role in the legal proceedings.

West’s involvement with Ruby has fueled conspiracy theories suggesting that Ruby was subjected to mind control. Some theorists argue that Ruby’s psychosis was induced deliberately to silence him and prevent him from revealing a larger conspiracy behind Kennedy’s assassination. While there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, West’s connection to MKUltra has kept these theories alive.

The CIA "Crash Pad" & Charles Manson

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dr. West’s career is his alleged connection to Charles Manson and the infamous 1967 San Francisco "crash pad." This location, funded by the CIA, was purportedly used for MKUltra experiments, including those involving LSD. Manson and his followers are said to have spent time at this crash pad, where they were exposed to the drug.

While direct evidence linking West to Manson is sparse, the timing and nature of the crash pad’s activities have led to speculation that Manson’s control over his followers was influenced by the MKUltra program. Manson’s ability to manipulate and command his “family” has eerie parallels to the mind control techniques explored by West and his colleagues.

The 1967 San Francisco "crash pad" was reportedly a place where runaways, hippies, and other marginalized individuals could find shelter. However, it also served as a hub for drug experimentation. Funded covertly by the CIA, it became a focal point for testing the effects of LSD and other substances on unwitting subjects. The goal was to explore how these drugs could alter consciousness and behavior.

The crash pad represents one of the darkest chapters in the history of American intelligence. The ethical implications of experimenting on unsuspecting individuals are profound, and the legacy of such actions continues to resonate. The crash pad’s role in the broader MKUltra program highlights the lengths to which the CIA was willing to go in its pursuit of mind control.

The Legacy of Dr. Louis Jolyon West

West continued his career in psychiatry, eventually becoming the head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He founded the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, where he conducted research on violence and mental health. Despite the controversies surrounding his earlier work, West was a respected figure in his field, known for his contributions to understanding mental illness and human behavior.

West’s work in psychiatry extended beyond his controversial experiments. He was a pioneer in the study of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and contributed significantly to the understanding of how extreme stress affects the human mind. His research on cults and brainwashing also provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of psychological manipulation.

Dr. Louis Jolyon West’s career is a complex tapestry of groundbreaking psychiatric research and deeply controversial involvement with intelligence agencies. His work with Project MKUltra and LSD experiments, coupled with his interactions with figures like Jack Ruby and Charles Manson, ensure that his legacy will forever be intertwined with some of the most enigmatic and troubling episodes in modern American history.

While his contributions to psychiatry are undeniable, the ethical questions raised by his work with the CIA and his methods continue to provoke debate. Dr. West’s story is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation and the ethical boundaries that must be maintained in pursuing knowledge.

In 1999, West passed away at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 74. According to his family, the cause of death was metastatic cancer. However, in a 2009 memoir, West's son John revealed that he had assisted his father in ending his life by administering prescription medication, honoring his father's choice due to his terminal illness.

Would You Like to Know More?

If this edition of POP ‘N’ PIZZA sparked your interest in Dr. West, MKUltra, Charles Manson, or the CIA’s shady shenanigans, I’d recommend reading Tom O’Neill’s 2019 book Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties. If you’re a more visual learner, check out this 92-minute video from America's Untold Stories with Eric Hunley and Mark Groubert: