MKUltra was preceded by two drug-related experiments, Project Bluebird and Project ARTICHOKE. It was organized through the CIA's Office of Scientific Intelligence and coordinated with the United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories. & The program engaged in illegal activities, including the use of U.S. and Canadian citizens as unwitting test subjects.

Over 7,000 American veterans took part in these experiments non-consensually during the 1950s through 1970s, many of them suing later on. MKUltra's scope was broad, with activities carried out under the guise of research at more than 80 institutions aside from the military, including colleges and universities, hospitals, prisons, and pharmaceutical companies.

The CIA operated using front organizations, although some top officials at these institutions were aware of the CIA's involvement.