JWH 018 is a mildly selective agonist of the peripheral cannabinoid (CB2) receptor, derived from the aminoalkylindole WIN 55,212-2. The Ki values for binding central cannabinoid (CB1) and CB2 receptors are 9.0 and 2.94 nM, respectively, for a CB1:CB2 ratio of 3.06. JWH 018 is one of several synthetic CBs which have been included in smoking mixtures. JWH 018 N-pentanoic acid metabolite is a minor urinary metabolite of JWH 018, characterized by carboxylation of the N-alkyl chain. In urine samples, this metabolite is almost completely glucuronidated.
