JWH 018 is a synthetic cannabinoid (CB) that potently activates the central cannabinoid (CB
1) and peripheral cannabinoid (CB
2) receptors (K
i = 9.0 and 2.94 nM, respectively).
1 This cannabimimetic compound has frequently been found in herbal blends.
2,3,4 JWH 018 N-
(2,2-
dimethylpropyl) isomer differs from JWH 018 structurally by having a 1,1-
dimethylpropyl group, rather than a pentyl chain, extending from the indole group. The biological activities of this compound have not been characterized. This product is intended for forensic purposes.
1. Aung, M.M., Griffin, G., Huffman, J.W., et al. Influence of the N-1 alkyl chain length of cannabimimetic indoles upon CB1 and CB2 receptor binding Drug Alcohol Depend. 60(2),133-140(2000).
2. Auw?rter, V., Dresen, S., Weinmann, W., et al. “Spice” and other herbal blends: Harmless incense or cannabinoid designer drugs? J. Mass Spectrom. 44(5),832-837(2009).
3. Lindigkeit, R., Boehme, A., Eiserloh, I., et al. Spice: A never ending story? Forensic Sci. Int. 191(1-3),58-63(2009).
4. Uchiyama, N., Kikura-Hanajiri, R., Kawahara, N., et al. Identification of a cannabimimetic indole as a designer drug in a herbal product Forensic Toxicol. 27,61-66(2009).
