tebor
Well-Known Member
Also the DEA department of diversion entry on jwh-018 is interesting.
the link:
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/dr...ice_jwh018.htm
this line is particularly scary:
Information on user population in the U.S. is very limited, and includes information from drug user internet forums.
Thoughts on this line anyone?
the link:
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/dr...ice_jwh018.htm
this line is particularly scary:
Information on user population in the U.S. is very limited, and includes information from drug user internet forums.
Thoughts on this line anyone?
JWH-018*
1-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole
[Purported Ingredient of "Spice"]
July 2009Introduction:
DEA/OD/ODE
JWH-018 is a synthetic cannabinoid agonist without the classical cannabinoid chemical structure. It is used in scientific research as a tool to study the cannabinoid system. It was recently purported to be found in the herbal mixture "Spice", sold in European countries mainly via internet shops. Although JWH-018 is likely to have the same effects in humans as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main active ingredient of marijuana, it is not controlled in the U.S.
Licit Uses:
JWH-018 is used in basic scientific research to identify cannabinoid receptors in the brain and study Δ9-THC’s mechanisms of action.
Chemistry:
1-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole or JWH-018 has been identified as a substance that has some pharmacological similarities to tetrahydrocannabinols contained in Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana). However, it is not related in chemical structure to tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), or other cannabinoids contained within the cannabis plant. Nor is it structurally related to other substances controlled under the CSA.
The chemical structure of JWH-018 (left) and Δ 9-THC (right), a compound found in marijuana and representative of the THC structural class, are shown below.
Based on the structural analysis, JWH-018 is not categorized as a THC substance, and is not similar in chemical structure to other substances controlled under the CSA.
Pharmacology:
Behavioral pharmacology studies show that JWH-018 has Δ9-THC-like activity in animals. In mice, it decreases overall activity, produces analgesia, decreases body temperature and produces catalepsy. Together, these four effects are used by scientists to predict Δ9-THC-like psychoactivity in humans. JWH-018’s activity in all four tests suggests that it is likely to have THC-like psychoactive effects in humans.
In vitro studies show that JWH-018 binds to the brain cannabinoid receptor CB1 with higher affinity than Δ9-THC, suggesting that it would have the same effects as Δ9-THC in vivo.
A search in the literature resulted in no published studies of the effects of JWH-018 in humans.
Illicit Uses:
JWH-018 is purported to be an ingredient in the herbal mixture "Spice" which may be smoked for its psychoactive effects. No information on the illicit use of JWH-018 in the U.S. has been identified at this time.
User Population:
Information on user population in the U.S. is very limited, and includes information from drug user internet forums. JWH-018 abuse is not monitored by any national drug abuse surveys.
Illicit Distribution:
The System to Retrieve Drug Evidence (STRIDE), a federal database for the seized drugs analyzed by DEA forensic laboratories, and the National Forensic Laboratory System (NFLIS), a system that collects drug analysis information from state and local forensic laboratories, do not contain reports of JWH-018. Seizures of herbal mixtures called "Spice" were reported in Ohio and Florida. "Spice" is purported to contain JWH-018 and other substances that are similar in pharmacological activity to Δ9-THC.
Control Status:
JWH-018 is not currently controlled under the CSA.
* NOTE: Because of an inconsistency encountered while preparing this review, identification of the correct structure corresponding to the name JWH-018 was confirmed through communication with the chemist who initially designed and synthesized this substance.