CP 47,497 and homologues
2-[(1R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-5-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)phenol)
[Purported Ingredient of "Spice"]

July 2009 
DEA/OD/ODE

Introduction:

CP 47,497 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. CP 47,497 homologues were recently purported to be found in the herbal mixture "Spice", sold in European countries mainly via internet shops. Although CP 47,497 is likely to have similar effects in humans as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main active ingredient of marijuana, CP 47,497 and its homologues are not controlled substances in the U.S.

CP 47,497 is used in basic scientific research to identify cannabinoid receptors in the brain and study Δ9-THC’s mechanisms of action.

3-(4-(1,1-Dimethylheptyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexanol; cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4(1,1-dimethylheptyl) phenyl]-cyclohexan-1-ol); IUPAC Name: 2-[(1R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-5-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)phenol) or CP 47,497 [Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Registry Number 70434-82-1] is identified to have some structural similarities to tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) contained in Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana); but its chemical structure is altered such that it is not classified as a THC. Further, the chemical structure of CP 47,497 does not identify it as belonging to any class of substances controlled under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

The chemical structures for CP 47,497(n=5) and side chain homologues of CP 47,497(n=4, 6, or 7) (left) and Δ9-THC (right), a compound representative of THC substances that occur in marijuana, are shown below.

Based on the structural analysis, CP 47,497, is not categorized as a THC substance but shares some structural features common to the THC substances, such as Δ9-THC.

Behavioral pharmacology studies show that CP 47,497 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. CP 47,497’s activity in all four tests suggests that it is likely to have Δ9-THC-like psychoactive effects in humans.

In drug discrimination studies in rats, CP 47,497 generalized to Δ9-THC, i.e. produced subjective effects similar to those of Δ9-THC.

In vitro studies show that CP 47,497 binds to both the brain cannabinoid receptor CB1 and the peripheral cannabinoid receptor CB2 with higher affinity than Δ9-THC suggesting that it would have the same effects as THC in vivo.

A search in the literature yielded no published studies of the effects of CP 47,497 in humans.

A search in the literature yielded no published studies of the pharmacological activity of the CP 47,497 side chain homologues in vitro, in vivo, or in clinical settings.

CP 47,497 homologues are purported to be present in the herbal mixture "Spice" which may be smoked for its psychoactive effects. No information on the illicit use of CP 47,497 or its homologues in the U.S. is available at this time.

Information on user population in the U.S. is very limited and includes information from drug user internet forums. CP 47,497 abuse is not monitored by any national drug abuse surveys.

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 CP 47,497. Seizures of herbal mixtures called "Spice" were reported in Ohio and Florida. "Spice" is purported to contain substances that are similar in pharmacological activity to Δ9-THC, including CP 47,497 and its homologues.

CP 47,497 and its homologues are not currently controlled under the CSA.

Comments and additional information are welcomed by the Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Fax 202-353-1263, telephone 202-307-7183, or E-mail ODE@usdoj.gov.

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