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Drugs and Chemicals of
Concern > Spice
Cannabinoid > JWH-018
JWH-018*
1-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole
[Purported Ingredient of "Spice"]
July 2009
DEA/OD/ODE
Introduction:
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.
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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