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Drugs and Chemicals of
Concern > Spice
Cannabinoid > JWH-073
JWH-073
1-Butyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole
[Purported Ingredient of
"Spice"]
July 2009 DEA/OD/ODE
Introduction:
JWH-073 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-073 might have similar 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-073 is used in basic scientific research to identify
cannabinoid receptors in the brain and study Δ9-THC’s mechanisms of
action.
Chemistry:
1-Butyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole or JWH-073 (Chemical Abstract
Service (CAS) Registry Number 208987-48-8) has been identified as a substance
that has some pharmacological similarities to tetrahydrocannabinols (THC)
contained in Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana). However, it is not related
in chemical structure to tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), or other cannabinoids
contained in marijuana. Nor is it structurally related to other substances
controlled under the CSA.
The chemical structure of JWH-073 (left) and Δ 9-THC
(right), a compound representative of THC substances that occur in marijuana,
are shown below.
Based on the structural analysis, JWH-073 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-073 has
Δ9-THC-like activity in animals. In mice, it decreases overall activity,
produces analgesia, and decreases body temperature. Together with the
production of catalepsy (effect for which JWH-073 was not tested), these four
effects are used by scientists to predict Δ9-THC-like psychoactivity in
humans. JWH-073’s activity in the three tests conducted suggests that it
might have Δ9-THC-like psychoactive effects in humans.
In vitro studies show that JWH-073 binds to both the brain
cannabinoid receptor CB1 with higher affinity than THC and the peripheral
cannabinoid receptor CB2 with similar affinity as Δ9-THC, suggesting that
it would have the same effects as Δ9-THC in vivo.
A search in the literature yielded no published studies of
the effects of JWH-073 in humans.
Illicit Uses:
JWH-073 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-073 in the U.S. is available 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-073 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-073. Seizures of herbal mixtures called
"Spice" were reported in Ohio and Florida. "Spice" is
purported to contain JWH-073 and other substances that are similar in
pharmacological activity to Δ9-THC.
Control Status:
JWH-073 is 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.
o:030909
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