JWH 018 Powder

JWH-018 Powder  is a mildly selective agonist of the peripheral cannabinoid (CB2) receptor, derived from the aminoalkylindole WIN 55,212-2. It is a research chemical that belongs to the naphthoylindole family. JWH-081 as all the other research chemicals in the JWH group is a synthetic cannabinoid with analgesic effects. Its full chemical name is 4-methoxynaphthalen- 1-yl- (1-pentylindol- 3-yl)methanone with chemical formula is C25H25NO2 and molecular mass 371.47 g/mol.

Product Name:  JWH-018 Powder
Cas No: 209414-07-3
Formula: C24H23NO
IUPAC Name: Naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone
Appearance: White powder
Purity: above 98.5%

JWH-018 Powder: Uses and Specifications

Overview: JWH-018 is a synthetic cannabinoid, part of the naphthoylindole family, and was initially developed for research purposes in cannabinoid receptor studies. It mimics the psychoactive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. While initially intended for scientific research, JWH-018 has been sold illegally as a recreational drug, often in products marketed as “herbal incense” or “spice.”

Chemical Composition: JWH-018 has the chemical formula C24H23NO, with a molecular weight of 341.45 g/mol. It primarily acts on the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which are part of the endocannabinoid system responsible for regulating various physiological processes, including mood, pain sensation, appetite, and memory.

Uses:

1. Research Purposes:
   JWH-018 was initially synthesized for use in scientific research to study the interaction of cannabinoids with the brain’s receptors. Its ability to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors makes it a useful tool in cannabinoid research, particularly in understanding how synthetic cannabinoids differ from natural THC and their effects on the body.
2. Recreational Use:
   JWH-018 became widely known for its recreational use as a psychoactive substance, often sprayed onto plant material and sold as a legal alternative to marijuana under names like “K2” or “Spice.” However, its potency and side effects can be much stronger than THC, leading to its regulation in many countries.
3. Pharmacological Studies:
   In controlled laboratory settings, JWH-018 has been used to explore the pharmacokinetics (how the drug moves through the body) and pharmacodynamics (the drug’s effects on the body), providing valuable insight into synthetic cannabinoids and their potential therapeutic applications or risks.

Specifications:

1. Appearance:
   JWH-018 typically comes as a white or off-white powder, which is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), but not in water.
2. Purity:
   The purity of JWH-018 powder can range, but 95-99% purity is generally required for research purposes to ensure accurate and reliable results. Lower-purity batches might contain impurities that could alter the compound’s effects or toxicity.
3. Dosage:
   In research settings, microgram to milligram doses are commonly used to study the compound’s effects on animals or in vitro experiments. For recreational use, the dosage varies, but due to its high potency, even small doses (as low as 1-5 mg) can produce intense psychoactive effects.

Legal Status: JWH-018 is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse and severe side effects, which include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and even seizures. It has been classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, making its production, sale, and possession illegal in most jurisdictions.

Safety Considerations: The use of JWH-018 has been associated with a range of adverse effects, including cardiovascular issues, mental health disturbances, and even death in extreme cases. Researchers handling this compound must adhere to strict safety protocols, including using personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring proper ventilation in the workspace