JWH-073, asynthetic cannabinoid, is ananalgesic chemical from thenaphthoylindole family that acts as a full agonist[3] at both the CB1 and CB2cannabinoid receptors. It is somewhat selective for the CB1 subtype, withaffinity at this subtype approximately 5× the affinity at CB2.[4] The abbreviation JWH stands forJohn W. Huffman, one of the inventors of the compound.
On 20 April 2009, JWH-073 was claimed by researchers at theUniversity of Freiburg to have been found in a "fertiliser" product called "Forest Humus", along with another synthetic cannabinoid (C8)-CP 47,497.[5] These claims were confirmed in July 2009 when tests ofSpice product, seized after the legal ban onJWH-018 had gone into effect in Germany, were shown to contain the unregulated compound JWH-073 instead.[6]
Analgesic effects of cannabinoid ligands have been demonstrated in multiple animal pain models (neuropathic, nociceptive).[7]
These compounds work by mimicking the body's naturally-produced endocannabinoid hormones such as2-arachidonoylglycerol andanandamide, which are biologically active and can exacerbate or inhibit nerve signaling.[7]
JWH-073 has been shown to produce behavioral effects very similar toTHC in animals.[8]
Its effects are produced by binding and acting as an agonist to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. The CB1 receptor is found in the brain. JWH-073 binds to CB1 with a higher affinity than THC. CB2 is found outside the brain, mostly in the immune system. The binding with CB2 receptors has been shown to be similar between JWH-073 and THC.[8]
A search in the literature yielded no published studies of the effects of JWH-073 in humans, but these studies in animals suggest with high probability that JWH-073 produces effects very similar to those of THC in humans.[8]
The 4'-methyl derivative of JWH-073 has been encountered as an ingredient of synthetic cannabis blends in Germany and several other European countries since 2010.[9] The 4'-methoxy derivative JWH-080 is also known to be a potent cannabinoid agonist and has been banned in some countries, though it is unclear if it has also been used in synthetic cannabis smoking blends.
On 8 July 2011 the AUS government banned the sale of JWH-073.[11] JWH-073 is considered a Schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia under thePoisons Standard (October 2015).[12] A Schedule 9 substance is a substance which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities.[12]
^Aung MM, Griffin G, Huffman JW, Wu M, Keel C, Yang B, et al. (August 2000). "Influence of the N-1 alkyl chain length of cannabimimetic indoles upon CB(1) and CB(2) receptor binding".Drug and Alcohol Dependence.60 (2):133–40.doi:10.1016/S0376-8716(99)00152-0.PMID10940540.
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