JWH-018

Description

JWH-018

JWH-018 (1-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole ) is a full agonist synthetic cannabinoid first synthesized by organic chemist John W. Huffman.

JWH-018 is a synthetic cannabinoid containing a substituted indole structure. This indole core is shared with other cannabinoid substances including PB-22, 5F-PB-22, JWH-018, and AM2201. JWH-018 is substituted at R1 with a pentyl chain. Additionally, the indole core is substituted at R3 with a carbonyl group which is also bonded to a napthalene moeity. Napthalene is a bicyclic structure of two fused benzene rings. This carbonyl bridge of JWH-018 classifies it as a ketone. JWH-018 is an analog of THJ-018, in which the core indazole structure is substituted with an indole base.

JWH-018, also called a ‘synthetic cannabinoid’, is an emerging drug of choice to replace the use of Marijuana. Since it provides the same effect or even better than Marijuana, most herbal smoke blends incorporate JWH018 as part of the ingredients to achieve a better ‘high’ experience. Nevertheless, effects of JWH018 still vary between individuals. Usually, novice smokers may undergo a much more profound “high” experience compared to regulars. A few users may or may not show the same signs and symptoms, however, they may experience the same effect of JWH-018 in general.

As with other synthetic cannibanoids, the chronic use of JWH018 can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of JWH-018 develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 – 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 – 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). JWH018 presents cross-tolerance with all cannabinoids, meaning that after the consumption of JWH-018 all cannabinoids will have a reduced effect.

Side effects

JWH-018 mimics the mechanism of THC found in Marijuana, thus affecting the functions of the brain resulting in CNS depression. Since it binds itself to CB1 receptors dominantly found in the brain, expect to notice symptoms of alterations in the control of emotions, motivation, judgment, memory, and learning. For smoking a regular dose of 3 to 5mg of JWH018, its psychological effects include:

heightened mood
enhanced sense of humor
heightened curiosity and intrigue
racing thoughts
time distortion and dilation
buzzing or humming like a psychedelic experience
reduced concentration

Although no cases of death from JWH018 known, smoking higher doses of JWH018 might be quite dangerous. Reported scarier and harmful effects include short-term memory loss, extreme sedation that may lead to coma, euphoria, paranoia, anxiety, slight confusion, and vomiting. It clearly creates shocking brain effects, even causes severe life-threatening hallucinations and some seizures. Aside from that, the frightening physical effects in the cardiovascular system, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, may pose a threat to the body of the user.

You may be interested in Flualprazolam