JWH-073
JWH-073 is a synthetic cannabinoid of the naphthoylindole class.12 It was among the first variations of JWH-018 to appear in commercially available smoking mixtures sold under the Spice brand.12 Its effects are frequently described as cannabis-like but only to a limited degree, with certain aspects of the natural cannabis experience notably absent or distorted. It is typically administered by smoking.2
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Duration
Subjective Effects
The experience broadly resembles that of cannabis, consistent with JWH-073's action as a cannabinoid receptor agonist, though the resemblance is only partial. Certain elements of the cannabis experience are absent entirely while others present in a somewhat distorted form, giving the state an incomplete or 'off' quality compared to natural cannabis. Despite these differences, the experience is generally considered pleasant enough to be worth repeating by those who use it, and animal studies strongly suggest its effects closely parallel those of THC in humans.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
JWH-073 acts as a full agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.3 It displays moderate selectivity for CB1, with approximately five-fold greater affinity at this subtype compared to CB2.4 Its CB1 binding affinity exceeds that of THC,4 while its affinity at CB2 is comparable to THC.3
Pharmacokinetics
Tolerance
Cannabinoids
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateRepeated engagement with a cannabis-like synthetic cannabinoid product is described, and Schedule 9 definitions cover substances that may be abused or misused.5
History & Culture
JWH-073 derives its name from John W. Huffman, the American organic chemist whose laboratory developed this and numerous other synthetic cannabinoid compounds as part of cannabinoid receptor research.6 The "JWH" prefix identifies compounds originating from Huffman's…
Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (n.d.). Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-073 alters both acute behavior and in vivo/vitro electrophysiological responses in mice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9634257/12
- (n.d.). Methodology for Controlled Administration of Smoked Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5951724/1234
- (n.d.). Human metabolites of synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073 bind with high affinity and act as potent agonists at cannabinoid type-2 receptors. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3685885/12
- (n.d.). Influence of the N-1 alkyl chain length of cannabimimetic indoles upon CB(1) and CB(2) receptor binding. https://www.academia.edu/12157944/Influence_of_the_N_1_alkyl_chain_length_of_cannabimimetic_indoles_upon_CB_sub_1_sub_and_CB_sub_2_sub_receptor_binding12
- Australian Government Department of Health. (2015-09-25). Poisons Standard October 2015. Australian Government. https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2015L01534/asmade/2015-09-30/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- (n.d.). Quantitative Measurement of JWH-018 and JWH-073 Metabolites Excreted in Human Urine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3105467/12
- (n.d.). Spice up your life: screening the illegal components of 'Spice' herbal products. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2010/ay/c0ay00200c1
- (n.d.). History – Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice, K2). https://www.release.org.uk/drugs/synthetic-cannabinoids-salvia-spice-k2/history1
- (n.d.). Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (Poisons Standard) — Schedule 9 synthetic cannabinoids including JWH-073, effective July 8, 2011. https://www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/ingredients-and-scheduling-medicines-and-chemicals/poisons-standard-and-scheduling-medicines-and-chemicals/poisons-standard-susmp1
- (n.d.). Anlage II BtMG (Betäubungsmittelgesetz) — JWH-073 listing. https://www.buzer.de/Anlage_II_BtMG.htm1
- (n.d.). Psychoactive Substances Amendment Act 2014 (New Zealand), No. 24. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2014/0024/latest/whole.html1
- (n.d.). Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Resmî Gazete, Cabinet Decision No. 2011/1310 dated January 7, 2011 (published February 13, 2011). https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2011/02/20110213-4.htm1
- (n.d.). Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Five Synthetic Cannabinoids Into Schedule I. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/03/01/2011-4428/schedules-of-controlled-substances-temporary-placement-of-five-synthetic-cannabinoids-into-schedule1
- (n.d.). Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, Public Law 112-144, Section 1152 — Addition of Synthetic Drugs to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-112publ144/pdf/PLAW-112publ144.pdf1
Further Reading
Aung et al. 2000: Influence of N-1 alkyl chain length on CB receptor binding
Drugs-Forum: Cannabinoid Dose and Duration Chart
Every-Palmer 2011: Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 and psychosis
Frontiers in Neuroscience: JWH-073 and JWH-210 Behavioral Profile
Rajasekaran et al. 2013: Human metabolites of JWH-018 and JWH-073
ScienceDirect Topics: JWH-073 Overview
WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: JWH-073
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