History of JWH-018 (Synthetic THC)

JWH-018 (1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole) is an analgesic chemical from the naphthoylindole family, which acts as a cannabinoid agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, with some selectivity for CB2.

When smoked or orally ingested, JWH-018 produces some effects similar to those of cannabis. Its effects are considered as very similar to those of cannabis. When smoked (as opposed to consumed orally) the amount needed may be lower, however the observed effects have a lesser duration.

Back in 1994, a chemist named John W. Huffman at Clemson University invented JWH-018, which shares his initials as a tribute. Huffman created the compound while trying to isolate which brain receptors are stoked by THC, the active chemical in old-fashioned marijuana.

At some point in the past two years, several companies began marketing the compound in smokable mixes under brand names such as Black Mamba, and K2. Though no peer-reviewed research has been done on JWH-018, Huffman showed it affects the brain much the same as THC.

Nine countries criminalized the drug last year, including the UK, Sweden, and Russia. The DEA calls it a "drug and chemical of concern."

But for the moment, at least, it's perfectly legal in the US.