JWH-161

JWH-161 is a synthetic cannabinoid from the naphthoylindole family, which acts as a potent cannabinoid receptor agonist. It was first synthesized by a team led by John W. Huffman, an organic chemist at Clemson University, from whom it gets its name.

History

JWH-161 was first synthesized in the late 1990s as part of a research project aimed at developing a better understanding of the cannabinoid receptor system in the human body. The compound was one of many created by Huffman's team, which synthesized a variety of different cannabinoids in an effort to study their effects.

Chemistry

JWH-161 is a member of the naphthoylindole family of synthetic cannabinoids. It is structurally similar to other synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH-018 and JWH-073, but has a different substitution pattern on the indole ring, which results in significantly different pharmacological properties.

Pharmacology

As a cannabinoid receptor agonist, JWH-161 binds to and activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. This results in effects similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. However, JWH-161 is much more potent than THC, and its effects can be significantly more intense.

Legal Status

The legal status of JWH-161 varies by country. In many jurisdictions, it is considered a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and the health risks associated with its use.

Health Risks

The use of JWH-161 can lead to a variety of health risks, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and psychological effects such as anxiety and paranoia. Due to its potency, the risk of overdose is also significantly higher than with natural cannabinoids.

See Also

• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Cannabinoid receptor
• John W. Huffman
• JWH-018
• JWH-073

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