JWH-176

JWH-176 is a synthetic cannabinoid from the naphthoylindole family, which acts as a potent and selective CB2 receptor agonist. It is one of the numerous synthetic cannabinoids researched and developed by John W. Huffman, an organic chemist at Clemson University.

History

John W. Huffman and his team at Clemson University developed JWH-176 as part of their research into the structure-activity relationship of the cannabinoid receptors. The compound is named after Huffman, with the "JWH" representing his initials.

Structure and Pharmacology

JWH-176 is a member of the naphthoylindole family of synthetic cannabinoids. It is structurally related to other synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH-018 and JWH-073, but it differs in that it is a selective agonist for the CB2 receptor, rather than the CB1 receptor.

The CB2 receptor is primarily found in the immune system, and its activation does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with CB1 receptor activation. This makes JWH-176 of interest for potential therapeutic uses, although further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential applications.

Legal Status

The legal status of JWH-176 varies by country and region. In many places, it is considered a controlled substance due to its structural similarity to other synthetic cannabinoids which are often abused recreationally. However, its status can change rapidly as laws evolve to keep pace with the development of new synthetic drugs.

See Also

• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Cannabinoid receptor
• John W. Huffman