JWH-292

Synonyms

JWH-292

Drug Information
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Identifiers ATC Code DrugBank UNII KEGG ChEBI ChEMBL		Chemical Data

JWH-292 is a synthetic cannabinoid that acts as a potent agonist at the cannabinoid receptors. It is part of the JWH series of compounds, which were developed by Dr. John W. Huffman and his team at Clemson University in the 1990s and early 2000s. These compounds are primarily used in scientific research to study the endocannabinoid system.

Chemical Structure and Properties

JWH-292 is chemically classified as a naphthoylindole, a class of synthetic cannabinoids. Its chemical structure is characterized by a piperidine ring attached to a dimethoxyphenyl group, which is further substituted with a dimethylheptyl side chain. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its high affinity for cannabinoid receptors.

Pharmacology

JWH-292 acts as a full agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, with a higher affinity for the CB2 receptor. This selectivity makes it a valuable tool in research focused on the CB2 receptor, which is primarily associated with immune system modulation and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mechanism of Action

Upon binding to the cannabinoid receptors, JWH-292 mimics the effects of naturally occurring endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, leading to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. This activation results in various physiological effects, including modulation of neurotransmitter release and immune response.

Research Applications

JWH-292 is utilized in preclinical studies to explore the therapeutic potential of CB2 receptor agonists. Research has indicated potential applications in treating conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. However, due to its potent activity, JWH-292 is not suitable for human use outside of controlled laboratory settings.

Legal Status

The legal status of JWH-292 varies by country. In many jurisdictions, it is classified as a controlled substance due to its structural similarity to other synthetic cannabinoids that have been associated with adverse health effects and abuse potential.

Safety and Toxicology

As with other synthetic cannabinoids, the safety profile of JWH-292 is not well-established. It is known that synthetic cannabinoids can produce severe side effects, including tachycardia, hypertension, and psychosis. Therefore, caution is advised when handling this compound in research environments.

Also see

• Cannabinoid receptor
• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Endocannabinoid system
• JWH series
• John W. Huffman