JWH-352

JWH-352 is a synthetic cannabinoid that acts as a potent agonist of the cannabinoid receptors. It was developed by John W. Huffman and his team at Clemson University as part of research into the structure-activity relationships of cannabinoids.

Chemical Structure and Properties

JWH-352 belongs to the naphthoylindole family of synthetic cannabinoids. Its chemical structure is characterized by a naphthalen-1-ylmethanone group attached to a 1-(2-morpholin-4-ylethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl moiety. The presence of the morpholine ring is a distinctive feature that influences its binding affinity and selectivity for cannabinoid receptors.

Pharmacology

JWH-352 is known to bind to both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, with a higher affinity for the CB2 receptor. This selectivity makes it of interest in research focused on the therapeutic potential of CB2 receptor agonists, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties without the psychoactive effects associated with CB1 receptor activation.

Research and Applications

Research on JWH-352 and similar compounds is primarily focused on understanding the role of cannabinoid receptors in various physiological processes and the potential therapeutic applications of selective CB2 receptor agonists. Studies have explored its effects in models of pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Legal Status

The legal status of JWH-352 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.

Safety and Toxicology

As with many synthetic cannabinoids, the safety profile of JWH-352 is not well-established. Potential risks include cardiovascular effects, psychological effects, and other adverse reactions. Caution is advised in handling and studying this compound.

Also see

• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Cannabinoid receptor
• John W. Huffman
• CB1 receptor
• CB2 receptor