JWH-015

JWH-015 is a chemical from the naphthoylindole family that acts as a subtype-selective cannabinoid agonist. Its affinity for CB₂ receptors is 13.8 nM, while its affinity for CB₁ is 383 nM, meaning that it binds almost 28 times more strongly to CB₂ than to CB₁. However, it still displays some CB₁ activity, and in some model systems can be very potent and efficacious at activating CB₁ receptors, and therefore it is not as selective as newer drugs such as JWH-133. It has been shown to possess immunomodulatory effects, and CB₂ agonists may be useful in the treatment of pain and inflammation. It was discovered and named after John W. Huffman.

Metabolism

JWH-015 has been shown in vitro to be metabolized primarily by hydroxylation and N-dealkylation, and also by epoxidation of the naphthalene ring, similar to the metabolic pathways seen for other aminoalkylindole cannabinoids such as WIN 55,212-2. Epoxidation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (see for example benzo(a)pyrene toxicity) can produce carcinogenic metabolites, although there is no evidence to show that JWH-015 or other aminoalkylindole cannabinoids are actually carcinogenic in vivo. JWH-015 may signal certain cancers to shrink through a process called apoptosis.

Legal status

In the United States, all CB₁ receptor agonists of the 3-(1-naphthoyl)indole class such as JWH-015 are Schedule I Controlled Substances.

As of October 2015 JWH-015 is a controlled substance in China.

JWH-015 has been classified under the German BtMG as Anlage II.