page_title: JWH-018
section_title: Legal status
hierarchical_section_title: JWH-018 / Legal status
caption_attribution_description: English: Half a gram of JWH-018.
context_page_description: JWH-018 or AM-678 is an analgesic chemical from the naphthoylindole family that acts as a full agonist at both the CB₁ and CB₂ cannabinoid receptors, with some selectivity for CB₂. It produces effects in animals similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid naturally present in cannabis, leading to its use in synthetic cannabis products that in some countries are sold legally as "incense blends".
  As a full agonist at both the CB₁ and CB₂ cannabinoid receptors, this chemical compound is classified as an analgesic medication.
  The analgesic effects of cannabinoid ligands, mediated by CB1 receptors are well established in treatment of neuropathic pain, as well as cancer pain and arthritis.
  These compounds work by mimicking the body's naturally-produced endocannabinoid hormones such as 2-AG and anandamide, which are biologically active and can exacerbate or inhibit nerve signaling.
  As the cause is poorly understood in chronic pain states, more research and development must be done before we can realize the therapeutic potential of this class of biologic compounds.
caption: JWH-018 powder as it was commonly sold online
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