5F-ADB

Summary

5F-ADB, also known as 5F-MDMB-PINACA, falls within the indazole-3-carboxamide family, making it a synthetic cannabinoid of this class. It has been actively utilized as a key component in synthetic cannabis products and has been marketed online as a designer drug. This compound exerts a potent agonistic effect on the CB1 receptor, although its selectivity toward this receptor remains unclear.
The discovery of 5F-ADB traces back to November 2014, when it was identified in post-mortem samples from an individual who had tragically passed away following the use of a product containing this substance. Subsequent investigations unveiled its presence in ten other individuals who had succumbed to unexplained drug overdoses in Japan between September 2014 and December 2014. 5F-ADB is notable for its exceptional potency, as evidenced by the remarkably low levels detected in tissue samples, and it appears to exhibit significantly greater toxicity when compared to earlier synthetic cannabinoid drugs that were previously available.
In 2018, 5F-ADB emerged as the most frequently encountered synthetic cannabinoid in seizures conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Additionally, 5F-ADB was also detected in cannabidiol (CBD) products produced by a U.S.-based CBD manufacturer in the same year.

Identifiers

IUPAC name
CAS Number	1715016-75-3
PubChem CID	101895417
ChemSpider	32741709
UNII	FD7BD1M9FYUN52BPP7RB(racemate)
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID201009974
ECHA InfoCard	100.257.468
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C20H28FN3O3
Molar mass	377.460 g·mol−1

Deaths

Between 2015 and 2017, 5F-MDMB-PINACA has been linked to 25 fatalities in Europe.

Legal Status

In the United States, 5F-ADB is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Japan officially included 5F-ADB in its list of prohibited drugs in December 2014.

FAQ

1. What is 5F-ADB?

5F-ADB, also known as 5F-MDMB-PINACA, is a synthetic cannabinoid belonging to the indazole-3-carboxamide family. It has been used in synthetic cannabis products and designer drugs.

2. How is 5F-ADB used?

5F-ADB has been used in synthetic cannabis products and may be consumed by smoking or vaporization. It’s essential to note that the use of synthetic cannabinoids can be extremely risky.

3. Is 5F-ADB legal?

The legal status of 5F-ADB varies by country. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. It was also added to the banned drug list in Japan in December 2014.

4. Are there any health risks associated with 5F-ADB?

Yes, there are significant health risks associated with 5F-ADB use. It has been linked to numerous adverse effects and fatalities, including severe overdoses. Its potency and toxicity can be substantially higher compared to earlier synthetic cannabinoids.

5. Is 5F-ADB the same as natural cannabis (marijuana)?

No, 5F-ADB is a synthetic cannabinoid, which means it is chemically distinct from natural cannabis. It can have different and often more potent effects, as well as higher risks.

6. How can I stay safe regarding 5F-ADB?

The best way to stay safe is to avoid using 5F-ADB and other synthetic cannabinoids altogether. If you have concerns about your use or its impact, seek help from a medical professional or a substance abuse counselor.

7. Are there any legitimate uses for 5F-ADB?

No, 5F-ADB is not used for any legitimate medical or therapeutic purposes. It is solely associated with recreational drug use and research.

8. Can 5F-ADB be detected in drug tests?

Yes, 5F-ADB can be detected in drug tests, particularly in tests designed to identify synthetic cannabinoids. It is essential to be aware of the potential legal consequences and employment-related issues associated with drug testing and substance use.

9. Where can I find more information about 5F-ADB?

For more information about 5F-ADB, you can consult relevant government agencies, healthcare professionals, or substance abuse organizations. Staying informed and making safe choices is crucial when it comes to substances like 5F-ADB.

References

1. Anvisa (2023-07-24) published the “RDC Nº 804 – Listas de Substâncias Entorpecentes, Psicotrópicas, Precursoras e Outras sob Controle Especial” [Collegiate Board Resolution No. 804 – Lists of Narcotic, Psychotropic, Precursor, and Other Substances under Special Control] in Brazilian Portuguese. This information was archived on 2023-08-27 and can be accessed through the official Diário Oficial da União.
2. Shevyrin V, Melkozerov V, Nevero A, Eltsov O, Shafran Y, Morzherin Y, Lebedev AT (August 2015) conducted research on the “Identification and analytical characteristics of synthetic cannabinoids with an indazole-3-carboxamide structure bearing a N-1-methoxycarbonylalkyl group.” The results were published in the Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry journal (Volume 407, Issue 21) with pages 6301–6315. The research can be referenced through the DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8612-7, and the PMID is 25893797.
3. Giorgetti A, Brunetti P, Pelotti S, and Auwärter V (October 2022) reported the “Detection of AP-237 and synthetic cannabinoids on an infused letter sent to a German prisoner” in the Drug Testing and Analysis journal (Volume 14, Issue 10) on pages 1779–1784. The publication can be found using the DOI: 10.1002/dta.3351. It also has a PMC reference (PMC 9804899), and the PMID is 35918775.
4. Banister SD, Longworth M, Kevin R, Sachdev S, Santiago M, and Stuart J, among others, conducted a study on the “Pharmacology of Valinate and tert-Leucinate Synthetic Cannabinoids 5F-AMBICA, 5F-AMB, 5F-ADB, AMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and Their Analogues.” The research was published in the ACS Chemical Neuroscience journal (Volume 7, Issue 9) with pages 1241–1254 and can be accessed via the DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00137. The PMID is 27421060.
5. Asegawa K, Wurita A, Minakata K, Gonmori K, Yamagishi I, Nozawa H, Watanabe K, and Suzuki O (2014) reported on the “Identification and quantitation of 5-fluoro-ADB, one of the most dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, in the stomach contents and solid tissues of a human cadaver and in some herbal products.” This information was published in Forensic Toxicology with volume 33 and pages 112–121. You can find it using the DOI: 10.1007/s11419-014-0259-0.
6. The “Emerging Threat Report: Annual 2018” was provided by the Special Testing and Research Laboratory of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The report is available in PDF format and was archived on 2019-08-01.
7. Poklis JL, Mulder HA, and Peace MR (January 2019) made an unexpected discovery regarding “The unexpected identification of the cannabimimetic, 5F-ADB, and dextromethorphan in commercially available cannabidiol e-liquids.” This revelation was published in the Forensic Science International journal (Volume 294) with pages e25–e27. It can be accessed through the DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.10.019, and it has a PMC reference (PMC 6321772). The PMID is 30442388.
8. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, in collaboration with Europol, published a report in 2017 titled “5F-MDMB-PINACA” in PDF format. The report was published by the Publications Office of the European Union.
9. The “Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Six Synthetic Cannabinoids (5F-ADB, 5F-AMB, 5F-APINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and MDMB-FUBINACA) Into Schedule I” was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was archived on 2019-10-17.