AMB-FUBINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid that has gained notoriety as a designer drug, and its availability for purchase online from various sellers is a cause for concern. These sellers market AMB-FUBINACA as a research chemical, but the reality is far from the intended scientific application. A critical review of these online vendors reveals several troubling aspects.
Firstly, the online sale of AMB-FUBINACA raises significant ethical and legal concerns. While some individuals may purchase these substances for genuine research purposes, most are seeking recreational use. This misuse of research chemicals poses serious health risks, as such compounds’ effects and long-term consequences are often poorly understood.
Secondly, the quality and safety of AMB-FUBINACA purchased from online sellers could be more questionable. These products often need proper quality control, accurate labeling, and safety guidelines. Researchers relying on these sources may inadvertently expose themselves to substances with unverified compositions and potentially dangerous contaminants.
Furthermore, the proliferation of AMB-FUBINACA online vendors contributes to a thriving black market. This not only fuels the illicit drug trade but also makes it difficult for authorities to regulate and control the distribution of such substances.
It also concerns that the availability of AMB-FUBINACA online caters to individuals seeking a quick high without understanding the potential risks involved. The lack of proper education and harm reduction measures exacerbates the dangers associated with these designer drugs.
Contents
- 1 SUMMARY
- 2 Mass casualties
- 3 Legal status
- 4 FAQ
- 4.1 1. What is AMB-FUBINACA?
- 4.2 2. What are the effects of AMB-FUBINACA?
- 4.3 3. Is AMB-FUBINACA legal?
- 4.4 4. How is AMB-FUBINACA sold and used?
- 4.5 5. Are there any health risks associated with AMB-FUBINACA?
- 4.6 6. Can AMB-FUBINACA be detected in drug tests?
- 4.7 7. How can I stay safe if I’ve used AMB-FUBINACA or suspect someone has?
- 4.8 8. Is there any legitimate use for AMB-FUBINACA?
- 4.9 9. What should I do if I encounter AMB-FUBINACA for sale or in use?
- 5 References
SUMMARY
AMB-FUBINACA, also recognized as FUB-AMB and MMB-FUBINACA, is a synthetic cannabinoid rooted in the indazole structure. This compound exhibits notable potency as an agonist for cannabinoid receptors, showcasing Ki values of 10.04 nM at CB1 and 0.786 nM at CB2. Additionally, it manifests EC50 values of 0.5433 nM at CB1 and 0.1278 nM at CB2. AMB-FUBINACA has been marketed and distributed online as a designer drug.
Originally, Pfizer pioneered the development of AMB-FUBINACA and documented the compound in a patent in 2009. However, Pfizer eventually abandoned this chemical, and it was never subjected to human testing. AMB-FUBINACA has found its way into the illicit market despite its pharmaceutical origins.
AMB-FUBINACA gained notoriety in synthetic cannabinoids, being the most prevalent compound identified in drug seizures conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2017 and the first half of 2018. This highlights its prominence as a substance of concern within illicit drugs.
The availability of AMB-FUBINACA online, despite its pharmaceutical origins, has raised significant regulatory and public health concerns. The widespread distribution of such potent synthetic cannabinoids underscores the challenges associated with controlling the dissemination of designer drugs and the potential risks they pose to individuals who may use them unknowingly or without adequate information on their effects and safety.
Identifiers | |
---|---|
show IUPAC name | |
CAS Number | 1971007-92-7racemic: 1715016-76-4 |
PubChem CID | 119026173 |
ChemSpider | 32741679 |
UNII | TY9AKI870Rracemic: 2N1280157D |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID101009971 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C21H22FN3O3 |
Molar mass | 383.423 g·mol−1 |
Mass casualties
On July 12, 2016, New York City Emergency Medical Services swiftly responded to a disturbing “mass casualty event” in Brooklyn, New York. This incident left 33 individuals between 25 and 59 suffering adverse effects linked to a particular drug. Eighteen of these individuals required hospitalization due to the severity of their condition. Witnesses described all the affected victims as exhibiting “zombielike” behavior, a distressing scene that was ultimately attributed to the consumption of AMB-FUBINACA. This conclusion was supported by the discovery of the demethylated metabolite of AMB-FUBINACA in the blood and urine samples of eight hospitalized patients, as determined through testing conducted by the DEA. It’s important to note that screenings for more common drugs of abuse yielded negative results for all eight patients. Additionally, AMB-FUBINACA itself was detected in a sample from the product smoked by another patient. It took ten days to identify the metabolite and 17 days to confirm the presence of AMB-FUBINACA following this alarming incident.
Furthermore, in New Zealand, 60 deaths in 2017 and 2018 were attributed to AMB-FUBINACA or a closely related compound known as 5F-ADB. These fatalities were linked to products that contained active ingredient concentrations ranging from 32 mg/g to a staggering 400 mg/g, rendering them 2 to 25 times more potent than the substance involved in the New York mass casualty event just a year earlier. This alarming trend underscores the grave risks associated with these synthetic substances and the urgent need for comprehensive regulation and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the harm caused by their use.
Legal status
AMB-FUBINACA has been classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance in the United States. Before receiving federal scheduling, Louisiana took pre-emptive action by imposing an emergency ban on AMB-FUBINACA. This decision was prompted by its detection in a synthetic cannabis product named “Train Wreck 2,” which had been associated with adverse incidents and seizures on June 3, 2014.
On November 10, 2014, Sweden’s public health agency recommended categorizing AMB-FUBINACA as hazardous.
FAQ
1. What is AMB-FUBINACA?
- AMB-FUBINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid, a class of chemicals designed to mimic the effects of THC, the active compound in marijuana. Various street names know it, and it is often sold as a designer drug.
2. What are the effects of AMB-FUBINACA?
- AMB-FUBINACA can produce effects similar to those of marijuana, such as relaxation, altered perception, and an increased sense of well-being. However, it can also lead to severe adverse effects, including anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and seizures.
3. Is AMB-FUBINACA legal?
- The legal status of AMB-FUBINACA varies by country and jurisdiction. It is considered illegal in many places due to its potential misuse and harmful effects. Always check your local laws and regulations.
4. How is AMB-FUBINACA sold and used?
- AMB-FUBINACA is often sold online as a research chemical or a “legal high.” It may be labeled as herbal incense or other misleading terms. Users typically smoke or vape it, but it can also be ingested or used in e-cigarettes.
5. Are there any health risks associated with AMB-FUBINACA?
- Yes, there are significant health risks associated with AMB-FUBINACA use. It has been linked to various adverse effects, including seizures, heart problems, and psychological distress. Its long-term health effects are not well understood.
6. Can AMB-FUBINACA be detected in drug tests?
- Yes, AMB-FUBINACA can be detected in standard drug tests. It is essential to be aware that using this substance can result in positive drug test results, which can have legal and employment consequences.
7. How can I stay safe if I’ve used AMB-FUBINACA or suspect someone has?
- If you or someone you know has used AMB-FUBINACA and experiences adverse effects, seek medical attention immediately. To receive appropriate care, it’s crucial to be honest with healthcare professionals about substance use.
8. Is there any legitimate use for AMB-FUBINACA?
- AMB-FUBINACA was initially developed for research purposes, but its misuse has overshadowed any potential legitimate applications. It is not approved for medical use.
9. What should I do if I encounter AMB-FUBINACA for sale or in use?
- If you come across AMB-FUBINACA being sold or used in your community, consider reporting it to local law enforcement or a drug abuse hotline. Raising awareness can help combat its illicit distribution.
References
- Anvisa (2023-07-24). “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). Diário Oficial da União (published 2023-07-25). Archived from the original on 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
- Gamage TF, Farquhar CE, Lefever TW, Marusich JA, Kevin RC, McGregor IS, et al. (May 2018). “Molecular and Behavioral Pharmacological Characterization of Abused Synthetic Cannabinoids MMB- and MDMB-FUBINACA, MN-18, NNEI, CUMYL-PICA, and 5-Fluoro-CUMYL-PICA”. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 365 (2): 437–446. doi:10.1124/jpet.117.246983. PMC 5932312. PMID 29549157.
- “FUB-AMB”. Cayman Chemical. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- Akamatsu S, Yoshida M (January 2016). “Fragmentation of synthetic cannabinoids with an isopropyl group or a tert-butyl group ionized by electron impact and electrospray”. Journal of Mass Spectrometry. 51 (1): 28–32. Bibcode:2016JMSp…51…28A. doi:10.1002/jms.3722. PMID 26757069.
- Banister SD, Longworth M, Kevin R, Sachdev S, Santiago M, Stuart J, et al. (September 2016). “Pharmacology of Valinate and tert-Leucinate Synthetic Cannabinoids 5F-AMBICA, 5F-AMB, 5F-ADB, AMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and Their Analogues”. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 7 (9): 1241–1254. doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00137. PMID 27421060.
- Wagmann L, Stiller RG, Fischmann S, Westphal F, Meyer MR (October 2022). “Going deeper into the toxicokinetics of synthetic cannabinoids: in vitro contribution of human carboxylesterases”. Archives of Toxicology. 96 (10): 2755–2766. doi:10.1007/s00204-022-03332-z. PMC 9352624. PMID 35788413.
- Santora M (2016-12-14). “Drug 85 Times as Potent as Marijuana Caused a ‘Zombielike’ State in Brooklyn”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
- Yin S (2019). “Adolescents and Drug Abuse: 21st Century Synthetic Substances”. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine. 20 (1): 17–24. doi:10.1016/j.cpem.2019.03.003. S2CID 88290992.
- Adams AJ, Banister SD, Irizarry L, Trecki J, Schwartz M, Gerona R (January 2017). “”Zombie” Outbreak Caused by the Synthetic Cannabinoid AMB-FUBINACA in New York” (PDF). The New England Journal of Medicine. 376 (3): 235–242. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1610300. PMID 27973993. S2CID 205100837.
- Killer chemicals, Part 1. Stuff.co.nz, September 2017
- Worsening synthetic drug crisis demands action. Stuff.co.nz, 18 September 2017
- “Synthetic cannabis users gambling with their lives after a ‘bad batch'”. stuff.co.nz.
- “Synthetic cannabis a ‘public health emergency’ – NZ Drug Foundation | Newshub”. Archived from the original on 2018-10-18. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
- Controlled Substances listed by the DEA
- “DHH Adds Two New Synthetic Marijuana Compounds to Banned List”. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- “Cannabinoider föreslås bli klassade som hälsofarlig vara” (in Swedish). Folkhälsomyndigheten. Retrieved 21 July 2015.