When purchasing research chemicals like THJ-018, finding a reputable seller is paramount. The online market for designer drugs and research chemicals can be murky and potentially hazardous, rife with genuine vendors and those looking to exploit the demand for these substances. Buyers need extreme caution and due diligence to deal with a trustworthy seller.
One of the critical aspects to consider when evaluating THJ-018 research chemical sellers is their credibility and reputation. Reputable vendors often have a history of providing high-quality products and have garnered positive reviews from customers who have tested their products for research purposes. Therefore, checking online forums, community reviews, and ratings is advisable to gauge the vendor’s reliability.
Another crucial factor is the transparency of the seller. Legitimate research chemical vendors typically provide detailed information about their products, including chemical composition, purity levels, and safety precautions. They should also adhere to legal regulations and clarify that their products are solely for research, not human consumption. If a seller fails to provide such information or seems hesitant to clarify the intended use of their products, it’s a red flag.
Additionally, pricing should be reasonable and competitive within the market. Exorbitantly high prices indicate a seller is trying to capitalize on the demand for research chemicals. Conversely, suspiciously low prices may indicate a lack of quality control or even counterfeit products.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 Chemistry
- 3 Pharmacology
- 4 Subjective effects
- 5 Toxicity
- 6 Legal status
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 1. What is THJ-018?
- 7.2 2. How is THJ-018 different from natural cannabinoids like THC?
- 7.3 3. Is THJ-018 legal?
- 7.4 4. What are the effects of THJ-018?
- 7.5 5. Is THJ-018 safe to use?
- 7.6 6. Can you overdose on THJ-018?
- 7.7 7. Is THJ-018 addictive?
- 7.8 8. Can THJ-018 interact with other substances?
- 7.9 9. How should I use THJ-018 safely?
- 8 References
Summary
THJ-018, scientifically known as 1-naphthalene (1-pentyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)methanone, is a synthetic cannabinoid derivative of JWH-018. It has gained popularity among research chemical vendors as a legal alternative to JWH-018, banned in 2009. THJ-018 typically presents as a brown, sticky, chunky powder with an odor reminiscent of naphthalene. When consumed, cannabinoids like THJ-018 are commonly smoked or vaporized to induce rapid onset effects and quick offset. However, it’s worth noting that THJ-018 can also be orally active when dissolved in a lipid, leading to an extended duration of its effects. While this substance is insoluble in water, it readily dissolves in ethanol and lipids.
It’s crucial to highlight that the chronic misuse of synthetic cannabinoids, unlike natural cannabis, has been linked to numerous fatalities, severe side effects, and overall toxicity. As a result, it is strongly advised against using this compound for prolonged periods or in excessive doses. Researchers and individuals should exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety when handling THJ-018 or any synthetic cannabinoid, ensuring that it is exclusively used for legitimate research purposes and in adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
Identifiers | |
---|---|
IUPAC name | |
CAS Number | 1364933-55-0 |
---|---|
ChemSpider | 29341702 |
UNII | B39WNG6743 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID901010031 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C23H22N2O |
Molar mass | 342.442 g·mol−1 |
Chemistry
THJ-018, scientifically called 1-naphthalene (1-pentyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)-methanone, belongs to the synthetic cannabinoid family and features a modified indazole framework. In its chemical structure, THJ-018 is characterized by a pentyl chain (R1 substitution) attached to the indazole core. Furthermore, the indazole nucleus is altered at the R3 position, where a carbonyl group is intricately linked to a naphthalene component. Naphthalene, in essence, consists of a fused pair of benzene rings, creating a bicyclic arrangement. The presence of this carbonyl bridge within THJ-018 categorizes it as a ketone. Notably, THJ-018 serves as an analog of JWH-018, with the primary distinction being the substitution of the indole structure in JWH-018 with an indazole foundation.
In line with other cannabinoids, THJ-018 exhibits limited solubility in water but readily dissolves in ethanol and lipid-based substances. This chemical characteristic contributes to its bioavailability and potential applications in various research contexts.
Pharmacology
While formal research on this substance is lacking, structural analysis suggests that THJ-018 likely shares a comparable binding profile with JWH-018 and aligns with many of the in vivo characteristics associated with Δ9-THC. Like JWH-018, THJ-018 exerts its spectrum of effects through full agonism of both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, albeit with a degree of preference for CB2. THJ-018 is estimated to be approximately five times more potent than Δ9-THC. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms governing these interactions and their implications in the overall experience of a cannabinoid high remain a subject of ongoing investigation.
Subjective effects
Disclaimer: The effects listed below are based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of contributors to the Subjective Effect Index (SEI) within the open research literature. As such, they should be approached with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It’s important to note that these effects may not manifest predictably or consistently, though higher doses are more likely to induce the complete range of effects. Moreover, as doses increase, the likelihood of adverse effects, including addiction, severe injury, or even fatality ☠, also rises.
Physical:
- Spontaneous physical sensations: THJ-018 elicits a warm, pleasurable, and enveloping tingling sensation throughout the body upon ingestion. This sensation steadily increases as the effects set in, reaching its peak before swiftly dissipating.
- Sedation: Generally, THJ-018 predominantly exerts a sedating influence on the user’s energy levels, promoting relaxation and, at higher doses, potentially, sleep. This sedation can be counteracted by engaging in physical activities.
- Motor control loss: THJ-018 partially to moderately impairs motor control, with impairment increasing with dose. However, it seldom results in a complete inability to walk or perform basic movements.
- Appetite enhancement: Like many other cannabinoids, THJ-018 increases appetite, colloquially known as “the munchies.” Clinical studies and survey data indicate that cannabis enhances food enjoyment and interest, likely due to the activation of cannabinoid receptors responsible for regulating food intake in the hypothalamus.
- Vasodilation: Cannabinoids like THJ-018 reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and enhancing blood flow. This can lead to expanded eye arteries and an elevated heart rate, compensating for lowered pressure.
- Pain relief: Cannabinoids, including synthetic analogs like THJ-018, have demonstrated clinical efficacy by activating cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
- Perception of bodily lightness
- Changes in gravity: THJ-018 may induce vertigo, causing a spinning or oscillating sensation in the environment. At moderate doses, users may experience the sensation of falling, which can be overwhelming.
- Dehydration: Commonly referred to as “cotton mouth,” this is a well-known side effect.
- Brain zaps
Visual:
- Color enhancement
- Acuity suppression
- Geometry: THJ-018, like other cannabinoids, can produce closed-eye visuals, progressing to visual distortions such as ripples in the field of vision with continuous use. In regular psychedelic users, it may induce a unique visual style reflecting an amalgamation of past psychedelic experiences, typically within the mild to moderate range.
Cognitive:
- Emotion enhancement: Cannabinoids, including THJ-018, amplify existing emotions in a dose-dependent manner. Depending on the user’s mental state, this can lead to euphoria, heightened laughter, increased task immersion, or anxiety and paranoia.
- Anxiety: Subjectively, THJ-018 is moderately sedating and less anxiety-inducing than Δ9-THC, AM-2201, or 5F-UR-144 but more so than JWH-018 or JWH-073.
- Paranoia: High doses or chronic use of cannabinoids can induce paranoia.
- Thought connectivity
- Thought deceleration
- Conceptual thinking
- Mindfulness
- Analysis suppression
- Dream suppression
- Immersion enhancement
- Psychosis: Prolonged synthetic cannabinoid use may heighten the risk of psychosis, particularly in individuals predisposed to psychotic disorders, such as a family history of schizophrenia.
- Increased music appreciation
Auditory:
- Enhancements
Combinational Effects
- Psychedelics: When combined with psychedelics, cannabinoids like THJ-018 can significantly intensify and prolong visual and cognitive effects. Caution is advised for those inexperienced with psychedelics.
- Dissociatives: Combining THJ-018 with dissociatives often enhances geometric visuals, euphoria, dissociation, and hallucinations.
- Alcohol: Combining cannabinoids with alcohol may lead to extreme nausea, dizziness, and changes in perception of gravity. It is recommended to consume cannabinoids before alcohol and exercise caution.
Experience Reports Currently, there are no anecdotal reports describing the effects of THJ-018 within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found on websites like Erowid Experience Vaults: THJ-018.
Toxicity
The toxicity and long-term health implications of recreational THJ-018 usage have not been extensively investigated scientifically, and the precise toxic dosage remains unknown. This knowledge gap is primarily due to THJ-018’s limited history of human consumption. Anecdotal reports from individuals within the community who have experimented with THJ-018 suggest that trying this substance at low to moderate doses, used sparingly, does not appear to yield significant adverse health effects. However, complete guarantees cannot be provided. Informal experiments have revealed that overdosing can result in physical discomfort, including heart palpitations, vertigo, and sedation, often causing heightened anxiety or inducing sleep.
It is commonly advised that individuals with severe pre-existing mental conditions should avoid using such substances, given their potent influence on one’s current mental state and emotions. Like THC, prolonged use of synthetic cannabinoids may increase susceptibility to mental illness and psychosis, particularly in individuals with pre-existing risk factors, such as a family history of schizophrenia.
Considering that synthetic cannabinoids are active in the milligram range (with doses commonly below 5mg), it is crucial to exercise caution when dosing to prevent a negative experience.
Harm reduction practices are strongly recommended for individuals using this substance.
Tolerance and Addiction Potential
Similar to other synthetic cannabinoids, chronic THJ-018 use can be regarded as moderately addictive, carrying a high potential for abuse and the potential to lead to psychological dependence in certain users. Users who have developed an addiction may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly cease usage.
Tolerance to many of THJ-018’s effects develops with prolonged and repeated use, necessitating increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects. Subsequently, it takes approximately 3 to 7 days for tolerance to decrease by half and 1 to 2 weeks to return to baseline (assuming no further consumption). THJ-018 also exhibits cross-tolerance with all other cannabinoids, meaning that after consuming THJ-018, the effects of all cannabinoids are diminished.
Toxicity
While there is currently no definitive data on the toxicity of synthetic cannabinoids, concerns have been raised regarding the naphthalene group present in THJ-018 and certain other synthetic cannabinoids, which may possess toxic or carcinogenic properties.
Dangerous Interactions
Caution must be exercised when combining psychoactive substances, as even those considered safe individually can become hazardous or life-threatening when mixed with specific other substances. The following list outlines some known dangerous interactions, although it may not encompass all potential risks:
- 2C-T-x
- 2C-x
- 5-MeO-xxT
- Amphetamines: Stimulants can heighten anxiety levels and the risk of thought loops, potentially leading to negative experiences.
- aMT
- Cocaine: Stimulants can increase anxiety levels and the risk of thought loops, potentially leading to negative experiences.
- DMT
- DOx
- LSD
- Mescaline
- Mushrooms
- 25x-NBOMe
Conducting independent research to ensure the safety of combining two or more substances is essential. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Legal status
THJ-018 was developed in response to drug prohibition laws that outlawed numerous synthetic cannabinoids. Consequently, it remains legally accessible in most parts of the world.
- In Germany, THJ-018 is regulated under Anlage II BtMG (Narcotics Act, Schedule II) as of May 23, 2015. Its manufacture, possession, import, export, purchase, sale, procurement, or distribution without proper licensing is illegal.
- Latvia categorizes THJ-018 as a Schedule I controlled substance.
- Sweden has imposed a ban on THJ-018.
- Switzerland classifies THJ-018 as a controlled substance and explicitly lists it under Verzeichnis E.
- In the United Kingdom, THJ-018 falls under Class B controlled substances, designated as such within the third-generation synthetic cannabinoids’ generic definition. This classification took effect on December 14, 2016, making possessing, producing, supplying, or importing illegal.
FAQ
1. What is THJ-018?
THJ-018 is a synthetic cannabinoid and an analog of JWH-018. It’s part of the synthetic cannabinoid family and is designed to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids like THC.
2. How is THJ-018 different from natural cannabinoids like THC?
THJ-018 is a synthetic compound designed to activate the same receptors in the brain as natural cannabinoids. However, it can be much more potent and have different effects and risks.
3. Is THJ-018 legal?
The legality of THJ-018 varies by country. It is legally available in some places, while in others, it is banned or controlled. Always check your local laws and regulations before obtaining or using THJ-018.
4. What are the effects of THJ-018?
THJ-018 is known to produce effects similar to those of THC, including relaxation, altered perception, and increased appetite. However, the exact effects can vary depending on the individual and the dose.
5. Is THJ-018 safe to use?
The safety of THJ-018 is not well-studied, and its use may come with risks. Synthetic cannabinoids, in general, have been associated with adverse effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and even more severe health issues. It’s essential to exercise caution and consider potential risks.
6. Can you overdose on THJ-018?
Yes, it’s possible to overdose on THJ-018. Overdose symptoms may include heart palpitations, extreme anxiety, vertigo, and sedation. In severe cases, it can lead to dangerous health complications.
7. Is THJ-018 addictive?
THJ-018 and synthetic cannabinoids, in general, can be moderately addictive. They have a high potential for abuse, leading to psychological dependence in some users.
8. Can THJ-018 interact with other substances?
THJ-018 can interact with other substances, including alcohol and certain medications. These interactions can be unpredictable and may lead to adverse effects. Always use caution and do thorough research before combining substances.
9. How should I use THJ-018 safely?
If you use THJ-018, start with a low dose to assess your sensitivity to its effects. Avoid using it regularly or in high doses, which can increase the risk of adverse reactions. Never drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence of THJ-018.
References
- Mechoulam, R., ed. (1986). Cannabinoids as therapeutic agents. CRC Press. ISBN 9780849357725.
- “How Marijuana Works,” 2001.
- Martín-Sánchez, E., Furukawa, T. A., Taylor, J., Martin, J. L. R. (November 2009). “Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cannabis Treatment for Chronic Pain.” Pain Medicine. 10 (8): 1353–1368. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4637.2009.00703.x. ISSN 1526-2375.
- Lynch, M. E., Campbell, F. (November 2011). “Cannabinoids for treatment of chronic non-cancer pain; a systematic review of randomized trials: Cannabinoids for pain”. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 72 (5): 735–744. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03970.x. ISSN 0306-5251.
- Arseneault, L., Cannon, M., Witton, J., Murray, R. M. (February 2004). “Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence”. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 184 (2): 110–117. doi:10.1192/bjp.184.2.110. ISSN 0007-1250.
- Every-Palmer, S. (September 2011). “Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 and psychosis: An explorative study”. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 117 (2–3): 152–157. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.01.012. ISSN 0376-8716.
- Schneir, A. B., Cullen, J., Ly, B. T. (1 March 2011). “”Spice” Girls: Synthetic Cannabinoid Intoxication”. The Journal of Emergency Medicine. 40 (3): 296–299. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.10.014. ISSN 0736-4679.
- Vearrier, D., Osterhoudt, K. C. (June 2010). “A Teenager With Agitation: Higher Than She Should Have Climbed”. Pediatric Emergency Care. 26 (6): 462–465. doi:10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181e4f416. ISSN 0749-5161.
- “Naphthalene – Health Effects” (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) | http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/naphthal.html.
- Lin, C. Y., Wheelock, A. M., Morin, D., Baldwin, R. M., Lee, M. G., Taff, A., Plopper, C., Buckpitt, A., Rohde, A. (16 June 2009). “Toxicity and metabolism of methylnaphthalenes: comparison with naphthalene and 1-nitronaphthalene”. Toxicology. 260 (1–3): 16–27. doi:10.1016/j.tox.2009.03.002. ISSN 1879-3185.
- “Synthetic cannabinoids in herbal products” (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) | https://www.unodc.org/documents/scientific/Synthetic_Cannabinoids.pdf.
- Morris, H. (2010), “HAMILTON MORRIS?: NAPTHALENE IS SO OVER.”
- “Anlage II BtMG” (in German). Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
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- “Cannabinoider föreslås bli klassade som hälsofarlig vara | Folkhälsomyndigheten” | http://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/nyheter-och-press/nyhetsarkiv/2014/november/cannabinoider-foreslas-bli-klassade-som-halsofarlig-vara/.
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