THJ-018

Product Name: THJ-018 Synonyms: SGT-17; JWH-018 indazole analog; 1-naphthalenyl(1-pentyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)methanone123

General Description: THJ-018 is formally described as 1-naphthalenyl(1-pentyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)methanone.145 It is a synthetic, highly psychoactive molecule belonging to the indazole class of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs).123 Structurally, it is the direct indazole analogue of the notorious first-generation designer drug JWH-018, differing only via the replacement of the indole core with an indazole core.123 This specific structural modification was introduced by illicit chemists to circumvent early legislation that specifically targeted the indole framework of existing synthetic cannabinoids.12 THJ-018 emerged prominently on the designer drug market in the early 2010s as a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) and an active ingredient in “herbal incense” blends (colloquially known as “Spice” or “K2”).12

In analytical, clinical, and forensic toxicology, THJ-018 is utilized as a fundamental reference standard.123 It is essential for the calibration of analytical instrumentation (such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and NMR) and the development of screening methodologies to identify and quantify the substance and its metabolites in seized materials, adulterated products, or biological matrices (e.g., whole blood, plasma, urine).123

Technical Information:

• CAS Number: 1364933-55-0145
• Molecular Formula: C₂₃H₂₂N₂O125
• Formula Weight: 342.4 g/mol124
• SMILES: O=C(C1=NN(CCCCC)C2=C1C=CC=C2)C3=C4C(C=CC=C4)=CC=C3237
• InChI Key: VAKGBPSFDNTMDJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N12
• Formulation: Typically supplied as a neat white-to-off-white crystalline solid or as a certified reference material solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL or 100 µg/mL in methanol or acetonitrile).123

Biological Action: Like its parent compound JWH-018, THJ-018 acts as a highly potent, non-selective full agonist at both the central cannabinoid type 1 (CB₁) and peripheral cannabinoid type 2 (CB₂) receptors.123 In vitro binding assays demonstrate that it possesses a high binding affinity (K_i of approximately 5.84 nM at CB₁) which is substantially more potent than natural Δ⁹-THC.12 By functioning as a full agonist lacking the partial-agonist “ceiling effect” characteristic of THC, THJ-018 profoundly overstimulates the endocannabinoid system.12 Acute intoxication is notoriously associated with severe synthetic cannabinoid toxidromes, including pronounced tachycardia, hypertension, intense paranoia, acute synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychosis, severe agitation, seizures, and potentially fatal cardiovascular or neurological emergencies.12

Regulatory and Safety Information:

• Intended Use: This product is intended strictly for use as an analytical reference standard for forensic, toxicological, and academic research purposes.123
• Warning: This product is an exceptionally potent synthetic cannabinoid and carries a severe risk of psychiatric crises, neurological emergencies (including seizures), and potentially fatal overdose.123 It is not for human or veterinary use.378
• Legal Status: THJ-018 is strictly regulated globally.123 In the United States, it is not explicitly scheduled by name at the federal level; however, due to its exceptionally close structural and pharmacological homology to the Schedule I controlled substance JWH-018, its manufacturing, distribution, or possession can be aggressively prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act if intended for human consumption.12 It is explicitly controlled as a scheduled substance in the United Kingdom (Class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act), Germany (Anlage II), Sweden, Canada, and throughout the European Union under generic synthetic cannabinoid legislation.12 Procurement may require relevant local or institutional licenses.12 Handling should only occur within professional laboratory environments using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a laboratory coat.