All substances
§2.8.4 · ChemicalsSynthetic Cannabinoids

JWH-018

1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole;

Also known as Spice · AM-678

Acute: Extreme riskDependency: High risk

Images

Quick reference

Routes
Smoked
Form
Smoking Mixture

Duration

Onset
30 Seconds
Total duration
2 Hours

Experience

Primary effects

  • Mimics cannabis-like effects, delivered via smokable herbs.
  • Lacks the subtle variations found in natural cannabis strains.

Peak character

  • Provides a cannabis-type experience with a pleasant, non-cannabis odor.
  • Perceived as an artificial chemical experience, not a natural plant.

Negatives / side effects

  • Despite an early unblemished reputation, it proved corrosive on its own, though less harmful than later synthetic cannabinoids.
  • Easy to consume excessively due to perceived safety and packaging.

Aftereffects / comedown

  • Tendency to not become a constant or frequent habit for some users.

Reference dosage

Reference ranges from third-party harm-reduction databases. Individual response varies enormously — start lower than you think.

Any route
light1mg+
common2mg+
strong5mg+
heavy5mg+

Reagent testing

Recommended reagents
Expected reactions
Duquenois-LevinePurple
Fast Blue BOrange/brown

Adulterant detection: Naphthoylindole synthetic cannabinoid. Potency many times greater than natural cannabis.

Class detection only. JWH-018 was one of the first common synthetic cannabinoids; many analogues exist.

Source

Reference fields and narrative for JWH-018 extracted from The Drug Users Bible by Dominic Milton Trott (MxZero Publishing, 2022).

drugusersbible.com

Harm reduction notice

This platform provides educational and harm-reduction information adapted from public reference material. It does not endorse, encourage, or facilitate drug use. It is not medical advice. If you or someone near you may be in a medical emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.