HU-210 is a synthetic cannabinoid that was first synthesized in 1988 from -myrtenol by a group led by Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University. HU-210 is 100 to 800 times more potent than natural THC from cannabis and has an extended duration of action. HU-210 is the -1,1-dimethylheptyl analog of 11-hydroxy- Δ8- tetrahydrocannabinol; in some references it is called 1,1-dimethylheptyl- 11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol. The abbreviation "HU" stands for Hebrew University.
Effects and research
HU-210, the enantiomer of 11-OH-D8-THC-DMH, has almost all of the cannabinoid activity, while the enantiomer, known as HU-211, is inactive as a cannabinoid and instead acts as an NMDA antagonist having neuroprotective effects. HU-210 promotes proliferation, but not differentiation, of cultured embryonic hippocampalneural stem and progenitor cells likely via a sequential activation of CB1 receptors, Gi/o proteins, and ERK signaling. It was also indicated by this increased neural growth to entail antianxiety and antidepressant effects. HU-210, alongside other synthetic cannabinoids like WIN 55,212-2 and JWH-133, is implicated in preventing the inflammation caused by amyloid beta proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease, in addition to preventing cognitive impairment and loss of neuronal markers. This anti-inflammatory action is induced through the activation of cannabinoid receptors, which prevents microglial activation that elicits the inflammation. In addition, cannabinoids completely abolish neurotoxicity related to microglia activation in rat models. HU-210 is a potent analgesic with many of the same effects as natural THC.
Chemistry
HU-210 is the enantiomer of HU-211. The original synthesis of HU-210 is based on an acid-catalyzed condensation of -Myrtenol and 1,1-Dimethylheptylresorcinol.
Recreational use
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, HU-210 was discovered in Spice Gold incense products seized at the US border in January 2009. Over of Spice products were seized based on this finding. HU-210 was also detected in three Spice products in the UK, as reported in June 2009.
HU-210 is not listed in the list of scheduled controlled substances in the USA. It is therefore not scheduled at the federal level in the United States, but it is possible that HU-210 could legally be considered an analog of Delta-8-THC, and therefore sales or possession could potentially be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act. A brief profile of HU-210 written and published by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2009 stated that HU-210 is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act due to being similar to THC. This indicates that the DEA might legally consider HU-210 to be an analogue of Delta-8-THC for the purposes of applying the Federal Analog Act to those that handle HU-210. An elucidation of the rationale for the DEA's claim was not presented, no references were cited, and the claim was eventually removed from the DEA's website. A version of the document, now in PDF form, exists on the DEA Office of Diversion Control's website. Claimed in this possibly misleading though definitive sounding document, with the same lack of detailed explanation or citation, is:
HU-210 is a Schedule I controlled substance, categorized as a hallucinogen, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess in the state of Florida without a license.
Vermont
Effective January 1, 2016, HU-210 is a regulated drug in Vermont designated as a "Hallucinogenic Drug."
