FUBINACA, specifically in the form of AMB-FUBINACA (also known as FUB-AMB or MMB-FUBINACA) or AB-FUBINACA, is an indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid that acts as a potent agonist for cannabinoid receptors (
and
). It is commonly marketed as a designer drug, often sold as a white powder, in solution, or sprayed onto plant material to be smoked, mimicking cannabis.
Wikipedia +2
These substances were originally developed by pharmaceutical companies (such as Pfizer in 2009) for research but were abandoned and never tested on humans. Wikipedia +1
Key Characteristics and Effects
- High Potency: AMB-FUBINACA is reported to be significantly more potent than -THC, with some studies suggesting it is 85 times more potent than THC and 50 times more potent than JWH-018. MDPI
- “Zombie” Effect: The substance has been linked to severe mass intoxications, notably in Brooklyn, New York, in 2016, where users exhibited “zombie-like” symptoms, including severely slowed speech and behavior,, intense intoxication, and unconsciousness. The New England Journal of Medicine +1
- Physical Effects: Common symptoms of abuse include severe central nervous system depression, tremors, hypertension, tachycardia, vomiting, and seizures. PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov) +1
- “Hot Spots”: When sprayed onto herbal mixtures, the distribution is often uneven, leading to “hot spots” with dangerously high doses in some parts of the product. PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)
Health Risks and Danger
- High Mortality: Use of these compounds has been associated with numerous deaths, particularly in New Zealand and Russia, and has resulted in many hospitalizations. Wikipedia +1
- Lack of Control: Because these are unregulated, illicit products, users often cannot determine which specific synthetic cannabinoid they are consuming or the actual concentration, which can range from 14 to 400 mg/g. The New England Journal of Medicine +1
- Withdrawal/Dependence: While research is limited, full agonists like FUB-AMB are expected to produce physical dependence similar to or more severe than cannabis. ecddrepository.org
Legal Status
- United States: AB-FUBINACA was designated as a Schedule I controlled substance in January 2014.
- International: Many of these compounds are now banned or controlled in various countries, including China and several European nations, following WHO recommendations. Wikipedia +1
Disclaimer: FUBINACA compounds are potent, untested chemicals with high risks of severe adverse effects or death. They are intended for research only and are not for human or veterinary consumption.
What is fubinaca?
AB-FUBINACA is a member of the indazole carboxamide family of SCBs which includes other compounds that have been linked to deaths in the United States such as AB-CHMINACA or AB-PINACA. 9. AB-FUBINACA presents potent affinity for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) (Ki = 0.9 nM).
