W-18 (drug)

W-18 was invented at the University of Alberta by a lab working on analgesic drug discovery in the 1980s, and preliminary studies in animals showed it had pain-killing activity in mice. The chemical was detected in connection with recreational drug use as substitute for other controlled substances in Europe in 2013, and in the United States. and W-18 was also detected by Health Canada in at least three of 110 fentanyl tablets seized from a Calgary home in August 2015. ==Pharmacology==

W-18 was commonly reported to be an opioid in the popular press in the 2010s, which was later revealed not to be correct. W-18 was found to obtain weak activity at both sigma receptors and the translocator protein (peripheral benzodiazepine receptor). ==Legality==

• In Sweden, W-18 was made illegal in January 2016. • In Canada, W-18 and its analogues were made Schedule I controlled substances. Possession without legal authority can result in maximum 7 years imprisonment. Further, Health Canada amended the Food and Drug Regulations in May, 2016 to classify W-18 as a restricted drug. Only those with a law enforcement agency, person with an exemption permit or institutions with Minister's authorization may possess the drug. == See also ==