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HU-210 is a synthetic cannabinoid that acts as an ultra-potent full agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. It is the (6aR,10aR) enantiomer of the 1,1-dimethylheptyl homolog of 11-hydroxy-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, developed in the 1980s by Raphael Mechoulam's group at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (the source of the "HU" prefix). Structurally a close analog of THC, HU-210 is estimated to be roughly 100 to 800 times more potent than delta-9-THC, with sub-nanomolar affinity at CB1 and a notably long duration of action. It has been used primarily as a pharmacological tool compound to probe the endocannabinoid system in preclinical models, and has also appeared as an adulterant in illicit "herbal incense" (Spice/K2) products. HU-210 is controlled as a Schedule I substance in the United States and is not an approved medicine.
- Ultra-potent full agonism makes it a gold-standard tool for probing CB1/CB2 signaling
- Produces robust analgesia in preclinical pain models
- Antiemetic and appetite-stimulating effects consistent with cannabinoid pharmacology
- CB2 agonism drives anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses
- Long duration of action, useful for sustained receptor-activation studies
- Antidepressant-like effects reported via hippocampal CB1 in rodent stress models
- Extreme potency raises overdose and severe intoxication risk versus plant cannabinoids
- Anxiety, panic, dysphoria and psychotomimetic effects at higher exposure
- Tachycardia, hypotension and impaired coordination
- Tolerance and dependence with repeated dosing via receptor desensitization
Overview
HU-210 is hands down one of the most potent cannabinoids ever made; it is essentially a supercharged THC analog that binds CB1 and CB2 at sub-nanomolar concentrations and hangs around far longer than plant cannabinoids. As a research tool it is pretty much unmatched for switching the endocannabinoid system fully "on," which is exactly why it shows up in so many mechanism papers. It belongs filed strictly as an investigational/lab compound though; it is Schedule I, it has turned up as a Spice adulterant, and that extreme potency plus long duration is the whole reason it demands respect rather than casual use. Fascinating pharmacology; not a supplement.
Mechanism
HU-210 is a classical (THC-type) cannabinoid that binds the orthosteric pocket of the CB1 receptor (the G-protein-coupled receptor densest in the ) and the CB2 receptor (mainly on immune and peripheral tissue) as a high-efficacy full . Its dimethylheptyl side chain and 11-hydroxyl group dramatically increase lipophilicity and receptor contact versus THC, giving sub-nanomolar affinity (Ki near 0.06 nM at CB1).
Agonism recruits pertussis-toxin-sensitive Gi/Go proteins, which inhibit adenylyl cyclase (lowering cyclic AMP), block N- and Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels, and open G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. The net effect is reduced neurotransmitter release and dampened neuronal excitability presynaptically, plus recruitment of beta-arrestin. Downstream this produces the cannabinoid behavioral tetrad (analgesia, hypothermia, catalepsy, hypomotility) and modulation of , and signaling. A 2025 cryo-EM structure captured HU-210 bound to CB1 coupled to Gi1, confirming the active-state binding mode.
receptor fingerprint
CB1 receptorFull agonist
CB2 receptorFull agonist
Adenylyl cyclase (via Gi/Go)Inhibits
N/Q-type Ca2+ channelsInhibits
GIRK K+ channelsActivates
beta-arrestinRecruits
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
HU-210 is an investigational research chemical, not an approved drug, and is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. Its potency (roughly 100 to 800 times THC) and long duration mean effects are difficult to titrate and easy to overshoot, with reported risks including intense anxiety, tachycardia, psychosis-like states, and impaired coordination; it has been detected as an adulterant in "herbal incense" products linked to adverse events. Much of the efficacy data is preclinical (rodent and in vitro). It is not risk-free and should be regarded as a laboratory tool rather than a consumer compound.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
A landmark research-grade synthetic cannabinoid: unmatched CB1/CB2 potency makes it invaluable in the lab, but Schedule I status, extreme potency and Spice-adulterant history keep it strictly investigational.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 1995first citedComparison of the pharmacology and signal transduction of the human cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 rec…
- 2025most recentStructural basis of THC analog activity at the Cannabinoid 1 receptor
- 1.Hu 210: a potent tool for investigations of the cannabinoid system
- 2.Comparison of the pharmacology and signal transduction of the human cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors
- 3.Endocannabinoid 2-arachidonyl glycerol is a full agonist through human type 2 cannabinoid receptor: antagonism by anandamide
- 4.Structural basis of THC analog activity at the Cannabinoid 1 receptor
- 5.Hippocampal CB1 receptor mediates antidepressant-like effect of synthetic cannabinoid-HU210 in acute despair reaction model in mice
5 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
What is HU-210 used for?
Primarily as a pharmacological tool compound in preclinical research to fully activate CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and study the endocannabinoid system. It is not an approved medicine and has also appeared illicitly as a Spice/K2 adulterant.
How does HU-210 work?
It is a full agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors with sub-nanomolar affinity, coupling to Gi/Go proteins to inhibit adenylyl cyclase, block calcium channels and open potassium channels, which dampens neuronal firing and neurotransmitter release.
How potent is HU-210 compared to THC?
Estimates place it roughly 100 to 800 times more potent than delta-9-THC, with a Ki near 0.06 nM at CB1 and a longer duration of action.
Is HU-210 legal or well-researched?
It is a Schedule I controlled substance in the US. It is well-characterized pharmacologically as a research tool, but its therapeutic data is largely preclinical and it is not an approved therapeutic.
What are the main side effects?
Because of its extreme potency and long duration, risks include intense anxiety, panic, psychosis-like effects, tachycardia, hypotension, impaired coordination, and tolerance/dependence with repeated use.
Adverse effects
- Extreme potency raises overdose and severe intoxication risk versus plant cannabinoids
- Anxiety, panic, dysphoria and psychotomimetic effects at higher exposure
- Tachycardia, hypotension and impaired coordination
- Tolerance and dependence with repeated dosing via receptor desensitization
Notes and cautions
- Has appeared as an unlabeled adulterant in illicit Spice/K2 products