4F-MDMB-BINACA (also known as 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA or 4F-ADB) is an indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid from the indazole-3-carboxamide family. It has been used as an active ingredient in synthetic cannabis products and sold as a designer drug since late 2018. 4F-MDMB-BINACA is an agonist of the CB1 receptor (EC50 = 7.39 nM), though it is unclear whether it is selective for this target. In December 2019, the UNODC announced scheduling recommendations placing 4F-MDMB-BINACA into Schedule II throughout the world.
Related compounds
The corresponding indole core analogue, 4F-MDMB-BICA (4F-MDMB-BUTICA), has also been widely sold as a designer drug by chemical providers on the internet, first being identified in May 2020.
Legal Status
United Kingdom
It is illegal to sell, distribute, supply, transport or trade the pharmaceutical drug under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
United States
The DEA has filed a notice for its intent to temporarily place 4F-MDMB-BUTICA (but not 4F-MDMB-BINACA itself) into Schedule I status starting on or after May 4, 2023, for up to 2 years, during which it's possible the DEA could file for permanent scheduling within those 2 years. If it is filed on May 4, 2023, and the DEA does not file to permanent placement the temporary Schedule I order will expire on May 4, 2025.
North Dakota has placed 4F-MDMB-BINACA into Schedule I on 04/27/2023.