JWH-164 is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist from the naphthoylindole family. It has approximately equal affinity for the CB<sub>1</sub> and CB<sub>2</sub> receptors, with a K<sub>i</sub> of 6.6 nM at CB<sub>1</sub> and 6.9 nM at CB<sub>2</sub>. JWH-164 is a positional isomer of the related compound JWH-081, but with a methoxy group at the 7-position of the naphthyl ring, rather than the 4-position as in JWH-081. Its potency is intermediate between that of JWH-081 and its ring unsubstituted derivative JWH-018, demonstrating that substitution of the naphthyl 7-position can also result in increased cannabinoid receptor binding affinity.
In the United States, all CB<sub>1</sub> all receptor agonists of the 3-(1-naphthoyl)indole class, including JWH-164, are Schedule I Controlled Substances.