Dronabinol is a cannabinoid that’s synthetic and is used as a medication to help with nausea and weight loss symptoms in those with cancer along with HIV treatments. It’s basically synthetic THC that doesn’t contain anything else. It also is known as Marinol as well, which is a cannabinoid that’s synthetic, and it works to control vomiting and nausea. Being synthetic, it just contains one compound and that’s THC, something that’s in cannabinoids.  Dronabinol is pretty simple, since it does work alongside the same THC receptors that are within the body and what the plant uses, and it offers a way to curb nausea, to stimulate your appetite. 

This treats cachexia which is a wasting disease, but also helps those with AIDS and HIV.  It also is used to help with appetite loss and nausea in chemotherapy patients. It’s the same as THC, and it’s something that’s more potent and synthetic, and also is an alternative to nabilone for those who are interested in using something stronger. 

Dronabinol or THC? 

When you’re looking to see if you should use one or the other, it’s important to note that they’re not the exact same, even though they both contain THC. 

Dronabinol is something that’s synthetic and approved by the FDA for the treating of some people’s conditions.  Regular THC is a naturally-occurring compound in cannabis and is only availible to those who are in places where it’s legal.  Dronabinol is something that’s schedule III drug types, whereas in contrast, THC is a schedule I substance, similar to cocaine. 

Dronabinol has a formula that works similar to how THC does on the body. but the generic dronabinol is one that’s similar to THC cannabinoids, but in contrast, THC does interact with the other cannabinoids, and then constituents within the plant itself, and from there, all of this working together makes an entourage effect. 

Medical cannabis in contrast to this, doesn’t just contain THC, but also contains other types of phytic cannabinoids and terpenes as well, so you’re getting more than just THC. 

How it helps 

Dronabinol is only used for the two conditions above, and the nausea does have to be severe for them to prescribe it. And there are some promising results for a few of the major conditions 

For example, it helps immensely with sleep apnea.  It actually was found in a 2018 study that it does reduce the symptoms of this, improving the awakens in a trail which was randomized. It showed that it wsa better for those who took it in terms of sleep outcomes. 

Pain is another thing. Some research has found that dronabinol is a really good way to relieve pai post-surgery, pain that isn’t cancer, or neuropathy.  Only in noncancer pain that was chronic did it only show modest results compared to the placebos used. It was found however that there were benefits which are promising for those are looking to treat lower-back pain and MS in those who have it, especially compared to vaped cannabis. 

As for MS, it was found that it could be useful for this, and while the exact ways to relieve this pain are not fully resolved, it was found that there is a chance that long-term pain can be relieved like this. It also was found that “Sativex,” another cannabis prescription, can help. 

Finally, it’s a good one to use when treating Alzheimer’s disease in some cases, showing some promising results with it. It could treat symptoms of agitation associated with this, and also, may helps with the pastimes that come with Parkinson’s as well for patients.