Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
In Depth
Dronabinol is a Schedule III controlled substance, reflecting its lower abuse potential compared to cannabis. It is available as oral capsules (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg). A sesame oil-based oral solution (Syndros) is also approved. Dronabinol's oral bioavailability is highly variable (10–20%) due to first-pass metabolism, and onset is slower than inhaled cannabis. It is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-acting than THC itself.
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.
Nabiximols (Sativex)
A whole-plant cannabis extract containing a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD, delivered as an oromucosal spray. Approved in over 30 countries for multiple sclerosis spasticity.