"and it’s not working. Marinol (aka: Dronabinol – the active ingredient) is a synthetic version of THC and is often prescribed to combat nausea and/or to stimulate appetite – both common symptoms of chemotherapy. However, the drug does not seem to work at all. Any suggestions? "
Where does your dad live? Do whatever is needed to help him. Some states have cbd laws in place, and treat small amounts of medical cannabis as a minor infraction. (not a crime for which one is arrested)
Marinol can be helpful, but whole plant cannabis is far more effective.
Marinol is the trade name for Dronabinol. It is pure synthetic delta9-THC PLUS the 2.5 mg capsule contains gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide; 5 mg capsule contains iron oxide red and iron oxide black, gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide; 10 mg capsule contains iron oxide red and iron oxide yellow, gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide. (from rxlist.com)
People tend to experience more side effects from marinol than they do with whole plant cannabis. Pure THC can cause people to experience very strong psychoactive effects, including paranoia and anxiety.
Maybe most importantly is that marinol can be difficult to dose, as the oral capsules do not take effect for several hours, while inhaled cannabis can provide relief within minutes.
Whole plant cannabis has over 50 different cannabinoids, of which delta9-THC is just one. All of these cannabinoids, terpenes, aromatics and other compounds work together, providing a synergistic effect stronger than the sum of their parts.
Lester Grinspoon, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School, stated in the 2001 issue of the International Journal of Drug Policy:
"I have yet to examine a patient who has used both smoked marijuana and Marinol who finds the latter more useful; the most common reason for using Marinol is the illegality of marijuana, and many patients choose to ignore the law when they believe that the difference between the two puts their health, comfort or economic well-being at risk.
If patients were legally allowed to use marijuana, relatively few would choose Marinol.
L. Grinspoon, MD
andrewvanmd
