Dronabinol (Marinol)

NJ Drug Possession Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Clients in Middlesex County, Ocean County, Mercer County, Union County, Monmouth County and the Rest of the State.

Drug Information About Dronabinol

Brand names:  Marinol

Drug Classification: Dronabinol is a Schedule III substance in the US under the Controlled Substances Act. An exemption exists in cannabis law that allows for synthetic THC when in sesame oil and in a capsule as part of an FDA approved product.

General Drug Information

Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC, the psychoactive ingredient of the cannabis plant, and exhibits many effects on the central nervous system. It exists in small, round gelatin capsules that are swallowed to treat pain, nausea, and to stimulate the appetite. Capsules range from white to dark brown to orange in appearance, depending on their 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg dosage, respectively.

It is commonly given to HIV/AIDS patients and to cancer and chemotherapy patients.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of dronabinol is feeling “high” or otherwise intoxicated from the cannabinoid release. This may result in a positive mood life and excessive giggling or laughter. Other common side effects include trouble concentrating, muscle weakness and fatigue, dizziness, stomach or digestive problems, or mood swings. Dronabinol may impair thinking, judgment, and reaction time and those under its influence should not drive.

Dronabinol Addiction

Dronabinol is very habit forming and produces withdrawal effects in patients that abruptly cease use that subside after about two days. Early on these symptoms were irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. Symptoms intensified to include sweating, ‘hot flashes’, runny nose, decreased appetite, and diarrhea.


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