What's the Difference Between Marinol (Dronabinol) And Medical Marijuana?

There are many differences between the natural marijuana plant (cannabis sativa) and the synthetic cannabinoid Marinol. The largest difference is that marijuana is illegal under federal law, even for medicinal uses. Marinol, on the other hand, is legally prescribed in any state.

Marinol is a prescription drug that contains the active ingredient dronabinol. Dronabinol is a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant. It provides the”high”some users seek from cannabis.

In contrast, cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive ingredient in the marijuana plant. Along with psychoactive effects, THC has powerful medicinal capabilities. This is why scientists created Marinol as a legal alternative to cannabis in the United States.

This article explains the essential differences between marijuana and Marinol, including the penalties for unauthorized use or possession. Even someone with a prescription for medical marijuana or Marinol can face criminal charges under certain circumstances. If you’re facing drug charges of any kind, speak with a local criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They can help you protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome.

Where Is Marinol Legal?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Marinol with dronabinol for medical use in 1985. It is similar to Cesamet (nabilone), another synthetic cannabinoid.

The FDA-approved drug is legal in all 50 states.

Because it is a regulated pharmaceutical drug, you need a prescription to buy and use Marinol. It is against the law to sell or give Marinol away or to use the drug without a prescription. Improper possession or distribution of prescription drugs can result in criminal charges.

Meanwhile, medical marijuana is legal in many (but not all) states. In those states, it can be legally prescribed and used according to state law.

How Is Marinol Used?

The FDA approved Marinol with dronabinol to treat vomiting and nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy. It is also approved for weight loss-related anorexia and loss of appetite in AIDS patients. Off-label and clinical trial uses for Marinol include treatment for medical conditions such as:

• Fibromyalgia pain

• Glaucoma-related eye pressure

• Menstrual migraines

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Neuropathic chronic pain

• Epilepsy

Because Marinol contains the psychoactive ingredient THC, it can also cause serious side effects. Side effects include drowsiness, blood pressure issues, and even psychosis, especially in people with a history of mental illness. Talk to a doctor immediately about any adverse effects while taking Marinol.

The Differences Between Medical Marijuana and Marinol

There are several essential differences between medical marijuana and Marinol, including:

• THC occurs naturally in cannabis, while Marinol contains a form of synthetic THC called Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

• Marinol only comes in pill form or in an oral solution called Syndros. The pill form contains sesame oil, and the oral solution contains alcohol. Medical marijuana is available to eat, inhale, smoke, or apply to the skin.

• Cannabis contains cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and THC. Marinol only contains THC.

• The absorption rate of marijuana is faster than Marinol. Marinol remains in the blood longer than marijuana.

• A 2013 study suggested that taking THC in pill form could be more effective at pain relief than smoking THC.

• Marinol and generic dronabinol contain a higher concentration of THC and may have more intense side effects than natural cannabis.

• States typically only allow medical marijuana to be prescribed for specific cases, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer patients.

As noted above, the legal system treats them differently as well.

Federal law classifies controlled substances into”schedules.”This includes prescription drugs. The penalties for illegal possession or distribution of a controlled substance vary based on how the drug is scheduled.

Marinol is a Schedule III drug, which means the federal government has determined that it has a low to moderate risk of dependency and has an accepted medical use.

Marijuana, on the other hand, is a Schedule 1 drug. This means the federal government determined it has a high risk of drug abuse. At the federal level, it is not accepted for medical use even if classified as medical marijuana.

This means that the penalties for misuse of Marinol will typically be less severe than those for marijuana. However, because criminal charges are typically brought at the state level, marijuana penalties can vary widely from state to state.

Can the Police Arrest You for Possession of Marinol or Medical Marijuana?

State laws regarding possession of marijuana vary. If law enforcement pulls you over and conducts a search, there’s a good chance they’ll find your medical marijuana or Marinol. If you cannot provide the police officer with a valid prescription (or medical marijuana card), they can arrest you for drug possession.

Possession Charges for Marinol

If you take Marinol and have a valid prescription, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Even if you can’t produce a copy of your legal prescription at the time of your arrest, your attorney can submit it before trial as proof of your defense. Once the state receives this proof, they’ll likely drop the drug charges.

If, however, you are caught with Marinol and don’t have a legal prescription, you could face serious consequences. For example, in Washington, D.C., possession of a controlled substance like Marinol without a valid prescription is a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine, 180 days in jail, or both.

Charges for Possession of Medical Marijuana

If the police arrest you for possession of medical marijuana, the law is a bit murkier. In many states, unlawful possession of medical marijuana will only result in a civil penalty (or none at all). However, there are situations where even someone with a prescription can face charges.

For example, in states that allow medical marijuana, there is usually a limit to how much a person can possess. Typically, a person can only carry around two and a half ounces of the drug over a 14-day period. Possession of more than that amount is typically a misdemeanor, although very large quantities could result in a felony charge.

You also generally cannot transport medical marijuana across state lines. If you have medical marijuana in your possession and are arrested in a state where medical marijuana isn’t legal, you’ll face the same penalties as someone arrested for possession of regular marijuana.

These laws vary from state to state, so it’s best to contact a local drug crimes attorney right away to protect your rights.

Making a Choice Between Marinol and Marijuana

People with a medical need who live in a state that has approved medical cannabis should weigh the potential benefits and side effects of Marinol and medical marijuana. Cannabis and cannabinoids affect people differently. Talk to a doctor who understands cannabis, cannabinoids, and dronabinol.

If medical cannabis use interests you, look at your state’s medical marijuana laws to see if it is an option. Next, consult your physician for more information on the therapeutic benefits and effects of Marinol versus medical marijuana.

If you’re facing drug possession charges, you should contact a local drug crimes attorney. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be facing serious penalties. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can craft a strong defense and achieve the best possible outcome.