{"id":286769,"date":"2019-10-16T13:55:52","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T18:55:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/what-s-the-difference-between-marinol-and-medical-marijuana.html"},"modified":"2025-06-02T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T05:00:00","slug":"what-s-the-difference-between-marinol-and-medical-marijuana","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/what-s-the-difference-between-marinol-and-medical-marijuana.html","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between Marinol (Dronabinol) And Medical Marijuana?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What's the Difference Between Marinol (Dronabinol) And Medical Marijuana?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Marinol<\/span> (Dronabinol<\/span>) and medical marijuana<\/span> differ primarily in legality<\/span> and composition. Marinol<\/span>, a synthetic form of THC<\/span>, is legal federally and prescribed for specific medical conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea. In contrast, medical marijuana<\/span>, containing various natural cannabinoids<\/span> including THC<\/span> and CBD<\/span>, faces federal restrictions despite state-level legalizations<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

There are many differences between the natural marijuana plant<\/span> (cannabis sativa<\/span>) and the synthetic <\/span>cannabinoid<\/span> Marinol<\/span>. The largest difference is that\u00a0marijuana is illegal<\/a>\u00a0under federal law<\/span>, even for\u00a0medicinal uses<\/a>. Marinol<\/span>, on the other hand, is legally prescribed in any state.<\/p>\n

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

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

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

Where Is Marinol<\/span> Legal?<\/h2>\n

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/span><\/a> (FDA) approved Marinol<\/span> with dronabinol<\/span> for medical use<\/span> in 1985. It is similar to Cesamet<\/span> (nabilone<\/span>), another synthetic <\/span>cannabinoid<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The FDA-approved<\/span> drug is legal in all 50 states.<\/p>\n

Because it is a regulated pharmaceutical drug, you need a prescription to buy and use Marinol<\/span>. It is against the law to sell or give Marinol<\/span> away or to use the drug without a prescription. Improper\u00a0possession or distribution of prescription drugs<\/a>\u00a0can result in criminal charges.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, medical marijuana<\/span> is legal in many (but not all) states. In those states, it can be legally prescribed and used according to state law<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

How Is Marinol<\/span> Used?<\/h2>\n

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