Yo, what’s good? It’s your boy Dan, and today we’re talking about Marinol. You may have heard of it, but if you haven’t, Marinol is a synthetic version of THC that’s been approved by the FDA to treat certain conditions. But why is it legal when cannabis isn’t? And is it really safer than good ol’ weed? Let’s dive into the details and compare Marinol to medical marijuana.
First things first, Marinol is a branded version of dronabinol. It’s legal in several countries, including the US, Germany, South Africa, and Australia. These capsules contain a synthetic form of THC suspended in sesame seed oil. And while it may be legal, it’s still a synthetic substance made in a lab – not exactly natural.
Marinol has been approved by the FDA for two conditions: wasting syndrome associated with HIV/AIDS and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Wasting syndrome is when someone involuntarily loses at least 10% of their body weight due to symptoms like diarrhea, weakness, and fever. Marinol can increase appetite in HIV and AIDS patients, helping them take in more calories and maintain muscle mass. For chemotherapy patients, Marinol can help improve their appetite and reduce nausea and vomiting.
But let’s not forget that Marinol can still get you high. It has a similar molecular structure to THC and produces similar effects in the body. However, some users report much stronger effects from Marinol than from smoking or consuming cannabis. So be careful when taking it – it can cause mental/mood changes, anxiety, nervousness, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts, and paranoia.
When comparing Marinol to THC and medical marijuana as a whole, there are some key differences to consider. For one thing, Marinol users are limited to swallowing capsules. This sends the cannabinoid through the digestive tract and metabolizes it into 11-hydroxy-THC, which hits harder and lasts longer. With medical marijuana, there are many different options available – you can smoke flowers or try edibles like gummies or brownies. Full-spectrum extracts & concentrates or THCA crystals offer even higher levels of THC.
Another difference is legality. Marinol was approved by the FDA in 1985, but remained classified as a Schedule I drug – meaning it had no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. It wasn’t until 1999 that the DEA reclassified Marinol as a Schedule III drug. Meanwhile, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government and DEA despite being legal for medical use in 37 states.
Finally, there’s cost to consider. Marinol costs considerably more than cannabis – one bottle of 60 capsules containing 2.5mg each costs $734! Medical marijuana customers can purchase around 60g of flower for this amount of cash.
So while Marinol may have its uses for certain conditions, it’s important to remember that it’s still a synthetic substance with potential side effects. Medical marijuana offers more versatility with its many different forms and strains. And while there are still legal issues surrounding cannabis, it may be a more affordable option for those seeking relief from various ailments.
That’s all for now – stay safe out there!
