Definition - What does Dronabinol mean?
Dronabinol is a cannabinoid used to treatment of nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss. The drug is sometimes prescribed patients undergoing chemotherapy or to those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Synthetically produced dronabinol contains THC, a substance also present in marijuana.
Similar to medical marijuana, dronabinol acts on specific receptors in the brain. In addition to alleviating nausea and stimulating appetite, the medication may cause drowsiness, lower blood pressure, or cause dizziness. The drug is may also heighten the symptoms of depression or mood disorders.
Individuals taking dronabinol are cautioned to exercise care when taking the drug and to avoid combining the medication with other drugs such a marijuana or alcohol as this may lead to an accidental overdose.
Dronabinol may be referred to by its brand name, Marinol. The drug is also sometimes referred to as Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-9-THC
SureHire explains Dronabinol
Because of the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the drug, users of dronabinol will test positive on standard drug tests designed to detect marijuana usage. However, the use of medical marijuana and prescription medications containing THC is legal in many states. Nonetheless, THC remains a schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.
As of September 2017, Federal regulators have maintained a policy which does not exempt medically prescribed THC use from the list of prohibited substances identified in the U.S. Department of Transportation mandatory drug testing guidelines (DOT-testing guidelines). Because of this, the use of THC for medical purposes may not be considered a reasonable medical explanation for safety sensitive transportation employees covered by the DOT testing requirements. A medical review officer (MRO) cannot declare a test that is positive for presence of THC negative for reasons of medical necessity.
