Synthetic THC is used in medical marijuana, such as Marinol, to relieve symptoms of cancer treatment, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. Smoking synthetic marijuana may pose greater health risks than real marijuana.
The active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It appears on List 1 of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) List of Controlled Substances, and its use for any purpose is illegal in most countries. Some researchers, first of all John W. Huffman of Clemson University, have managed to produce different forms of synthetic THC in the laboratory, and these have been used to produce forms of synthetic marijuana for medical use. These substances are legal in many jurisdictions and have also been used to produce smokable forms of synthetic marijuana for recreational use.
Marinol is a pharmaceutical product based on synthetic THC. It has been found to relieve nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, stimulate the appetite of AIDS patients, and alleviate some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is available in tablet form for patients with a prescription and is the only form of medical marijuana, or synthetic marijuana, approved by the DEA. The DEA argues that any form of real or synthetic marijuana that is smoked is harmful due to the variety of dangerous chemicals in any inhaled smoke.
Dronabinol, a synthetic form of delta-9 THC, which is a natural component of Cannabis sativa L., or marijuana, is the active ingredient in marinol. It is a yellowish resinous oil that is sticky at room temperature but hardens when cooled. Synthetic marijuana marinol tablets are formulated in three potencies, with 2.5, 5, or 10 mg of dronabinol and several inactive ingredients, including gelatin, glycerin, and sesame oil.
Some dronabinol users may experience allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Others may experience more serious side effects, such as seizures, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. Anyone experiencing adverse effects from synthetic marijuana should discontinue use and consult a physician.
A 1999 study by the US National Academy of Sciences that concluded that cannabis has certain health benefits contributed to legislation in many states allowing patients with certain ailments to use medical marijuana. The study expressed reservations about smoking marijuana due to the health risks associated with inhaled smoke. It has been suggested that recreational synthetic marijuana products, such as K2 and Spice, that are meant to be smoked, may pose a greater health risk than real marijuana inhaled via a vaporizer or mixed into edibles.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
