Glossary term

Dronabinol: Dronabinol is a synthetic compound identical in structure to naturally occurring THC and is named by NICE as an example when discussing cannabis-based medicinal products.

AdvancedCannabinoids / prescribingSource quality: HighLast updated: 29 June 2026

Why this term matters

Helps readers understand that some cannabis-related medicines are not plant flower or oils.

UK medical cannabis context

NICE uses dronabinol as an example of a synthetic compound identical in structure to a naturally occurring cannabinoid.

What not to assume

It should not be confused with illicit synthetic cannabinoids such as “Spice”.

Careful wording: Avoid using “synthetic” as a synonym for “unsafe”.

Related glossary terms

Related MCPH pages

Sources and review notes

This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.