Dronabinol: drops, dosage, effect, active ingredient and costs

Dronabinol is one of the most commonly used active ingredients in medical cannabis therapy. Dronabinol drops, which enable precise dosing, are particularly well known. The difference: dronabinol is chemically identical to natural THC, but is produced pharmaceutically. It is not an artificially modified active ingredient, but pure Δ9-THC. Effect, active ingredient, dosage, costs and prescription – here you can get a complete overview of how dronabinol is used, right up to the production of dronabinol in your local pharmacy.

What is dronabinol?

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Dronabinol is the pharmaceutical name for THC in its pure, standardized form. In contrast to cannabis flowers, dronabinol does not contain any other plant components, but only the isolated active ingredient.

“Dronabinol is chemically identical to natural THC.”

Dronabinol as a medicinal product

In Germany, dronabinol is usually produced as a prescription drug in pharmacies, often in the form of drops or capsules. The exact composition depends on the doctor’s prescription.

Effect of dronabinol

The effect of dronabinol is based on its interaction with the body’s own endocannabinoid system. In short: it works in the same way as natural THC. THC influences pain perception, muscle tension, appetite and sleep, among other things.

“The effect depends heavily on the dosage and individual reaction.”

When does the effect start?

After oral ingestion, the effect is usually delayed, often after 30 to 90 minutes. However, it lasts longer than with inhaled forms of application.

Dronabinol drops: dosage and application

Dronabinol drops are taken orally, usually with a little liquid or directly on the tongue. This allows the dose to be very finely adjusted, which is particularly important for sensitive patients.

“Drops enable a particularly individual and at the same time exact dosage. Unlike the inhalation of cannabis flowers, for example.”

Why drops instead of flowers?

• Exact dosage in milligrams
• No inhalation necessary
• Uniform absorption of active ingredients

Dronabinol dosage?

The dosage of dronabinol is determined individually by the doctor. The usual principle is “start low, go slow”, i.e. start with a low initial dose and adjust it gradually. The starting dose is often in the low milligram range. Adjustments are made depending on the effect, tolerability and therapy goal.

“The right dosage is always individual. As I said, ‘start low, go slow’, of course always in consultation with your doctor”

How much does Dronabinol cost?

The cost of Dronabinol is made up of the prescription fee and the pharmacy price. As this is an individual prescription, prices may vary.

“Price and quantity depend on dosage and prescription. However, you can roughly expect €100 / 10 ml.”

Who pays the costs?

In many cases, the prescription is issued on a private prescription. Costs can generally be covered, but this is not automatic and always depends on the individual case.

Formulation: how dronabinol is made

This is how Dronabinol is made in your pharmacy.

This is how Dronabinol capsules are produced: