1980 – Marinol, a Synthetic Version of THC, and Smoked Marijuana Tested on Cancer Patients

“In 1980, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) began experimental distribution of a new drug called Marinol, an oral form of THC (the primary active ingredient in marijuana), to cancer patients in San Francisco. Simultaneously, six states conducted studies comparing smoked marijuana to oral THC in cancer patients who had not responded to traditional antivomiting medication. These state-sponsored studies revealed that thousands of patients found marijuana safer and more effective than synthetic THC. Meanwhile, the NCI experiments showed that some patients responded well to Marinol… Confronted with two different medical recommendations, the government chose to dismiss the state studies and give Marinol the green light.”