APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. one of a number of cannabinoids principally responsible for the psychoactive properties of cannabis. THC is available in a synthetic pharmaceutical preparation (also called a synthetic cannabinoid) known as dronabinol (U.S. trade name: Marinol) for use in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and as an appetite stimulant for the treatment of HIV-related anorexia. Research suggests it may also be effective in reducing intraocular pressure and as an analgesic. See also nabilone.