Finding Marinol Shouldn't Be This Hard

If you've been prescribed Marinol (Dronabinol) for appetite stimulation or chemotherapy-induced nausea, you already know the frustration of hearing "we don't carry that" or "it's on backorder." As a Schedule III controlled substance with limited manufacturers, Marinol can be genuinely difficult to track down at your local pharmacy.

But difficult doesn't mean impossible. In this guide, we'll share three practical strategies that work right now in 2026, plus what to do if you've tried everything and still can't find it.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search Real-Time Pharmacy Stock

The fastest way to find Marinol in stock is to skip the phone calls and use Medfinder. Medfinder lets you search for pharmacies near your location that currently have Marinol or generic Dronabinol available.

Here's why this matters: when you call pharmacies one by one, you're spending 10 to 15 minutes per call — waiting on hold, explaining what you need, and often getting transferred. With Medfinder, you can see multiple results at once and find a pharmacy that has your medication today, not next week.

Pro tip: Search for both "Marinol" and "Dronabinol" — some pharmacies may have the generic in stock even when the brand name isn't available. Generic Dronabinol is the exact same medication and costs significantly less, often as low as $58 with a coupon compared to $300+ for brand-name Marinol.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of checking pharmacy stock, see our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Marinol in stock.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

If your usual chain pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) doesn't have Marinol, it's time to think outside the big-box pharmacy. Here's who to try instead:

Independent Pharmacies

Locally owned pharmacies often have more flexibility in their ordering. They may be willing to special-order Dronabinol for you and can sometimes get it within a few business days. They also tend to have stronger relationships with multiple wholesale distributors, giving them more options when one supplier is out.

Specialty Pharmacies

Pharmacies that specialize in oncology or HIV/AIDS medications are much more likely to keep Dronabinol on their shelves. These pharmacies deal with the controlled substance regulations every day and understand the importance of consistent supply for their patients.

Hospital Outpatient Pharmacies

If you're receiving chemotherapy or being treated at an HIV clinic, ask if the hospital or cancer center has an outpatient pharmacy. These pharmacies typically stock the medications their patients need most, and Dronabinol is often one of them.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Timing matters more than you might think when it comes to controlled substance availability:

• Request refills early. Don't wait until your last capsule. Start the refill process at least 7-10 days before you run out. Most states allow Schedule III prescriptions to be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months of the original date.
• Avoid end-of-month rushes. Pharmacies sometimes run low on controlled substances toward the end of the month when many patients are filling prescriptions simultaneously.
• Ask your pharmacy to set up auto-refill notifications. Even if they can't auto-fill a controlled substance, they can alert you when it's time to call in your refill so you stay ahead of the curve.

What If You Still Can't Find Marinol?

If you've tried all three tips above and you're still coming up empty, here are some additional options:

Ask Your Doctor About Syndros

Syndros is an oral liquid formulation of Dronabinol. While it's classified as Schedule II (slightly more restricted than Marinol capsules), it contains the same active ingredient and may be available when capsules aren't. Note that Syndros contains alcohol, so it's not appropriate for everyone.

Discuss Alternative Medications

Depending on why you take Marinol, your doctor may be able to prescribe a substitute. For chemotherapy-related nausea, options include Nabilone (Cesamet), Ondansetron (Zofran), or Granisetron. For appetite stimulation, Megestrol Acetate (Megace) is an alternative. Read more about these options in our article on alternatives to Marinol.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Some insurance companies have tools to help locate in-network pharmacies with specific medications in stock. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask for help finding a pharmacy that carries Dronabinol.

Look Into Savings Programs

If cost is a barrier on top of availability, there are ways to bring the price down. Discount programs, manufacturer assistance, and coupon cards can reduce the price of generic Dronabinol significantly. We cover all of these in our guide to saving money on Marinol.

Final Thoughts

Finding Marinol in 2026 requires a bit more effort than picking up a common medication, but with the right tools and approach, you can get the medication you need. Start with Medfinder to quickly locate pharmacies with stock, branch out to independent and specialty pharmacies, and always plan your refills ahead of time.

You shouldn't have to go without your medication because of supply chain problems. If you want to understand more about why this is happening, read our explainer on why Marinol is so hard to find.