Nabilone

(6aR,10aR)-1-hydroxy-6,6-diméthyl-3-(2-méthyloctan-2-yl)-7,8,10,10a-tétrahydro-6aH-benzo[c]chromén-9-one

Aliases.Cesamet · Canemes · LY-109514

A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC; an approved antiemetic medicine (Cesamet®, FDA 1985).

Updated on 1 May 2026

Level of detail

Identifiers

Formula: C₂₄H₃₆O₃
Molar mass: 372.50 g·mol⁻¹
CAS: 51022-71-0
PubChem CID: 5284592
First described: 1975
Origin: Laboratory
InChIKey: GECBBEABIDMGGL-RTBURBONSA-N

In plain terms

Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid close to THC, used as a prescription medicine for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It acts on the same CB1 receptors as cannabis.

Receptors and activity

CB1
Agonist
CB2
Agonist

Agonist
Partial agonist
Antagonist
Modulator
Inverse agonist

Hover over a row for the precise value (Ki, EC50…)

Subjective signature

Hover over an axis to read its definition.

Calm
55
Clarity
25
Sleep
60
Appetite
70
High
45

Editorial estimate, not clinical.

Pharmacology

Nabilone is an entirely synthetic cannabinoid, an analogue of Δ9-THC, an agonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Approved by the FDA in 1985 under the name Cesamet® (1 mg capsules), it is indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting induced by cancer chemotherapy that are refractory to conventional antiemetics. In Europe, it is marketed in several countries (Canemes®). Like THC, it is psychoactive: sedation, drowsiness, effects on mood and appetite stimulation are documented in clinical practice. Its human pharmacological profile is well characterised, unlike that of most recent recreational synthetic cannabinoids.

Key sources.

Cesamet (nabilone)FDA 1985 · nausées chimio-induites

Canemes (nabilone)UE · antiémétique sur prescription

Origin (research tool)

An entirely synthetic cannabinoid of the dibenzopyran class, an analogue of Δ9-THC. Produced by pharmaceutical synthesis: described here by chemical class only.