Is Marinol better for you than marijuana?

Marinol contains pure tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), which is the main active component of marijuana. However, marijuana plant material contains many active compounds, which mediate the effects of THC. Marinol does not contain those compounds. The effects are therefore reported to be different.

In the strictest sense of "better for you," Marinol is better than smoked marijuana, as smoking any substance irritates the respiratory system and can increase your chances of infection. However, if Marinol is being compared to, say, eaten marijuana, it isn't "better for you" or "worse for you" as marijuana is a non-toxic substance. It would boil down to the individual user.