More Americans are using cannabis than ever before. While lighting up is often viewed as safer than other intoxicants, some people’s habits can become problematic. As concern around cannabis use disorder (CUD) grows in the medical field, one research team set out to understand why some users may be more vulnerable than others.
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A peer-reviewed study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests DNA may play a major role in shaping a person’s relationship with cannabis. The research was led by a team from the University of California, San Diego, in partnership with genetics testing company 23andMe. No other ethics declarations were made.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from more than 130,000 participants who self-reported cannabis use. Using a genome-wide association study (GWAS), they identified two genes strongly linked to cannabis consumption.
One gene influences how brain cells signal to each other and has been tied to impulsive decision-making, obesity, and even a higher risk of cancer. It also appears connected to how frequently someone uses cannabis.
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The other gene impacts the brain’s adaptability and has been associated with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, the researchers emphasized that the findings do not suggest that cannabis use causes those mental health disorders.
“It’s just that there’s some biological pathways that may be in common across cannabis and schizophrenia,” Abraham A. Palmer told The Washington Post.
A follow-up analysis revealed about 40 additional genes associated with cannabis use, and four more tied to frequency of consumption. Notably, 29 of those genes had never before been linked to “cannabis-related traits.”
The research team hopes the findings will shed light on genetic predispositions to CUD and inform potential therapies. They stressed that DNA is far from the only factor influencing cannabis use, but understanding genetic patterns could help adults make more informed choices about their relationship with the plant.
