By analyzing the genomes of more than 1 million people, researchers identified genes that may be associated with cannabis addiction. They also found that some of the same regions in the genome are associated with other health conditions such as lung cancer and schizophrenia.
The study results are evidence that cannabis addiction “can pose a significant risk to public health as usage increases,” said Dr. , said study co-author Daniel Levey. natural genetics1.
Recreational consumption of cannabis is legal in eight countries, and medical use of cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, cancer and epilepsy is legal in 48 countries. However, one-third of people who consume cannabis end up becoming addicted or using it in ways that compromise their health. Previous research suggests there is a genetic component, and has shown links between problematic cannabis use and some cancers and mental illnesses.
Weighing the dangers of cannabis
Drug intake and addiction can be influenced by both genes and the environment, making it extremely difficult to study, Levy said.However, the team was able to build on previous achievements2 This is primarily done by including genetic information from additional sources such as the Million Veterans Program, a large U.S.-based genetic database aimed at improving medical care for former military personnel. The analysis included multiple ethnic groups and is the first genetic study to examine cannabis misuse.
In addition to identifying genes that may be involved, researchers also found that there is a bidirectional link between excessive cannabis use and schizophrenia, meaning that the two symptoms interact with each other. It was discovered that there is a possibility that they influence each other. The findings are interesting, says Marta Di Forti, a psychiatrist and scientist at King’s College London. Cannabis use is “the most preventable risk factor” for schizophrenia, she said, and the type of genetic data examined in the study could help identify people who are at higher risk of developing mental illness due to cannabis use in the future. , it added, could be used to help.
More information about the biological mechanisms linking cannabis use and health conditions will provide a better evidence base for policy and medical practice, said study co-author Joel Gelernter, a psychiatric geneticist at Yale University. states.
He added that researchers must continue to use data to build on this knowledge and understand the health risks of both medical and recreational cannabis use. Di Forti agreed, adding that it was also important to look into the details of how the drug was administered and how much of the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) users were ingesting.