What Your DNA Says About Cannabis Use and Mental Health
Scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, in collaboration with the genetic testing company 23andMe, have identified new links between cannabis use and specific genes in our DNA.
Their findings, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, help explain why some individuals are more likely to use cannabis or develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), which can interfere with daily life.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is widely used globally, but not everyone who tries it becomes addicted. Experts estimate that approximately 30% of cannabis users may go on to develop cannabis use disorder.
Researchers studied genetic data from over 130,000 people who use 23andMe and agreed to participate in scientific research to better understand the role of genes in this risk.
Until now, scientists didn’t fully understand how our genes might play a role in this risk.
Author's summary: DNA links to cannabis use and mental health revealed.