Marijuana addiction can depend on genetics

by druginc

Marijuana addiction can depend on genetics

Statistics show that about 9% of people who use marijuana develop cannabis use disorders (CUDs) at some point in their lives.

A recent study led by Dr. Chandni Hindocha of University College London (Clinical Psychopharmacology Department) has deduced that some individuals are more genetically susceptible to cannabis addiction than others.

For the study, published in the journal Addiction Biology, researchers examined three different markers of genetic variation - in the genes coding for CB1R and FAAH. These were previously held responsible for cannabis addiction but have not been included in any study so far. The variants are involved in the body's endocannabinoid system.

The study

48 marijuana users were "vaped" with the drug in four sessions:

  • CBD only
  • Only THC
  • Both CBD + THC
  • A placebo

Participants were then tested for not only the three genetic markers, but also a “saturation” measure, which determined whether users were more likely to look for marijuana after their first consumption.

A so-called “drug cue salience” test was also performed in which images of cannabis or cannabis use were juxtaposed with more neutral, non-drug related images.

The result

Researchers found that participants who carried one of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants in the CB1R gene had more cravings for cannabis compared to others. In addition, the same volunteers continued to tend to the cannabis-related images while under the influence of their inhaled dose.

People with this genetic marker could therefore be more susceptible to CUDs.


While the findings may lead to the development of a test, the researchers believe there is still much work to be done to confirm how these genetic variants influence the effects of the cannabis soft drugs and what other parameters should be considered to determine how vulnerable a person is to CUDs, a cannabis user disorder.

Since cannabis finds its way in many countries around the world, the fear of cannabis addiction is at a new high, especially in places where all forms of cannabis have been illegal for decades.

Read the full article on Huffs' n Puffs (EN, source)

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