Cannabis Abuse May Be Caused By Genetic Factors

CNR1 and FAAH variation and affective states induced by marijuana smoking

In Summary

Researchers have recently described how genetic variation determines individual mood state after the consumption of cannabis. The variation of genes may prove useful when attempting to understand either motivation for illicit cannabis use or risk for associated abuse behaviors. Researchers determined participants affect by utilizing tension-anxiety and confusion-bewilderment assessment in order two examine CRN1 and FAAH, two encoding factors for receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Further research should be conducted to elucidate the exact genetic variations so that the risk of abuse can be screened for in individuals.

The possibility of being able to screen for genetic variations within the endocannabinoid system that affect mood may prove useful when recommending cannabis to particularly anxious patients. ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been known to cause excess anxiety is some patients and exacerbate some mood symptoms. If physicians were able to screen for particularly whose anxiety would be exacerbated by certain cannabinoids then they may be able to help guide the patient towards other cannabinoids, like cannabidiol, or a different method of treatment entirely.