This paper takes a close look at why some people are more at risk for cannabis dependence than others, and a big part of the story comes down to genetics. According to the article, cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide, but only a portion of users end up developing dependence. The paper points out that global use ranges from about 2.8% to 5.1%, and men consistently show higher rates than women. It also explains that dependence isn’t just about using cannabis often, it’s about having a strong internal drive to keep using it, even when it causes problems.
The researchers report that cannabis dependence is partly inherited, with genetics accounting for about 55% of the overall risk. In the paper, they highlight 14 specific genes that seem most tied to cannabis dependence, including ANKFN1, CHRNA2, and NCAM1. These genes are connected to brain signaling and neural functioning, which makes sense given that cannabis affects the brain’s reward systems. The authors also mention several “candidate genes,” like CNR1 and ABCB1, that might influence how the body responds to cannabinoids, though they note the evidence for some of these is still being sorted out.
Even with all of these genetic clues, the paper makes it clear that genes aren’t destiny. Environmental factors, personal experiences, stress, mental health, and even how early someone starts using cannabis all play a role. The authors suggest that future work should look not only at DNA itself but epigenetic changes, basically, how gene activity gets switched on or off, to better understand why dependence develops in some people and not others. It’s a reminder that cannabis dependence is complicated, and genetics are just one piece of the puzzle.
Original Article: https://psychpersonality.com.ua/en/journals/tom-24-2-2023/genetika-zalezhnosti-vid-kanabisu
Secondary Article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12920-021-01035-5?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Labels: "Cannabis" "Addiction" "Inheritability"
No comments:
Post a Comment