Prevalence, Demographics, Use Patterns, and Health Indicators of U.S. Cannabis Consumers
by Chane Leigh
You probably know someone that appreciates cannabis so much, or you’re that person, that at some point you started wondering if it was genetic.
A study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience found that there are exactly 35 different genes in your body that make you more likely to enjoy marijuana, either by smoking or eating cannabis and/or cannabis products.
The meta-analysis of twin studies estimated that the heritability of lifetime cannabis use, defined as any use of cannabis during lifetime, to be approximately 45%. Twin studies have also shown that there is substantial overlap in the genetic factors influencing cannabis use and those underlying problematic cannabis use, whether it is cannabis abuse or dependence.
Researchers used data from 180,000 people, including data from the ancestry company 23andMe, as well as data taken from 16 other studies to try and find a link between someone’s genes and their relationship with cannabis.
Interestingly enough, they found that people who are most likely to develop schizophrenia and ADHD are more prone to use cannabis. Another intriguing finding was that there’s a correlation between consuming cannabis and other habits as well as personality traits impacted by genetics such as openness to experience and educational attainment.
The authors of the research talked about the relationship between cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco. “The study found a genetic overlap between cannabis use and the use of tobacco and alcohol. There was a similar overlap between cannabis use and personality types that were prone to more risky behavior or were more extroverted,” said the authors in a press release.
“This means that genetic variants impacting cannabis use partially impact other psychological or psychiatric features as well.”
Your genes don’t precisely indicate how inclined you are to using cannabis. According to the authors of this study, an individual’s genes “helped to explain approximately 11 percent of the differences in cannabis use between people.” Basically, only a small percentage of people had their cannabis habits explained by their genes.
The Coronavirus has been around for a few years. During this time, researchers conducted studies on a wide range of topics. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research explored cannabis consumption and COVID-19. Researchers found that those who consume cannabis were associated with lower COVID-19 severity among those who have been hospitalized,…
Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr., American rap artist and founder/CEO of the cannabis brands Cookies and VIBES Papers, is celebrating the launch of his new Cookies store in Thailand. Gilbert, whose stage name is Berner, described the Southeast Asian nation’s first cannabis store opening as “a huge step into the global market.” Berner, who has released…
Have you wondered what the best cannabis subscription boxes are on the market today? If so, you’re not alone. Many consumers wonder which monthly box is actually worth the money, and what you can look forward to in the mail each month. There are many different types of boxes out there. Most of them only…
Chicken soup for the soul? Well, if it’s infused with cannabis, it’s going to do more than soothe the soul! Whether you consider yourself a talented cook or someone who merely enjoys dabbling with different dishes in the kitchen, this cannabis-infused chicken soup recipe will have you yearning for another spoonful after each gulp. But…
Is there anything that cannabis cannot do? As more research is conducted, the list of health benefits grows. One recent discovery indicates that the cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) might just be the next big thing for treating testosterone imbalances. Studies have outlined that CBD — a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, rich in anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties — may…
A Black-owned farm in Florida received a cannabis license for the first time, German officials are looking to California for cannabis industry…
Fresh plans have been released regarding the launch of New York state’s first-ever recreational cannabis retail stores. The news emerges almost a…
Question: I live in a state with legal cannabis and started shopping at my local dispensary a few times a month. I’m grateful…
