San Diego, USA: A mental health counselor has revealed compelling genetic links between cannabis use and several psychiatric conditions, offering new scientific insight into why some individuals are more vulnerable to developing cannabis dependence than others.
Ruth Hernandez, a counselor with Addiction Resource, told DailyExpress that recent genetics research conducted at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) found strong connections between genes influencing cannabis use and those linked to major psychiatric disorders.
“The genetic overlap between cannabis use and mental health conditions gives us valuable insight into why some people develop cannabis use disorder while others can use occasionally without problems,” Hernandez explained.
Two Key Genes Linked to Cannabis and Mental Health
The study identified two major genes — CADM2 and GRM3 — as being directly associated with both lifetime cannabis use and frequency of consumption.
Researchers analyzed data from 131,895 participants and found that individuals with specific variations in the CADM2 gene, which influences impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, were more likely to experiment with cannabis and use it frequently.
Hernandez noted the importance of the GRM3 gene, which regulates communication between neurons and has been previously linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. “This connection helps explain why cannabis use and certain psychiatric conditions often appear together,” she said.
According to the UK Biobank analysis, genetic predisposition for cannabis use overlaps with more than 100 traits, including schizophrenia, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
“What makes these findings particularly valuable is that they might help us identify who’s at higher risk before they ever try cannabis,” Hernandez noted. “This could lead to targeted prevention strategies for vulnerable individuals.”
The same study also revealed genetic correlations between cannabis-related genes and physical health conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and coronary artery disease, suggesting that the biological factors driving cannabis use may also influence broader health outcomes.
One of the most striking revelations was evidence that genetic risk for schizophrenia might lead individuals to use cannabis, rather than cannabis directly causing schizophrenia, challenging long-held assumptions about the direction of causality.
“This doesn’t mean cannabis is harmless for mental health,” Hernandez cautioned. “It suggests some people may use cannabis to self-medicate symptoms they don’t yet recognize as early signs of psychiatric conditions.”
The CADM2 gene, she added, has also been linked to obesity risk and cancer metastasis, indicating that these genetic networks may have far-reaching implications beyond substance use behaviors.
Implications for Treatment and Prevention
The findings may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches. Cannabis use disorder currently lacks any FDA-approved medication, even though it affects nearly 30% of individuals who try the drug.
“Understanding the biological pathways gives us potential targets for medication and allows for more personalized treatment based on genetic profiles,” Hernandez said.
She recommended that clinicians consider genetic testing when treating patients with co-occurring cannabis use and psychiatric symptoms. “We now have stronger evidence that these conditions share biological roots, which should inform treatment plans,” she added.
The UK Biobank analysis concluded that all measured genetic variants across the genome explained 11% of the variance in cannabis use among individuals, highlighting that while environment still matters, genetics play a significant role in shaping substance use behaviors.
“Humans, including you, can use this information to prevent cannabis abuse by addressing underlying mental health conditions,” Hernandez emphasized.
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