Nicotine-like subject genes are associated with cannabis abuse

genome-wide association study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience reported a genetic marker of marijuana use disorder that also controls the level of a nicotine-binding subject in the brain.
cannabis is the most frequently used illegal psychoactive substance in the world, with about 10 per cent of users becoming dependent. As with other forms of addiction, frequent and harmful use of cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorders (CUDs). Not only do people with CUD reduce interpersonal communication and engage in enjoyable activities, but not using marijuana can also cause them to develop cravings and withdrawal symptoms. CuD incidence is expected to continue to rise as legalization makes cannabis products more accessible.
Dette Demontis of Aolhus University in Denmark and colleagues analyzed the genomes of more than 2,000 individuals with CUD and nearly 50,000 control individuals in a danish national queue to establish a link between common genetic variations and CUDs. The researchers found that CUD was linked to a genetic mutation that controls the expression of the CHRNA2 gene, which encodes the brain's neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which binds to nicotine. The team then performed genetic analysis on 5,500 INDIVIDUAL CUD patients and more than 300,000 control individuals in another Icelandic genetic queue, recreating the results. The researchers also found that the overall increase in genetic variation associated with cognitive decline was also associated with an increased risk of CUD.
believe this is the first large-scale study to link specific genes to CUD. Further work is needed in the future to explore the biological mechanisms by which these genetic differences contribute to the development of CUD and how this information can be used to improve treatment effectiveness. (Source: China Science Journal Tang 1 Dust Compilation)
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