The use and abuse of alcohol and marijuana are influenced by the same set of genes in a study published in the journal Alcoholism; Clinical & Experimental Research.
In 2008, a major study has shown the United States 41.8% of students graduating from high school or secondary level (Grade 12) reported having used cannabis. Although consumption could be very casual to more, 5.4% said they consume daily, reports Carolyn E. Sartor of the University of Washington, co-author of the study.
The use and abuse of alcohol and marijuana are influenced by the same set of genes in a study published in the journal Alcoholism; Clinical & Experimental Research.
In 2008, a major study has shown the United States 41.8% of students graduating from high school or secondary level (Grade 12) reported having used cannabis. Although consumption could be very casual to more, 5.4% said they consume daily, reports Carolyn E. Sartor of the University of Washington, co-author of the study.
‘Active ingredient in cannabis, THC mimics natural cannabinoids produced by the brain, “says Christian Hopfer, University of Colorado. “The cannabinoid system is important for learning, memory, appetite and pain perception. Most marijuana users do not develop addictions, but about 1 in 12 will do.”
The researchers conducted the study with 6.257 people, 2.761 pairs of twins, aged 24-36 years.
Several genetic factors that contributed to alcohol use also contributed to the use of cannabis. Similarly, symptoms of alcohol dependence and those with cannabis dependence were related to some of the same genetic influences. For alcohol and cannabis, the majority of genetic factors that contributed to the use also contributed to the symptoms of dependence.
“In other words, Hopfer said,” the genetic influences on drug use are not specific to individual drugs, but seem to influence a general tendency to use drugs. What is important to note because there is a tendency to study drugs separately (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, etc..).
“The fact that very little environmental influences on the use of alcohol and cannabis, or symptoms of dependence may be attributed to common sources indicates that there may be important distinctions between environmental factors affecting the consumption of these substances, “said Sartor.