High potency cannabis use has been found to have a significant impact on DNA, according to new research conducted by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and the University of Exeter. Published in Molecular Psychiatry, this study is the first to suggest that high potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological effects of cannabis use. High potency cannabis is defined as having a THC content of 10 percent or more.
The research also revealed that the effects of cannabis use on DNA differ between individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis and those who have never experienced psychosis. This suggests that there may be potential for DNA blood tests to identify cannabis users at risk of developing psychosis, allowing for early intervention strategies. The study was funded by the Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre.
Senior author Marta Di Forti, Professor of Drugs, Genes, and Psychosis at King’s IoPPN, emphasized the importance of understanding the biological impact of high potency cannabis, especially in light of its increasing prevalence. The study revealed that high potency cannabis leaves a unique DNA signature related to mechanisms involving the immune system and energy production. Further research is needed to determine if this DNA signature can help identify those at higher risk of developing psychosis due to cannabis use.
The research team explored the effects of cannabis use on DNA methylation, a process that alters gene function without changing the DNA sequence itself. DNA methylation is considered a crucial factor in the relationship between risk factors and mental health. Through complex analyses of DNA methylation across the entire human genome using blood samples, the researchers identified changes in genes related to mitochondrial and immune function, particularly the CAVIN1 gene, in frequent users of high-potency cannabis.
Dr. Emma Dempster, the study’s first author and Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter, highlighted the significance of their findings, which provide insights into how cannabis use can affect biological processes. By examining the impact of cannabis on DNA methylation, the study sheds light on how external influences, such as substance use, can influence gene activity. These epigenetic changes offer valuable insights into the potential pathways through which cannabis use may impact mental health.
In conducting this research, Dr. Dempster meta-analyzed data from two cohorts, including patients with first episode psychosis and healthy controls from various countries. Most cannabis users in the study used high-potency cannabis frequently, starting at an average age of 16. High potency cannabis was defined as having a THC content of 10 percent or higher. The study’s findings underscore the need for further research to better understand the biological impact of high potency cannabis use and to identify individuals at risk of developing psychosis due to cannabis use.