Implications of High Cannabis Use Prevalence Among Veterans: Potential Risks for Cannabis Use Disorder and Lung Cancer

According to a news release published by EurekAlert!, researchers from Yale University led a comprehensive analysis of the genomes of over 1 million individuals to provide crucial insights into the genetic basis of cannabis use disorder and its potential connections to psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and even an increased susceptibility to lung cancer. The research was published in Nature Genetics, focusing on a genome-wide examination of genetic variations in participants from diverse ancestry groups, drawn from the US Department of Veterans Affairs' Million Veteran Program, one of the world's largest genetic databases.

The research, spearheaded by Daniel Levey, an assistant professor of psychiatry, and Joel Gelernter, the Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry and professor of genetics and neuroscience, identified numerous genetic variants associated with cannabis use disorder. Variants were not only linked to the disorder itself but also to a spectrum of behavioral and health issues correlated with cannabis use. The study aimed to enhance our understanding of the biological underpinnings of cannabis use disorder and its implications for public health.

In the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marijuana is the most widely used federally illegal drug, with approximately 18% of individuals reported to have used it at least once in 2019, and usage led to disorders such as cannabis use disorder.

The study shed light on specific genetic factors associated with cannabis use disorder, mainly variants of genes encoding 3 types of receptors on neurons, which can elevate the risk of developing cannabis use disorder, in addition to increasing the likelihood of developing lung cancer.

Understanding the genetic basis of cannabis use disorder is pivotal not only for comprehending the disorder itself but also for informing the public about the risks associated with marijuana use. As an increasing number of states in the US legalize or decriminalize marijuana, studies of this nature contribute significantly to unraveling the public health implications accompanying the growing prevalence of marijuana use, especially among US veterans.

Reference

Genomic study links cannabis abuse to multiple health problems. EurekAlert! Published November 20, 2023. Accessed November 22, 2023. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1008676