Gene Variant Linked to How Childhood Sexual Abuse Relates to Cannabis Use and Aggression | Research

The takeaway

Male carriers of the low-activity MAOA gene variant who experienced childhood sexual abuse were more likely to use cannabis for coping, but this combination appeared to buffer aggression levels.

Behavioral genetics researchers; trauma specialists; substance use clinicians working with abuse survivors.

MAOA-L genotype in males buffered aggression despite trauma and heavy cannabis use

What the researchers found

Among 498 emerging adults, males with the low-activity MAOA gene variant (MAOA-L) who experienced childhood sexual abuse and used cannabis reported using it specifically for coping at higher rates than other groups. Surprisingly, the MAOA-L genotype in males appeared to buffer the impact of sexual abuse and heavy cannabis use on aggression measures.

Why it matters

This gene-environment interaction study reveals that the relationship between trauma, cannabis use, and aggression is more complex than assumed. A genetic variant that increases vulnerability to coping-motivated cannabis use may paradoxically reduce aggression.

The numbers in context

498 emerging adults genotyped. MAOA-L males with childhood sexual abuse history had higher coping-motivated cannabis use. MAOA-L appeared to buffer aggression in males with both sexual abuse history and high cannabis use. No significant effects found among females.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional genotyping study of 498 emerging adults. Assessed MAOA alleles (low vs high activity), childhood sexual abuse history, reactive and proactive aggression, and cannabis use patterns including coping motives.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design. Self-reported childhood sexual abuse. Single gene focus when multiple genes likely involved. Effects only observed in males. Relatively small sample for gene-environment interaction analysis.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional genotyping study with moderate sample size; gene-environment interactions need replication.

When this study was published

2025 study

The bigger picture

Understanding gene-environment interactions could eventually help clinicians identify who is most at risk for problematic cannabis use after trauma, and who might actually experience some behavioral benefits.

Questions still open

Is the aggression-buffering effect a direct result of cannabis use or the MAOA genotype? Would these findings replicate in larger, more diverse samples? What mechanisms explain the sex-specific effects?

Common questions

What is the MAOA gene?

MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A) produces an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. The low-activity variant (MAOA-L) has been previously linked to aggression when combined with childhood maltreatment.

Why were effects only seen in males?

MAOA is on the X chromosome, so males have only one copy while females have two. This makes the effects of any single MAOA variant more pronounced in males.

Read the original research

Sex-Dependent Effects of MAOA Genotypes on the Relations Between Childhood Sexual Abuse, Aggression, and Cannabis Use in Emerging Adults.

Journal of child sexual abuse, 34(4), 386-403

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Fite, Paula J; Ryder, Annie L; Baca, Selena; Hossain, Waheeda A; Manzardo, Ann; Butler, Merlin G; Bortolato, Marco. (2025). Sex-Dependent Effects of MAOA Genotypes on the Relations Between Childhood Sexual Abuse, Aggression, and Cannabis Use in Emerging Adults.. Journal of child sexual abuse, 34(4), 386-403. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2025.2519575