How Cannabis Changes Gene Expression Through Epigenetics
Cannabis exposure appears to alter DNA methylation patterns at genes involved in neurodevelopment and cellular survival, with potential links to psychiatric symptoms.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across 37 included studies, cannabis exposure was most consistently associated with global hypomethylation and changes at specific genes related to dopamine signaling (DRD2, COMT), cellular function (AKT1, STAT3), and neural development (NCAM1, DLGAP2). These epigenetic changes were linked to depressive, anxious, psychotic, and addictive behavioral patterns.
Key Numbers
37 studies included from 178 screened. Nine performed epigenome-wide analysis. Reduced methylation was found at Cg05575921, DNMT1, DRD2, COMT, DLGAP2, Arg1, STAT3, MGMT, and PENK. Increased methylation was found at DNMT3a/b, NCAM1, and AKT1.
How They Did This
Systematic scoping review searching PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science through January 2022. Of 178 initial articles, 37 were included. Studies covered both human observational research and animal experimental designs examining epigenome-wide and gene-specific methylation changes.
Why This Research Matters
Epigenetics offers a mechanism for how cannabis might produce lasting behavioral effects without changing DNA itself. Understanding which genes are affected could eventually identify biomarkers for psychiatric vulnerability.
The Bigger Picture
If cannabis-induced epigenetic changes prove to be reliable markers, they could help explain why some users develop psychiatric problems while others do not. The involvement of dopamine-related genes aligns with existing theories about cannabis and psychosis risk.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Substantial variation in cannabis dosing, administration methods, and how use was measured across studies makes direct comparison difficult. Most human studies were cross-sectional, so the direction of causation remains uncertain. Animal model findings may not translate to humans.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are these epigenetic changes reversible after cannabis cessation?
- ?Could specific methylation patterns serve as early warning biomarkers for cannabis-related psychiatric risk?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 37 studies showed cannabis alters methylation at genes including DRD2, COMT, and AKT1
- Evidence Grade:
- Scoping review with heterogeneous study designs and inconsistent dosing across studies limits the strength of conclusions.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2024 with literature searched through January 2022.
- Original Title:
- Epigenetic effects of cannabis: A systematic scoping review of behavioral and emotional symptoms associated with cannabis use and exocannabinoid exposure.
- Published In:
- Drug and alcohol dependence, 263, 111401 (2024)
- Authors:
- Machado, Ana Sofia, Bragança, Miguel(2), Vieira-Coelho, Maria
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05501
Evidence Hierarchy
Maps out the available research on a broad question.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis change your genes?
Cannabis does not change DNA itself, but this review found it can alter how genes are expressed through epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation.
Which genes does cannabis affect?
The most consistent changes were found in genes related to dopamine signaling (DRD2, COMT), neural development (NCAM1), and cellular pathways (AKT1, STAT3).
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05501APA
Machado, Ana Sofia; Bragança, Miguel; Vieira-Coelho, Maria. (2024). Epigenetic effects of cannabis: A systematic scoping review of behavioral and emotional symptoms associated with cannabis use and exocannabinoid exposure.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 263, 111401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111401
MLA
Machado, Ana Sofia, et al. "Epigenetic effects of cannabis: A systematic scoping review of behavioral and emotional symptoms associated with cannabis use and exocannabinoid exposure.." Drug and alcohol dependence, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111401
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Epigenetic effects of cannabis: A systematic scoping review ..." RTHC-05501. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/machado-2024-epigenetic-effects-of-cannabis
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.