Among 490 males, people with cannabis use disorder showed altered methylation of the DAT1 dopamine transporter gene, which was associated with specific personality traits including higher neuroticism and anxiety.
epigenetics researchers, addiction neuroscientists, psychiatric genetics researchers
What the researchers found
Individuals with CUD showed altered DAT1 methylation levels compared to controls. These methylation changes were associated with personality traits measured by NEO-FFI (particularly neuroticism) and state-trait anxiety. The findings suggest cannabis use may produce epigenetic changes in the dopamine system that relate to psychological traits.
Why it matters
Epigenetic changes from cannabis use could explain lasting neuropsychiatric effects. The link between DAT1 methylation and personality traits in CUD suggests a molecular pathway connecting cannabis use to psychological changes.
The numbers in context
490 male participants (212 CUD, 278 controls). DAT1 methylation: altered in CUD. Associated with: neuroticism (NEO-FFI), anxiety (STAI). Males only.
How the study worked
Case-control study of 490 males (212 with CUD, 278 controls). Assessed personality via NEO-FFI and anxiety via STAI. DNA methylation levels at the DAT1 gene measured and compared between groups, then correlated with personality measures.
What this study cannot tell us
Males only, limiting generalizability. Cross-sectional design cannot determine if methylation changes preceded or followed CUD. Single gene examined. Cannot rule out confounders. Methylation measured in peripheral tissue, not brain.
How to read the evidence
Adequate sample with molecular measures and validated psychological assessments, but males only and cross-sectional design limit to moderate.
When this study was published
Recently published epigenetic study.
The bigger picture
Epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, unlike genetic mutations. If cannabis-induced DAT1 methylation changes drive personality and anxiety differences, these could theoretically normalize with cessation, though this has not been tested.
Questions still open
- Do DAT1 methylation changes reverse after cannabis cessation?
- Would female participants show the same patterns?
Common questions
Does cannabis change your DNA?
Can these changes be reversed?
Read the original research
Methylation Status of the DAT1 Dopamine Transporter Gene in Individuals With Cannabis Use Disorder: Associations With Personality Traits.
Genes, brain, and behavior, 24(6), e70040
Citation
Suchanecka, Aleksandra; Recław, Remigiusz; Chmielowiec, Krzysztof; Chmielowiec, Jolanta; Masiak, Jolanta; Grzywacz, Anna. (2025). Methylation Status of the DAT1 Dopamine Transporter Gene in Individuals With Cannabis Use Disorder: Associations With Personality Traits.. Genes, brain, and behavior, 24(6), e70040. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbb.70040
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