Strong Cannabis Can Change DNA, Study Finds.
High-strength cannabis is cannabis that has a THC level of above 10%. THC content has increased massively since the 1990s.
A new study undertaken by King’s College London and Exeter University has found that high-strength cannabis may impact DNA, something which may provide us with an understanding of the impact of cannabis on the body. It also makes it possible that a test could be created to identify users who may be at risk of developing psychosis.
What is Classed as High Strength Cannabis?
High-strength cannabis is cannabis that has a THC level of above 10%. THC content has increased massively since the 1990s.
Numerous studies have found that those who smoke strong cannabis may be at a much higher risk of schizophrenia or psychosis. Adolescent cannabis users are thought to be at a higher risk of psychosis as the brain is still developing during our teenage years.
This most recent study discovered that high-strength cannabis changes DNA methylation. DNA methylation assists genes in switching on and off. Cannabis has been found to impact the genes connected to the body's energy and immune system processes.
It was uncovered that the effect cannabis has on DNA varied between those experiencing their first spell of psychosis and those who had never experienced psychosis.
This indicates that DNA blood tests may be able to help in identifying those at risk of developing psychosis as well as helping to develop new preventative procedures.
“With the increasing prevalence of cannabis use and more availability of high-potency cannabis, there is a pressing need to better understand its biological impact, particularly on mental health. Our study is the first to show that high-potency cannabis leaves a unique signature on DNA related to mechanisms around the immune system and energy production. Future research needs to explore if the DNA signature for current cannabis use, and in particular one of the high-potency types, can help identify those users most at risk to develop psychosis, both in recreational and medicinal use settings.” - Marta Di Forti, professor of drugs, genes and psychosis at King’s College London and senior report author.
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