A Gene Has Been Discovered That Predicts How Cannabis Will Affect You

The effects of cannabis on users vary depending on several factors: the person, the strain of cannabis, the moment, whether the cannabis is Indica or Sativa, whether the subject is sick or healthy and even if they have eaten or not. The case may also be that the joint you have always enjoyed, the one you smoke before sleeping or at a party with friends, one day suddenly tastes different to you. A recent research study published in the prestigious magazine "Nature" states that it is possible to predict how the plant will affect someone.

The study 'AKT1 genotype moderates the acute psychotomimetic effects of naturalistically smoked cannabis in young cannabis smokers' has been conducted by professionals from several universities and research centres in the United Kingdom. Experts have discovered a specific gene, the AKT1, which can predict the effects resulting from consumption, as this gene makes the results stronger.

Furthermore, these scientists have revealed that the effect consumption has on an individual largely depends on their genes. Therefore, if it does not work well with a consumer, it is highly probable that this is due to obstacles resulting from their own body.

For this reason, doing tests relating to genes benefits the consumer, as they will be able to have the necessary information in order to know if they can consume with complete freedom or with certain restrictions, especially if they suffer from any kind of illness or if they might develop any psychotic symptoms (although this only happens to approximately 1% of people).

"Cannabis and its extracts are increasingly recognised for their medical uses; this is one reason why it is essential to find the means of predicting who will experience negative effects with its use", explained Celia Morgan, the main author of the report. The information will also be useful for those that prefer to avoid strong feelings and choose the plant for gentle results.

These conclusions are the result of more than a decade of research aimed at preventing consumers from suffering paranoiac episodes. At the end of the day, there is more than enough evidence to prove that cannabis does not cause any kind of mental illness. Rather, it is normally used in a medical and controlled way to reduce the effects among those already suffering from such illnesses.