AKT1Your two copies: rs2494732T/rs2494732T
TTNormal function
A signaling gene linked to the risk of psychosis with heavy cannabis use.
This result doesn't change the label.
Example report. The whole genome example: a public genome from the 1000 Genomes Project, with CYP2D6 Structural Analysis, so you can see what yours will look like. Get your own report
Other substancesExample report
THC
Cannabis, Marijuana
Use with caution
You make less of the enzyme that clears your body's own cannabinoids. What this means for how THC affects you is not settled by the research so far.
The genes behind this label
The guidelines read 4 genes for THC. Each card shows the two copies this person inherited and what they mean.
COMTYour two copies: rs4680A/rs4680A
Decreased function
Both copies work less well.
Breaks down dopamine and other brain chemicals.
This result doesn't change the label.
CYP2C9Your two copies: *1/*8
Intermediate metabolizer
One copy works and one works less well.
1.5 activity scoreTypical: 2Clears warfarin, phenytoin, celecoxib and some other pain relievers.
This result doesn't change the label.
FAAHYour two copies: rs324420A/rs324420A
Decreased function
Both copies work less well.
Breaks down chemicals your body makes that act like cannabis.
This result changes the label.
What the guidelines say
What each guideline says about your result.
AKT1Normal function
Gene2Rx research summary
Use as directed Evidence: moderateSee the drug page (Gene2Rx research summaries, opens in a new tab)
- In plain words
- This gene does not raise your risk of paranoid thoughts from THC. Your risk is typical.
- What it means
- Two rs2494732 T alleles. In the gene-environment studies of cannabis and psychosis, this genotype showed no excess of psychotic-like effects.
- What the research suggests
- No AKT1-based adjustment. The usual risk of transient psychotic-like effects from THC applies.
COMTDecreased function
Gene2Rx research summary
Use as directed Evidence: weakSee the drug page (Gene2Rx research summaries, opens in a new tab)
- In plain words
- This result has been described as buffering some effects of cannabis, but other studies found the opposite, so it should not be read as protection.
- What it means
- Two rs4680 A alleles (Met158/Met158). Lower COMT activity and higher baseline prefrontal dopamine. Whether this reduces the psychotomimetic response to THC is unresolved: a meta-analysis of gene-environment studies found the interaction significant only in case-only designs, where Met/Met was the risk genotype, and a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled THC studies found the strongest dysphoric reactions in Met/Met participants.
- What the research suggests
- No COMT-based adjustment. Monitor for unexpected reactions; this genotype should not be interpreted as protective.
CYP2C9Intermediate metabolizer (activity score 1.5)
Gene2Rx research summary
Use as directed Evidence: weakSee the drug page (Gene2Rx research summaries, opens in a new tab)
- In plain words
- Your body may break down THC slightly more slowly than average, so effects could feel a little stronger or last a little longer.
- What it means
- Activity score 1.5 (one decreased-function allele, usually *2). Slightly reduced hydroxylation of THC. In the only published pharmacokinetic study of oral THC by CYP2C9 genotype, *2 status alone did not change THC exposure, so any increase at this activity score is expected to be small.
- What the research suggests
- Initiate at standard doses. Monitor for increased sedation or psychotropic intensity.
FAAHDecreased function
Gene2Rx research summary
Use with caution Evidence: weakSee the drug page (Gene2Rx research summaries, opens in a new tab)
- In plain words
- You make less of the enzyme that clears your body's own cannabinoids. What this means for how THC affects you is not settled by the research so far.
- What it means
- One or two rs324420 A alleles (Pro129Thr). The variant protein is catalytically normal but less stable, and homozygous carriers have under half the usual FAAH protein and activity; brain imaging shows lower FAAH binding in A-allele carriers. Baseline anandamide tone is therefore higher. The consequences for cannabis are unresolved: the variant was associated with problem drug use in the original reports, but in cannabis-specific studies A/A carriers were less likely to be THC dependent and C/C carriers reported more craving after abstinence.
- What the research suggests
- No reliable FAAH-based dose adjustment can be given. If THC is used, monitor for unusually intense subjective effects or craving.
About THC
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and the active ingredient of the prescription medicine dronabinol.
- Used for
- As dronabinol: chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that has not responded to other treatment, and appetite loss in AIDS-related weight loss. Cannabis is also used medically under state programs and non-medically.
Others in other substances
Compare all 7 other substancesDon't change a dose on your own. Bring this report to your prescriber or pharmacist. They can weigh it with everything else they know about you.