Intermediate cannabis dependence phenotypes and the FAAH C385A variant: an exploratory analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Cannabis dependence is a growing problem among individuals who use marijuana frequently, and genetic differences make some users more liable to progress to dependence. The identification of intermediate phenotypes of cannabis dependence may aid candidate genetic analysis. Promising intermediate phenotypes include craving for marijuana, withdrawal symptoms after abstinence, and sensitivity to its acute effects. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene encoding for fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has demonstrated association with substance use disorder diagnoses, but has not been studied with respect to these narrower phenotypes. FAAH is an enzyme that inactivates anandamide, an endogenous agonist for CB(1) receptors (to which Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol binds

SUBMITTER: Schacht JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2863054 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature