Cannabis, schizophrenia and genetics with Emma Johnson

Cannabis, schizophrenia and genetics with Emma Johnson

Ever wondered if there's a genetic link between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia? Dr. Emma Johnson joins Dr. Rob Calder to shed light on this complex relationship. In this episode of 'Addiction Audio', they dive into the shared genetic factors that may influence both conditions and the intriguing role of tobacco smoking in this mix. Dr. Johnson breaks down her research, explaining how cannabis use, like other substance use behaviors, is influenced by a myriad of genetic and environmental factors.

She introduces the concept of mendelian randomisation, a method used to assess causality in genetic studies. Using multivariable MR, Dr. Johnson and her team have pinpointed specific genetic variants that could underlie the association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia. They discuss how these genetic markers might influence both disorders, sometimes in opposite directions.

The conversation wraps up with a look at the challenges faced in this field of research, particularly the need for larger sample sizes to identify reliable genetic associations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how genetics can shape substance use behaviors and mental health disorders.