Is weed in your DNA? What genetic testing can tell us about our cannabis habits

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

At-home genetic DNA testing has become so popular and trendy in recent years. These tests, where all you do is dab your cheek or spit into a tube and send it back to the manufacturer for analysis, have made it so easy and convenient to learn so much about ancestry information, health, and medical patterns in your family, for which diseases You are vulnerable, and even the chance to discover relatives you might not even know about.

Some of these famous companies are 23andMe, Circle DNA, and Ancestry. But what about cannabis-specific DNA testing, using your own DNA to learn more about the most efficient ways to use cannabis?

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Finally, knowing that everyone reacts differently to cannabis makes it interesting to learn how our bodies react to it. This means that when sharing a joint with a group of friends, some of you will react differently to the high based on your own genetic make-up, as well as the strain you use, personal experiences with cannabis, and many other factors. Another example is that high THC cannabis makes many people prone to anxiety and panic attacks, while calming others.

Rather than conducting a trial-and-error experiment with cannabis products, these tests can take the guesswork out—for a fee. You will learn exactly what type of cannabis or CBD product you should be using, how much CBD and THC you should consume for optimal health, which products will not give you any unwanted cannabis side effects (this can range from nausea to dizziness for some people). anxiety, insomnia, couchlock, etc.) and which ones work best for your medical condition.

Understanding genetics is a very complex thing. The genetic mutations we are all born with can happen and change based on the very individual things we face in our lives, from our stress levels to the foods we consume, we all have a very unique one Responding to cannabis and understanding your DNA can help you learn more about it. And for many consumers, the investment is worth it.

Here are some of the popular cannabis DNA testing services available in the market.

Endocanna Health

Endocanna Health is a team of scientists who have identified 57 human genetic signatures that influence how we respond to cannabis. Consumers can choose to dab themselves with a home kit, or they can choose to send data from another similar DNA service like 23andMe. The company was founded to solve a problem: to help consumers identify cannabinoid or CBD products that meet their specific needs that many people are already struggling with.

“Think of us as the scientific cannabis matchmaker,” Len May, CEO of Endocanna Health, told Rolling Stone. “We provide you with your personal ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes that best suits your genetic profile.”

RELATED: Marijuana Making You Paranoid? Study suggests your genes are to blame

The Endocanna website states that their product is the future of cannabinoid therapeutics, with consumers using the latest science and biotechnology to determine the best CBD and THC products for them. The patent-pending DNA testing, along with genetically-adapted formulations, provide the blueprint for users to learn more about the optimal terpene and cannabinoid ratios and profiles that best suit them. For cannabis product companies and manufacturers, these services can help them find products that work best for their customers the first time.

Strain Genius

With well over 10,000 different cannabis strains on the market today – and counting – it can be overwhelming for consumers to decide which strains are best for them.

That’s where Strain Genie comes in: users have their DNA sequenced using a home testing kit, although you can also upload raw data from other similar kits like 23andMe. You will then be asked to complete an optional questionnaire and share information about cannabis products or brands that you have tried in the past. You’ll then receive a full personalized report telling you how your body and mind are working with the different terpenes and cannabinoids so you can find out which ones suit you.

In addition, they can also provide recommendations on CBD products as well as cannabis products that you can purchase at a nearby pharmacy if you live in a state with legal adult or medical cannabis use.

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Dynamic DNA

Dynamic DNA offers a range of DNA tests with categories for consumers to choose from. There are tests for Proactive Health, Family + Ancestry, Personalized Medicine, and then there is cannabis under substances.

RELATED: Your genes have a surprising impact on how marijuana affects you

The steps are similar to other cannabis DNA testing methods: order a kit from the website, provide a sample of your cheek swab, submit the mailer, and your DNA report will be mailed to you. The test results will help you learn about 13 genetic traits, giving you the information you need to maximize your cannabis experience while avoiding unwanted side effects.

Additionally, after receiving your report, you can learn about the best THC:CBD ratios to better navigate the cannabis products on the market.

Conclusion

Cannabis-focused DNA testing services are a great way for curious cannabis users to delve deep into scientific knowledge about their health and endocannabinoid system. While recreational cannabis users may be doing this for fun or just want to learn something new, these are excellent tools for medical patients or first-time medical marijuana patients who want to know which products work best without having to worry about trial and error too need that they can find the best way to find medication for their specific needs and get it right the first time.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.