Science studies marijuana and its psychotic effects

There are a number of myths about marijuana. For the canna-curious: you need to look at what the data says about the actual response

But one of the biggest fears of people with little experience: Will I have a negative reaction to smoking marijuana? For the canna newbie and the canna curious, it might be a little worrying. Science studies marijuana and its psychotic effects. Ignore the myths and look at the data so you can consume with confidence.

Canadian scientists sought to answer this question by determining whether a person's genetic makeup could determine how they respond to THC, the cannabinoid responsible for triggering psychoactive sensations. What genetic engineering expert John Lem of Lobos Genetics found was that genes can predict several key factors: how your body metabolizes the drug, whether cannabis is more likely to produce paranoia in your system, as well as the possibility of memory loss and the development of schizophrenia.

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All scientists need to do, Lem confirms, is a simple cheek swab that tests three different genes that could answer all of these questions.

“In examining the science, we concluded that there is indeed a genetic basis for a person's response to THC,” Lem told CBC. “If people understand how their bodies react to cannabis, that’s a good thing,” he added.

However, another expert warned that such a genetic test could provide all the answers with 100 percent accuracy. Dr. Bernard Le Foll, a team member at the Center of Addiction and Mental Health who created recommendations on cannabis use, was quick to remind that “there has been limited research on cannabis.” He stressed the need for testing with larger numbers of participants before substantive conclusions could be drawn.

In addition, other factors come into play when understanding the body's responses to a type of drug like cannabis, Le Foll said. Perhaps in the future we will be better at accurately predicting a person's response to marijuana, although “we're not there yet.”

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“The type of environment, the type of previous drug exposure, the dose – these are all very important, possibly more important than genetics,” Le Foll added.

Although we can't know exactly how cannabis affects each individual, Lem added that his test is only intended to help consumers make better decisions. As edible products hit stores in Canada this fall, it's important that people know not to consume more than they need. But I'm not sure we needed a genetic test to show consumers that they aren't gluttons when it comes to marijuana use.