Lobo Genetics: a genetic test that anticipates your reaction to THC

As is well known, a single joint of cannabis may have different effects depending on the person. Some people will feel euphoric, while others will feel paranoid—yet it is indeed the same substance. How can we explain these differences in reaction to the same substance? It would seem that our genetics may be a first clue to the answer. At any rate, that’s the Canadian company’s bet Lobo Genetics who developed a test that can predict our reaction to THC based on certain genes.

What Your Genes Say about you

«Discover your genetic cannabis profile»—that’s the enticing offer featured on the website of the company founded by genetic technology expert John Lem. «Upon closer examination of the scientific evidence, we have concluded that there is, in fact, a genetic basis for how individuals react to THC.» he asserts. «If people understand how their bodies react to cannabis, that’s a good thing.» Based on this observation, he and his team developed a test that examines three genes believed to influence our response to THC.

The genes in question are:

• CYP2C9: A variation in this gene could affect the time it takes for THC to be metabolized. In other words, a a person with altered gene expression will be high longer than another at the same dose.
• AKT1: This gene is involved in numerous cellular functions. A variation in this gene could potentially indicate a risk of psychosis in the short and long term. Some studies show that an increased risk of psychosis is correlated with cannabis use, although it is not yet known whether cannabis can actually trigger psychosis or through what mechanisms.
• COMT: This gene plays a role in the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine levels, in turn, affect cognitive functions. However, using cannabis triggers the release of dopamine. Lobo Genetics concludes that a variation in this gene could affect memory functions.

Thus, variations in these three genes could explain a predisposition to memory loss, paranoia, or even more severe psychoses such as schizophrenia.

As for the test, all you have to do is take a DNA sample from the inside of your cheek and send it to the lab, which then posts the results online. The results are categorized into three areas: metabolism, risk of psychosis, and memory loss. The risk is rated on a scale from low to high.

The Limitations of the Test

However, this type of test remains limited. First, it evaluates only three genes. Yet it is likely that many other genes play a role in our response to THC. Other factors can also affect the response to the THC such as prior use of psychotropic substances, the environment, the user’s mental state, the dose, and the frequency of use.

According to Dr. Bernard Le Foll of the Toronto Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, these factors are likely more important than genes alone.

In addition, the tests for Lobo Genetics remain commercial, non-medical products—they are already sold online and at five dispensaries in Alberta.

Thus, although genetics may be an interesting avenue for exploration, the scientific validity of this test is not guaranteed. According to Dr. Bernard Le Foll, it is too early to say that this type of genetic testing is a suitable tool for understanding our response to THC: «The types of studies on which these tests are based are conducted on a very small number of subjects. They would need to be conducted on a larger sample of subjects to be valid.».