Wired for Weed: The Cannabis Genetics with David Krantz

What’s important to recognize is that the kind of blanket statement of either pot is good for you or it’s bad for you is really oversimplified and I hope we can break some of that down and really talk about the intricacy of that today.

Disclosure:

The purpose of this podcast is to dispel dogma, share scientific backed information, and talk about the health benefits of cannabis

Any statement mentioned in this podcast is not a medical recommendation so please speak to your physician before doing anything stupid.

About the Guest David Krantz:

David Krantz is an epigenetic coach, musician, and entrepreneur based in Asheville, North Carolina. He serves as the Director of Psychoacoustics at the Apeiron Center for Human Potential, where he explores the interaction between art, science, and health. As a coach, he works with clients using genetically informed, personalized strategies for optimal wellness and greater creativity.

The Topic: Cannabis Genetics

Cannabis is a controversial topic. To some, it is a gateway drug. To others, it helps deal with common problems including inflammation, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.

In this podcast, David and Boomer speak in depth about the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, cannabis genetics, and how your genes may affect both your desire to use weed and the overall effect it has on you.

Key Highlights:

• Addressing the age-old question: is marijuana good for you?
• What is the difference between CBD and THC?
• What is Sativa versus Indica?
• The potential use of cannabis in PTSD
• The natural occurring cannabinoids in our body
• Why higher levels of anandamide may be associated with increased stress resiliency
• The gene associated with the breakdown of anandamide into arachidonic acid
• How CNR1, one of our main cannabinoid receptor genes, is involved in bone density, constipation, weight gain, weight loss, circadian rhythm, hormone regulation, cognitive function and also leaky gut
• What genes and variants are associated with cannabis consumption and a worse working memory

Scientific Studies on Cannabis Genetics:

• How CYP2C9 affects the metabolism of THC - Interindividual variation in the pharmacokinetics of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as related to genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C9
• The impact of cannabis consumption on working memory depending on CNR1 gene variant - Functional genetic variation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 and cannabis use interact on prefrontal connectivity and related working memory behavior.
• Withdrawl Symptoms and the FAAH gene - Intermediate cannabis dependence phenotypes and the FAAH C385A variant: an exploratory analysis.
• Amygdala and Hippocampus sizes among Cannabis Users - Associations between cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) variation and hippocampus and amygdala volumes in heavy cannabis users.
• ATK1 and the Psychedelic Effects of Marijuana - Associations between cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) variation and hippocampus and amygdala volumes in heavy cannabis users.

Let's say you want to look into the potential impact of cannabis on your health. You can start by looking at your cannabis genetics. If you already have 23andMe, below is a guide to learning more about your genetic predispositions for cannabis.

If you want to learn more about genetic testing and its use for creating custom health plans, schedule a FREE 30-minute call today.

How to Access Your 23andMe Raw Data:

The raw data in each 23andMe report contains over ~600,000 lines of raw data.

1. Log-in to 23andMe.com
2. Access the raw data. The menu bar contains a header “Tools.” Move your cursor over the Tools header to access the drop-down menu. The last of the six drop-down features is “Browse Raw Data.” Click on this.
3. This is the most powerful area of 23andMe. From this point, you can access ~600,000 lines of genetic information with the RSID.
4. Finding the RSID. 23andMe requires you to search raw data through RSID. The RSID is the Reference SNP cluster ID. Researchers use it to report findings.

How to Look Into Your Own Cannabis Genetics:

The below single nucleotide polymorphisms are searchable in 23andMe using the RSID listed below.

• CYP2C9 – the liver enzyme which breaks down THC
• RSID – RS1057910
• A allele = fast metabolizer of THC
• CC allele = slow metabolizer of THC
• CC tends to take longer to process THC, hence more in the bloodstream
• CC also tends to report more drowsiness or a more intense effect from the same amount of THC

• FAAH - Breaks down Anandamide, one of your body's two main cannabinoids. Activates the CB1 receptor.
• RSID - RS324420
• C allele - lower levels of anandamide (more FAAH activity)
• CC - more dopamine activation when exposed to the smell of cannabis
• CC - worse sleep with cannabis use

• CNR1 - is the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 gene. This gene is in the brain and central nervous system. It is involved in our experience with anxiety, feeding behavior, and neurotransmitter balance.
• RSID - Rs2023239
• G allele - associated with more cravings and withdrawal
• The correlation is very strong when combined with a FAAH CC variant
• G allele carriers may have worse working memory than AA when using cannabis
• ATK1 - Protein which acts as signaling for the dopamine pathway
• RSID - Rs2494732
• C allele associated with a more psychedelic effect

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