Why Your DNA Loves THC Edibles

Recreational cannabis use is now legal in more than half of the United States, but recent research published in Molecular Psychiatry found that whether you choose to partake — and your potential to become addicted — may actually be connected to your DNA. The study's findings are relevant not only for traditional cannabis use but also for modern products like THC edibles, which deliver powerful doses and longer-lasting effects.

The 2025 study examined genetic factors that contributed to the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD) by analyzing cannabis behaviors in 131,895 people. Researchers conducted a genome-wide association study to explore genetic, biological, and phenotypic associations. The result? Two specific genes CADM2 and GRM3 were found to be significantly associated with cannabis use behaviors, including how individuals respond to THC edibles and other potent cannabis products.

"CADM2 has previously been linked to impulsivity and risk-taking, so it appears to influence the likelihood of trying cannabis, while GRM3, which regulates glutamate signaling in the brain, may affect patterns of continued use," says Edmond Hakimi, DO, an addiction medicine specialist and medical director at Wellbridge. Furthermore, the research revealed overlapping genetic risks with alcohol, nicotine, and other addictions — showing how the same reward circuits that react to THC edibles also respond to other substances.

"The genetic variants found in this study nudge cannabis use disorder probabilities by small amounts, but they do not make cannabis use or disorder inevitable," he says.

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