Evidence for sex differences in the impact of cytochrome P450 genotypes on early subjective effects of cannabis

Abstract

Early positive subjective effects of cannabis predict the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD). Genetic factors, such as the presence of cytochrome P450 genetic variants that are associated with reduced Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolism, may contribute to individual differences in subjective effects of cannabis. Young adults (N = 54) with CUD or a non-CUD substance use disorder (control) provided a blood sample for DNA analysis and self-reported their early (i.e., effects upon initial uses) and past-year positive and negative subjective cannabis effects. Participants were classified as slow metabolizers if they had at least one CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 allele associated with reduced activity. Though the CUD group and control group did not differ in terms of metabolizer status, slow metabolizer status was more prevalent among females in the CUD group than females in the control group. Slow metabolizers reported greater past year negative THC effects compared to normal metabolizers; however, slow metabolizer status did not predict early subjective cannabis effects (positive or negative) or past year positive effects. Post-hoc analyses suggested males who were slow metabolizers reported more negative early subjective effects of cannabis than female slow metabolizers. Other sex-by-genotype interactions were not significant. These initial findings suggest that genetic variation in CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 may have sex-specific associations with cannabis-related outcomes. Slow metabolizer genes may serve as a risk factor for CUD for females independent of subjective effects. Male slow metabolizers may instead be particularly susceptible to the negative subjective effects of cannabis.