What are cannabinoids?
The endocannabinoid system is a signaling network found throughout the body, including the brain, immune cells and gut. It helps regulate appetite, mood, pain perception, memory and sleep, acting a little like a dimmer switch that keeps systems in balance. Your body makes its own messengers, such as anandamide, which bind to cannabinoid receptors. Compounds from cannabis, such as THC and CBD, interact with this same system.
How your genes play a role
Genes shape how many cannabinoid receptors you have, how quickly your body breaks down its own messengers, and how your liver processes compounds like THC. Some variants may mean that natural messengers linger longer, while others may change how fast cannabis compounds are cleared. These differences are one reason people can respond so differently to the same product.
Cannabis and CBD products are increasingly common, yet responses vary widely. Understanding your genetics may help explain why one person feels relaxed while another feels anxious, or why effects may last longer for you. It can also give useful context when discussing cannabinoid products, other medications and your overall health with a clinician. The aim is informed, careful choices, not encouragement to use.
What your report shows
Your Cannabinoids results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Receptor profileHow variants in your cannabinoid receptor genes may influence sensitivity.
- Natural messengersHow quickly your body may break down its own calming cannabinoid messengers.
- Processing speedHow your liver enzymes may affect how long cannabis compounds stay active.
- Mood responseVariants linked to how cannabinoids may interact with dopamine and anxiety pathways.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| CNR1 | Codes for the CB1 receptor, the main cannabinoid receptor… | Typical |
| CNR2 | Codes for the CB2 receptor, found mostly on immune… | Moderate effect |
| FAAH | Makes the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, and some… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| CNR1 | Codes for the CB1 receptor, the main cannabinoid receptor in the brain and the one THC acts on. |
| CNR2 | Codes for the CB2 receptor, found mostly on immune cells and involved in inflammation. |
| FAAH | Makes the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, and some variants may let this natural messenger linger longer. |
| MAGL | Makes the enzyme that breaks down 2-AG, another of the body's own cannabinoid messengers. |
| CYP2C9 | A liver enzyme that helps process THC, and slower variants may extend its effects. |
Full panel: 12 genes
CNR1, CNR2, FAAH, MAGL, DRD2, COMT, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, BDNF, HTR1A, GABRA1, GABRA2
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Discussing any cannabis or CBD use with your clinician helps them consider interactions with other medicines.
Exercise is known to raise the body's own endocannabinoid activity, part of the calm some feel after a run.
Steady sleep routines support many of the same systems the endocannabinoid network helps balance.
Rules around cannabis vary by location, so it helps to understand what applies where you live.
Questions
Does this report recommend cannabis?
No. This report is educational and does not recommend any product. It aims to help you understand your biology and talk more clearly with your clinician.
Why do people react so differently to cannabis?
Differences in receptors, enzymes that break down cannabinoids, and liver processing all play a part, along with dose, setting and individual health.
Is CBD covered too?
Your report focuses on the systems that cannabinoids interact with. Because CBD is also processed by liver enzymes, the general picture can still be useful context.
Only interested in this area? The Cannabis & Your Body Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
