HLA Allele's Role in Cannabis Addiction

Background and objectives: It can be argued that there is a genetic component that has a determining or promoting role in this direction. In the present pilot study, we aimed to identify an element of the HLA profile that is involved in the development of addiction. Methods: The 60 study participants were divided into two groups - the control group - 40 people without cannabis use and the case group - 20 people with cannabis addiction. Results: We identified both an allele and a haplotype with a potential protective role and a haplotype with a risk factor role in the development of cannabis addiction. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate several potential alleles that may act as a protective or risk factor for the development of cannabis addiction. The determination of these genes may have an important role in identifying possible mechanisms of developing addiction.