Allele
The potency of cannabis plants and their concentrations of cannabinoids within the plant are determined by the alleles they contain.
An allele refers to one of two or more versions of a gene.
In medical cannabis genetics, different alleles can influence the plant's characteristics, such as THC and CBD content, which are crucial for its medicinal properties. Your body's response to different cannabis strains can vary based on your own genetic alleles.
How do alleles affect medical cannabis treatment?
Alleles can determine how a cannabis plant produces cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, which are key for medical treatments. These genetic variations can affect your body's reaction to different strains of medical cannabis. A prescribing specialist might consider this when recommending a specific cannabis-based product for your treatment.
Can testing for specific alleles improve the effectiveness of medical cannabis?
Yes, genetic testing can identify your specific alleles, which can help predict your body's response to different cannabinoids, but at the time of writing, this type of testing is not a common practice.
Are there any legal implications of allele testing for medical cannabis in the UK?
In the UK, genetic testing for medical purposes, including for cannabis treatment, is legal. That said, it must be conducted by a qualified professional with your consent. The information from allele testing is subject to strict privacy regulations to protect your personal data.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.