Aug 05th 2025

Cannabis DNA Testing, How to ACT on Your Cannabis DNA Test Results

How to ACT on Your Cannabis DNA Test Results

Scientists, physicians, and healers have long recognized that medicine is not a one-size-fits-all tool. Treatment that works for one person may be ineffective or harmful for the next. Still, for much of history, efficiency and practicality demanded that they take a universal approach to medicine. 

The first sign of progress came in 1959, when German Pharmacologist Friedrich Vogel proposed that unique genetic variations influence individual outcomes. This theory formed the foundation of pharmacogenetics.

Later, breakthrough advances in DNA sequencing in the 1990s, combined with improved computing power, enabled the transition from examining individual genes to analyzing the entire genome. 

Pharmacogenomics offers a comprehensive view that examines the interaction between a treatment and a system of genes. This is the basis of personalized medicine or therapy. It’s a hyper-individualized approach to medical treatment that considers how a patient’s genes interact with their medications, lifestyle, and environment.

What is personalized cannabis therapy?

Personalized medicine is well on its way to becoming the standard of medical care. The field is now expanding to target some of medicine’s most perplexing challenges, such as epilepsy.

Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

Epilepsy has a negative impact on the lives of approximately 3.5 million Americans. Despite its prevalence, many patients continue to struggle with ineffective treatments. An estimated 25% of those with epilepsy have a treatment-resistant variety (TRE).

The cannabinoids, THC and CBD, act as anticonvulsant agents, reducing seizure activity for patients with TRE. This is just one of a growing list of medical disorders for which cannabinoids have been beneficial. However, there are still gaps in the knowledge base regarding side effects and the overall efficacy of cannabis therapy. Cannabis DNA testing can help fill those gaps and enhance the safety of cannabis treatment for all patients.

The Science Behind DNA and Cannabis Interaction

The rapid expansion of legalization is increasing the number of first-time cannabis users. Many have pleasant experiences. But, for some, the first cannabis experience is far less positive. The rise in cannabis-induced psychosis events highlights the importance of cannabis DNA testing. Though testing is still relatively new, we have already gained an understanding of the specific biomarkers that determine who will benefit from cannabis therapy and who may have an adverse reaction.

The many faces of CYP2C9

Gene CYP2C9 plays a key role in the metabolism of THC via a two-stage process. In the initial phase, CYP2C9 converts THC to its psychoactive form. The next stage oxidizes the cannabinoid into its inert form for elimination.

Pharmacogenomic testing has revealed several variations of this important gene. One variation doesn’t perform as well as the others. CYP2C9*3 converts THC from active to inert at a far slower pace than CYP2C9. This means that carriers of the CYP2C9*3 allele may experience THC levels up to 200% to 300% higher than usual.

Results from early testing report that as much as 15% to 20% of the population may be carriers of this genetic variation. Personalized cannabis testing can help new users sidestep disaster by detecting the risk before they take their first puff.

Benefits of Cannabis DNA Testing

New cannabis users often rely on friends to recommend the best starter strain for their first experience. Absent a personal recommendation, many opt for the first strain with an appealing flavor profile and a clever name. This uninformed approach, coupled with the increase in new users, will only lead to more cannabis psychosis events.

Protecting Individuals to Protect the Collective

These serious adverse reactions are dangerous and traumatic for the individuals who experience them. They are harmful to the collective as well. Anti-legalization advocates may use these events to lobby for the reversal of progressive marijuana laws.

Cannabis DNA testing can spare the individual the trauma of this unpleasant reaction. It will also protect the industry by reducing the negative press associated with adverse events.

Tailored Guidance Based on Cannabis DNA Testing Results

Cannabis DNA test results, interpreted by a qualified professional, will arm you with a deep understanding of your unique risk profile. Your consultant will be able to provide you with a list of the ideal strains for your genetic profile, lifestyle, and preferences.

They will also inform you about the strains that you should avoid. High-risk patients who require potent treatment should consult with a specialist for a tailored solution. Our cannabis experts can help you choose a format and dose that meets your needs.

Getting Started with Cannabis DNA Testing

Getting your personalized cannabis medical report is easy. If you have used one of the popular ancestry kits, then you’re already a pro. If this will be your first DNA test, there’s no need to worry. You’ll know all you need to get started by the end of this post.

Test kits are available online through Compassionate Clinics of America or other providers. We have partnered with two of the nation’s top cannabis DNA testing labs to bring you a variety of top-quality testing options. Simply choose the profile that meets your needs, order your kit, and wait for it to arrive in your mailbox.

The kit includes all the necessary sample collection materials, and detailed instructions will walk you through the sample collection process. You’ll need to swab the inside of your cheek and secure the swab in the travel vial. That’s all there is to it.

Follow the steps to secure your sample in the original box, apply the shipping label, and drop it in the mail for its return trip to the lab.

You will receive a comprehensive report detailing the test results as soon as testing is complete. Both labs will provide basic explanations to help you understand the meaning of your results.

For optimal benefits, please visit Compassionate Clinic’s testing page for a consultation. Simply click the Upload Your DNA button to send us your report. Our team will analyze the data and provide you with expert advice. We are here to ensure your journey to better health and wellness is a smooth one.