Yes, when you send any of these genetics services, your DNA data is made available for research. One wonders, however, just how the researchers made a connection to cannabis use. Did they call the individuals and question them? If so, then they had personal information. Did they make assumptions based on the DNA itself? The study’s abstract mentions point mutations that indicate an increased sensitivity to cannabis, but how did they correlate this with schizophrenia? Again, conducting genetic analyses without actually conversing with your patients required making assumptions which may not be correct.
Bottom line: Don’t sent your DNA to any company. Full stop.
Here’s a clip from the article:
There’s evidence of a connection between cannabis use and schizophrenia, but it’s unclear whether the drug leads to the disorder, or vice versa. A new study published Monday, which relies partly on genetic data from 23andMe volunteers, might offer a little clarity on that link.
Source: A Genetic Study Using 23andMe Data Finds Link Between Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use
