Genetic polymorphisms of the endocannabinoid system.

Disturbances in the endocannabinoid system has been linked to diseases and conditions such as Parkinson's, schizophrenia, pain, energy metabolism, immune modulation, and bone density. Since the early 1990s, a number of genetic polymorphisms in the genes and proteins of the endocannabinoid system have been characterized. Currently identified genetic polymorphisms of the endocannabinoid system are reviewed here with particular consideration given to polymorphisms linked to drug and alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, other mental disorders, and energy metabolism.