New research is showing many of the same genetic factors that lead people to drink alcohol may lead them to smoke pot as well. While marijuana is the most heavily used illegal drug in the U.S., little is known about the genes that influence its use.

Researchers conducted interviews of nearly 3000 identical and fraternal twins ranging in age from their mid-20’s to their mid-30’s about their alcohol drinking and pot smoking activities.

Lead researcher Dr. Carolyn Sartor, PhD comments “We wanted to know if the same genes that affect risk for alcohol dependence also affect risk for marijuana dependence.”

Based on responses from the interviewees, researchers concluded 60% of the variance between alcohol abuse and/or marijuana abuse could be linked to genes.

“We found considerable overlap between the genes that contribute to marijuana dependencies and alcohol use and dependence,” Sartor says.

According to a prior study, between 8 and 12 percent of marijuana users fit the definition of dependence, meaning they continue use of the drug despite interference with family, work and school. Prior studies also show between 50 and 60 percent of the variance of alcohol abuse comes from genetics.

Findings from this newest study support the idea that a common set of genes plays a role in the abuse of any drug.

Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pledged $235 million in grants this past Wednesday to assist in the development and implementation of electronic health records across the country according to a report in the Dallas Morning News.

Grants are coming from an appropriation in the stimulus bill passed earlier this year and being offered through what’s known as the “Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program.” Only facilities already using healthcare IT will be eligible for grant funding.

“What sort of advancements will we get when we expand resources?” Sebelius asked rhetorically on a conference call with reporters. “Our hope is that the communities will become models for the rest of the country.”

The funding will be set up through what’s called “cooperative agreements” between the government and the organization receiving the funds. Awards will typically be between $10 and $20 million. Funding will go to standing leaders of the advancement of healthcare IT that have “the readiness to incorporate health IT to advance community-level care coordination and quality monitoring and feedback.”

State and local government programs, educational institutions and some other non-profit organizations are eligible to receive grant funds.