Although, their role in the treatment of alcohol dependence is still under investigation and a development of a drug that possesses the same activity both in animals and human is greatly needed, CB2 agonists (particularly highly selective ones) may be much more useful than CB1 ligands due to the lack of psychotropic effects mediated by cannabinoid 1 receptors, despite the fact that CB1 antagonism appeared to be favorable for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The gene discussed is CNR1; the disease is alcohol dependence.