Frequent Cannabis Users Wake Up With Elevated Stress…

Frequent Cannabis Users Wake Up With Elevated Stress Hormone Levels, New Study Finds Stress is one of the most commonly cited reasons people use cannabis, yet a new study from Oregon State University suggests frequent use may be linked to a disrupted stress response system, the very system many people are trying to calm. What Did Researchers Discover About Cannabis and Cortisol? Researchers found that people who use cannabis frequently tend to wake up with higher levels of cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, already circulating in their bodies compared to non users. The finding raises an important clinical question, could regular cannabis use be quietly interfering with the body's natural stress regulation system over time. Why Does Cortisol Matter for the Body? Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and plays several essential biological roles. It helps the body fight infection, maintain blood pressure, and regulate blood sugar and metabolism. In the short term, cortisol helps the body cope with stress effectively. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels have been associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and heart disease. How Was Morning Cortisol Measured in This Study? Researchers focused on something called the cortisol aw