Higher Morning Cortisol Found
Scientists at Oregon State University checked the stress hormone called cortisol in people who use cannabis a lot. They found that these people start the day with more cortisol than people who do not use cannabis.
The hormone rises right after waking up. This rise is called the cortisol awakening response, or CAR.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands. It is often called the "stress hormone" because the body releases it when we feel pressure.
In small bursts, cortisol helps us fight infection, keep blood pressure steady, and control blood sugar. But if cortisol stays high for a long time, it can raise the risk of anxiety, depression, and heart problems.
How Scientists Measured It
The researchers took a saliva sample right after each person woke up, then another sample 30 minutes later. They subtracted the first number from the second to get the size of the morning rise.
Both cannabis users and non‑users showed a similar rise. The big difference was the starting level – regular users already had more cortisol in their blood when they opened their eyes.
What the Findings May Mean
The study does not prove that cannabis causes higher cortisol, nor that higher cortisol makes people use more cannabis. It simply shows a link that scientists can explore further.
If frequent cannabis use does change the body’s stress rhythm, it could create a cycle where a shaky stress system leads to more use.
More long‑term studies are needed to understand cause and effect.