Cortisol plays a crucial role in the body's stress response, metabolism, and immune function. When cortisol levels are chronically elevated, it can lead to a range of health issues, including anxiety, weight gain, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function. The new findings suggest that frequ

Researchers plan to expand their study to include a larger and more diverse participant group, with the goal of publishing their findings in a peer reviewed journal. They also intend to explore whether these cortisol disruptions are reversible with reduced cannabis use or other interventions. In the

Frequent cannabis use linked to elevated morning stress hormone levels

Frequent cannabis users may experience disrupted stress hormone rhythms, waking up with elevated cortisol levels, according to new research. The findings challenge the notion that cannabis effectively manages stress, suggesting it might instead interfere with the body's natural stress response system over time. Researchers are now exploring whether chronic use could lead to long term dysregulation of cortisol, a hormone critical for managing daily stress.

Frequent cannabis users may wake up with higher than normal levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, according to emerging research. Cortisol typically follows a daily rhythm, peaking in the early morning to help the body transition from sleep to wakefulness and prepare for the day's demands. However, this new study suggests that regular cannabis use could disrupt this natural pattern, leaving users with elevated stress hormone levels before their day even begins.

The research, presented at the recent meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, involved analyzing cortisol levels in frequent cannabis users compared to non users. While the study is still preliminary and has not yet been published in a peer reviewed journal, the findings align with growing concerns about the long term effects of cannabis on the body's endocrine system, which regulates hormones.