Regular Cannabis Use Linked to Elevated Stress Hormone Upon Waking

Frequent cannabis users may wake up with unusually high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggesting their daily stress rhythms could be disrupted. Researchers say the finding raises questions about whether using cannabis for stress relief might, over time, interfere with the very system that helps the body handle stress.

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A new study indicates that people who use cannabis regularly may experience elevated cortisol levels immediately upon waking, a pattern that deviates significantly from normal stress hormone rhythms. The finding has prompted researchers to examine whether this hormonal shift occurs across the broader population of frequent users.

Scientists conducting the research suggest the elevated morning cortisol could signal a disruption in the body’s natural daily stress response cycle. The discovery raises concerns about the long-term consequences of regular cannabis consumption, particularly among those who use the substance specifically to manage anxiety and stress.

The research team has highlighted a potential paradox: while many individuals turn to cannabis as a stress-relief tool, prolonged use may gradually compromise the physiological mechanisms responsible for the body’s stress management. Experts indicate further investigation is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms driving this hormonal response and its implications for regular users’ overall health.

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