There's a Scientific Reason Regular Cannabis Users Wake Up More Stressed

New research indicates that people who use cannabis frequently exhibit elevated morning cortisol levels compared with less frequent users or non‑users. The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon State University, measured cortisol in participants and found a correlation between frequent marijuana consumption and higher stress hormone readings.

News & World Report reported the link directly; Health and Me framed it as a challenge to the belief that marijuana relaxes. KOIN.com noted the study’s nuance, and ScienceAlert highlighted the scientific rationale behind the finding.

Coverage does not yet describe how the elevated cortisol might affect overall health, whether the effect varies by dosage or demographic group, or if the relationship is causal or merely associative. The persistence of higher cortisol throughout the day and its long‑term implications remain open questions.