Frequent cannabis users show 30% higher morning cortisol, study finds

Frequent cannabis users wake up with unusually high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, according to new research. The study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, found that people who use cannabis daily have elevated cortisol levels in the morning compared to non-users, suggesting their natural stress response may be disrupted by long-term use.

Cortisol follows a daily rhythm, typically peaking in the early morning to help the body wake up and manage stress. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to chronic stress, fatigue, and even weakened immune function. The researchers behind the study wanted to explore whether cannabis—often used as a way to relax—might actually interfere with the body’s stress-regulation system over time. Previous studies have shown that cannabis can alter brain chemistry, but this is one of the first to look specifically at cortisol levels and daily rhythms.

The study involved tracking cortisol levels in 40 adults, half of whom used cannabis daily and half who did not. Blood samples were taken at multiple times throughout the day, including immediately upon waking. The results showed that frequent users had cortisol levels 30% higher in the morning than non-users. While the study doesn’t prove cannabis causes this disruption, it suggests a possible link that warrants further investigation.

What happens next could shape how we think about cannabis use for stress relief. Researchers plan to conduct larger studies to see if the effect holds over time and whether it leads to long-term health consequences. For now, the findings serve as a reminder that just because something feels like it helps in the moment—like smoking cannabis to unwind—it might not be doing the body any favors in the long run. If cortisol rhythms stay out of sync, it could mean more than just a rough morning wake-up call; it could signal deeper issues with how the body handles stress day after day.