Oregon State University study links frequent cannabis use to higher morning cortisol

Researchers at Oregon State University examined the hormonal stress response of regular cannabis users compared with non‑users. Using the cortisol awakening response (CAR) test, they measured cortisol levels immediately after waking and thirty minutes later. The study, published in the journal *Cannabis*, found that frequent cannabis users showed elevated cortisol levels upon awakening, indicating a dysregulated stress‑response system. While the CAR pattern itself was similar between groups, the higher baseline cortisol suggests potential long‑term health risks, such as increased anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. The authors caution that the research does not prove causality but highlights the need for further investigation into chronic cannabis consumption and endocrine health.