Cannabis Use Linked to Higher Morning Stress Hormone Levels

Topic: Health

Researchers at Oregon State University found that frequent cannabis users have higher cortisol levels when they wake up. This could be a sign of problematic cannabis use.

A recent study by researchers from Oregon State University has discovered a possible link between frequent cannabis use and increased morning cortisol levels. Cortisol is often called the 'stress hormone' because it's released in response to pressure.

Cortisol plays several important roles, including helping the body fight infection, maintaining blood pressure, and regulating blood sugar and metabolism. However, high cortisol levels over a long period can have negative health effects, such as increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and heart disease.

The study, led by Anita Cservenka from OSU's College of Liberal Arts, focused on the cortisol awakening response (CAR). CAR is the increase in cortisol levels that occurs 30 minutes after waking up. The researchers found that frequent cannabis users had higher cortisol levels when they woke up, but the size of the morning cortisol increase was similar to non-users.

This study suggests that cortisol levels upon awakening may serve as a neurobiological marker of problematic cannabis use. However, more research is needed to understand any cause-and-effect relationship between cannabis use and cortisol levels.

Why It Matters

As cannabis use becomes increasingly common among young adults in the US, understanding its effects on the body is crucial for maintaining good health. This study's findings could help identify individuals who may be at risk of problematic cannabis use.

Key Facts

• 29% of adults aged 19-30 report using cannabis within the past 30 days, a rate that has nearly doubled over the past 15 years.
• More than 10% of people in this age group report using cannabis at least 20 times within a 30-day period.
• Frequent cannabis users have higher cortisol levels when they wake up, which could be a sign of problematic use.
• Cortisol is often called the 'stress hormone' because it's released in response to pressure.
• High cortisol levels over a long period can have negative health effects, such as increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and heart disease.

Key Terms

cannabis

a plant that contains chemicals which can affect the brain and body

cortisol

a hormone released in response to pressure, helping the body fight infection and regulate blood sugar and metabolism

Implications

As cannabis use becomes increasingly common among young adults in the US, understanding its effects on the body is crucial for maintaining good health. This study's findings could help identify individuals who may be at risk of problematic cannabis use.