New research highlighted by ScienceAlert suggests that regular cannabis use may be tied to higher stress levels in the morning. That finding complicates the common belief that cannabis mainly works as a stress reliever, especially for people who use it often.
The report points to work by researchers from Oregon State University, who found evidence that the effects of cannabis on stress may not be as straightforward as many users expect. While some people may feel temporary relief, regular use could be associated with a different pattern over time, including elevated stress at the start of the day.
The study adds to a growing conversation about how cannabis affects mental and physical well-being beyond its short-term effects. It suggests that feeling calmer in the moment does not necessarily mean lower overall stress, particularly when use becomes a routine habit.
Taken together, the findings offer a more cautious view of cannabis and stress. Rather than treating it as a simple solution for relaxation, the new evidence suggests regular use may come with trade-offs that are easy to overlook, including quietly raising morning stress levels.
