A study which explored the interaction between cannabis use and stress found long term cannabis consumers had reduced reactions to stress than individuals who did not consume.

The study was published earlier this month and measured stress levels by tracking the amounts of cortisol in the participants’ saliva. Higher cortisol levels correlate with an individual’s response to stressful situations.

Researchers assigned 40 daily cannabis consumers and 42 non-consumers to complete a stress test. The test simulated physiological and psychosocial stress by making participants solve math problems under social evaluation and placing their hands in cold water.

They found both stress ratings and cortisol levels were significantly lower in cannabis consumers than non-consumers.

“…This is the first study to examine the effects of acute stress on salivary cortisol levels in chronic cannabis users compared to non-users,” Carrie Cuttler, lead author of the study, said. “While we are not at a point where we are comfortable saying whether this muted stress response is a good thing or a bad thing, our work is an important first step in investigating potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis…”