With marijuana increasingly being embraced for its therapeutic and recreational benefits, a new study from The University of Queensland offers a word of caution for adults over 30. The research, which involved over 8,000 mothers and 2,000 children, found that continuing to use cannabis past the age of 30 was linked to diminished success in areas such as income, education, and happiness. Younger users didn’t appear to face the same obstacles, but for those in their 30s, the study noted a decline in traditional markers of achievement.
That said, the study isn’t without its limitations. It focused exclusively on Australian women, so the findings might not be applicable to other populations or countries. Success was also measured using criteria like homeownership and relationship status, which don’t necessarily align with everyone’s vision of a fulfilling life. Additionally, the researchers acknowledged that they didn’t account for the use of other substances, meaning the results could be tied to polydrug use rather than cannabis alone. Despite these nuances, the study encourages reflection on how cannabis use might intersect with personal and professional growth as individuals navigate adulthood.
