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Marijuana is slowly becoming more accepted around the world. Whether it’s for medical reasons, anxiety, or recreational use, more and more people are becoming fans of the plant. However, more recent studies question whether or not it is a good idea for adults to use it. Specifically, adults who are 30 years old or above. The implications are that people in this group may want to reconsider the habit.

Smoking Marijuana After 30 Might Not Be A Good Idea
Are you 30 years old or older and enjoy the occasional (or regular) joint? Well, research conducted in Australia is suggesting you may want to curb the habit. They studied life outcomes of marijuana users, and the results for adults over 30 didn’t look so good. (1)

The team of researchers from The University of Queensland examined what are called success outcomes for both amphetamine and marijuana users. They looked at data from over 8,000 mothers and 2,000 children about drug use at ages 21 and 30. The team discovered that usage resulted in lower success rates based on nine specific criteria, including:

• Education

• Income

• Homeownership

• Relationship status

• Reported happiness

More importantly, however, is that these lowered success rates only applied to those who continued smoking marijuana after the age of 30.

The Study’s Limitations
Now, before you get upset thinking that you have to kick the habit by the time you reach 30 (or that you should’ve already), don’t stress too much. There are a variety of limitations to this study that suggest that their results may or may not really apply.

1. Strange Data
   The first one is that this is Australian data and is made up entirely of female mothers. It is also very local, so it may not represent other countries well. Some of the data even goes all the way back to 1981. Naturally, this may not apply to a modern, contemporary, global population. (2)

2. Markers of Success
   Another limitation is what markers they have set out to determine whether or not one is successful. For example, two markers are homeownership and relationship status. These both have many cultural and geographical factors at play. Owning a home, for example, has more to do with personal priorities and also where you live than it does with your success. It also is influenced by whether or not you have a family or have to decide to establish roots in a place. Especially with the digital nomad lifestyle that is taking off, homeownership does not necessarily equal success.

Relationship status is another tricky one when considering what it means to be successful. This could also have many cultural and geographical influences. After all, there are plenty of highly successful single people in the world, just as there are plenty of couples who are struggling in many other areas of life. Being in a relationship might be important to you, and therefore part of your personal life success may include it. It does not, however, necessarily mean success for everyone.

3. Other Drug Use
   The study also didn’t look to see if those on the end of highly un-successful were using other drugs as well as marijuana and/or amphetamines.

“We do not have adequate data on other illicit drugs that may be being used, for example, ecstasy, opiates, and even synthetic drugs,” the researchers admitted in their paper. “A subset of those using cannabis as well as amphetamines may also be using a range of other drugs, and it may be that our findings reflect polydrug use generally rather than the specific use of cannabis and amphetamines.”

What Does This Mean For You?
Truthfully, what the study points out is that if you experiment a bit with drugs in your youth, it doesn’t mean you will turn out to be an unsuccessful adult. What it does suggest, however, is that one needs to be sure that it doesn’t become something you’re dependent on as an adult. If you overuse drugs such as marijuana as an adult, it may, in some people, affect your performance at work, your relationships, and your ability to maintain a stable life.

So if you want to use marijuana, go for it. Just don’t overdo it and make sure it isn’t taking over your life. If you find yourself lacking motivation, spending too much money on it, or it is getting in the way of your work and personal responsibilities, you may want to consider quitting the habit.

The Bigger Picture
It’s also important to note that the ongoing normalization of marijuana use in society, especially in places where it’s been legalized, has sparked more debates about its long-term impact on adult health. As marijuana becomes more widely accepted, it's crucial to examine how its use intersects with issues like mental health, societal pressure, and evolving norms.

Another factor to consider is the growing body of evidence regarding the mental health benefits of marijuana for those who suffer from anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. But even with these potential benefits, it’s essential to weigh these advantages against the potential long-term effects, especially for adults over 30 who may already have established routines and life goals.

Final Thoughts
While marijuana has its place in many people's lives, understanding its potential drawbacks as you age is crucial. In moderation, marijuana might not cause significant harm. But, as the study suggests, overuse after 30 could potentially hinder various aspects of your life. The key is balance. Be mindful of how your habits impact your health, relationships, and overall happiness. If you choose to continue using marijuana, just make sure it aligns with the life you want to lead.

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