New research from Australia’s University of Queensland suggests that while occasional cannabis use in your twenties might not derail your life, continuing the habit into your thirties could have significant consequences. The study, published in Addiction Research & Theory, analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found persistent cannabis users faced lower achievement levels across multiple life domains.
The research team examined nine key success indicators including career progression, financial stability, and personal relationships. Their findings reveal a striking pattern: those who continued using cannabis past age 30 showed markedly poorer outcomes compared to peers who stopped earlier. However, the study acknowledges limitations – the data comes from a specific Australian cohort and doesn’t account for potential polydrug use.
Lead researcher Professor Najman emphasizes that early behavioral issues often predict later substance use patterns. “Targeted interventions for at-risk youth could potentially break this cycle,” he suggests. While the debate around cannabis continues globally, this research adds fuel to discussions about responsible use and age-appropriate habits.
