As marijuana becomes more widely accepted for medical, recreational, and anxiety-relief purposes, its popularity is growing rapidly among adults worldwide. However, recent research is suggesting that adults over the age of 30 might want to rethink their marijuana use. A study conducted in Australia raises concerns about the long-term impacts of cannabis use on life outcomes for individuals beyond their twenties. If you’re still smoking weed at 30, scientists may have some bad news for you.
Smoking Marijuana After 30 Might Not Be a Good Idea
Are you over 30 and still indulging in the occasional—or frequent—joint? A study from The University of Queensland in Australia might have you reconsidering. Researchers analyzed life outcomes of marijuana users and found that individuals who continued smoking after turning 30 tended to score lower on several measures of success. These findings suggest that prolonged cannabis use in adulthood could negatively impact key areas of life.
The study specifically focused on what are termed “success outcomes” for both marijuana and amphetamine users. By analyzing data from over 8,000 mothers and 2,000 children, researchers tracked the impact of drug use at ages 21 and 30. The success rates were based on nine criteria, including:
- Education
- Income
- Homeownership
- Relationship status
- Overall happiness
What’s more, these reduced success rates were particularly significant for individuals who continued smoking marijuana past the age of 30, compared to those who quit or never used cannabis.
The Study’s Limitations
Before you panic and vow to ditch marijuana for good, it’s important to keep in mind that the study has several limitations. Here are a few reasons why the findings might not be universally applicable:
1. Outdated and Narrow Data
One major limitation is that this study used Australian data, primarily from female mothers. Additionally, some of the information dates back to the 1980s, making it less reflective of today’s global marijuana-using population. As a result, the findings may not apply to men, younger users, or people living in other countries.
2. Questionable Markers of Success
The criteria used to define “success” are debatable. For example, homeownership and relationship status were key markers in the study. However, these factors can vary greatly depending on personal preferences, geographic location, and even lifestyle choices. For instance, owning a home may not be a priority for individuals who embrace a digital nomad lifestyle. Similarly, being in a relationship doesn’t necessarily indicate success, as many single individuals lead fulfilling, successful lives.
3. The Influence of Other Drugs
Another limitation is that the study did not account for other drugs that participants might have been using. The researchers admitted that they lacked sufficient data on additional substances like ecstasy, opiates, or synthetic drugs. Some participants may have been involved in polydrug use, which could have influenced their life outcomes. Therefore, the findings may reflect the consequences of multiple drug dependencies rather than cannabis use alone.
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Author: awestories24.com