A longitudinal Australian study is raising eyebrows with its findings about cannabis use in adulthood. Tracking participants from age 21 to 30, researchers discovered that ongoing marijuana consumption correlates with decreased life satisfaction and achievement as users enter their fourth decade.
The University of Queensland team measured success through conventional metrics like income, education, and home ownership. Their results indicate that while youthful experimentation appears relatively harmless, maintaining the habit into one’s thirties coincides with poorer outcomes. Interestingly, the same pattern emerged for amphetamine users.
Critics highlight the study’s narrow demographic focus and inability to isolate cannabis effects from potential polydrug use. “Our data can’t distinguish between someone using only cannabis versus multiple substances,” the authors admit. In Australia’s unique legal context – where cannabis remains largely prohibited – these findings may reflect broader societal attitudes as much as the drug’s actual effects.
