As marijuana continues to gain acceptance around the world—whether for medical, recreational, or anxiety relief—many people in their 30s and beyond are embracing it. However, recent research suggests that individuals over 30 may want to rethink their cannabis habit. According to studies, smoking marijuana past this age could have unintended consequences on certain life outcomes. So, if you’re approaching or past 30 and still lighting up, you might want to keep reading.

Smoking Marijuana After 30 Might Not Be a Good Idea

For those of you 30 and older who enjoy an occasional joint or even partake regularly, science may have some surprising news. A study conducted in Australia examined the life outcomes of marijuana users, and the results weren’t exactly positive for adults over 30.

Researchers from The University of Queensland tracked the life trajectories of marijuana and amphetamine users, pulling data from over 8,000 mothers and 2,000 children. Their goal? To see how continued drug use impacted “success outcomes” in areas like education, income, homeownership, and happiness. The study found that individuals who continued using marijuana after the age of 30 experienced lower success rates across multiple life markers.

The key takeaway? While dabbling in marijuana in your 20s may not seem to have significant consequences, continuing the habit into your 30s might impact your life in ways you don’t expect.

The Criteria for Success: What Does It Mean?

The researchers defined success based on several criteria, including:

• Education Level: Continued marijuana use was associated with lower levels of educational achievement.
• Income: Those who smoked weed into their 30s were more likely to have lower incomes.
• Homeownership: The study also linked marijuana use with a reduced likelihood of owning a home.
• Relationship Status: People who continued using marijuana into their 30s were less likely to be in stable relationships.
• Overall Happiness: The data showed that happiness levels were generally lower for those who kept up the habit beyond the age of 30.

While these markers paint a concerning picture, the study has its limitations. Let’s take a closer look.

The Study’s Limitations: Does It Really Apply to Everyone?

Before you get too alarmed, it’s important to acknowledge that this study has several limitations.

Australian, Female-Centric Data

First, the data set was very specific—it focused on Australian mothers, and much of it dates back to 1981. With such a narrow demographic, it’s worth questioning whether the findings can be applied universally, especially given that today’s global population, including men and women across different cultures, may have very different life circumstances. What’s more, the world has changed a lot since the early 1980s, and it’s unclear if these findings hold for modern, global societies.

Outdated Markers of Success

Another important limitation involves how the study defines success. For example, homeownership and relationship status were two critical criteria. In today’s world, these markers are not as definitive indicators of success as they once were. With the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle, for instance, many people opt not to buy homes, and this decision doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of success. Similarly, relationship status is subjective—many single individuals are extremely successful in their personal and professional lives, while not all couples are happy or financially secure.

Other Drugs Were Not Accounted For

Perhaps the biggest limitation of the study is that it didn’t account for polydrug use. In other words, the researchers didn’t look at whether individuals were using other drugs in addition to marijuana. Some of the people in the study may have been using amphetamines or other substances that could have skewed the results. The researchers admitted this oversight, acknowledging that the data on other illicit drugs, such as ecstasy or synthetic substances, was incomplete. This gap makes it difficult to pinpoint whether the negative outcomes were a result of marijuana alone or a combination of drugs.

What Does This Mean for You?

So, what’s the bottom line for those of us in our 30s who enjoy smoking weed? The study suggests that while casual or occasional marijuana use in your 20s may not have a lasting impact on your life, continuing the habit into your 30s could come with consequences. That said, this doesn’t mean you need to quit immediately if you enjoy marijuana. Instead, it’s important to take a step back and consider whether the habit is affecting your ability to succeed in the areas that matter most to you.

The Key Is Moderation

The takeaway from the research is simple: moderation is key. If marijuana use starts to interfere with your ability to function at work, maintain healthy relationships, or manage your finances, it might be time to reconsider the habit.

Think of it this way: it’s easy for recreational use to turn into dependency, and that’s when the real problems can begin. If you find yourself relying on marijuana to get through the day or spending more money on it than you’d like to admit, it might be worth evaluating how the habit is impacting your life.

Is Marijuana Hindering Your Motivation?

One of the key risks of long-term marijuana use is its effect on motivation. If you’ve noticed a lack of drive, productivity, or creativity, your habit could be to blame. Marijuana has a well-documented ability to reduce motivation in some users, which could explain why those who continue to use it after 30 experience lower levels of success in certain areas of life.

The Social and Professional Impact

At the end of the day, it’s essential to consider how your marijuana use impacts not only your personal life but also your professional and social worlds. If you’re regularly using cannabis, it might start to affect your ability to perform well at work or maintain strong relationships. Over time, this can lead to a downward spiral that affects multiple aspects of your life.

Conclusion: To Smoke or Not to Smoke?

The decision to continue using marijuana after 30 is a personal one, but the research suggests that it’s worth reconsidering if the habit is holding you back from achieving your goals. While marijuana may be relaxing, fun, or even medicinal, it’s essential to practice moderation and keep an eye on how it impacts your life.

At the end of the day, success is about balance. If marijuana use is disrupting that balance—whether it’s through reduced motivation, financial strain, or relationship issues—it might be time to reassess. If you choose to continue, make sure it’s something you can control, not something that controls you.