As marijuana becomes more socially accepted, many adults have woven it into their routines, whether to relax, socialize, or relieve stress. But once you hit your 30s, is it still worth it? A recent study from Australian researchers suggests that continuing to smoke weed beyond this age may come with unforeseen consequences. According to their findings, using marijuana past the age of 30 could make it more challenging to reach common life milestones of success.

What the Study Says About Smoking Weed After 30

This study followed over 8,000 women across several years and identified some intriguing trends. The researchers discovered that participants who kept using marijuana past 30 scored lower in various areas, such as education, income, and overall life satisfaction. While it’s well-known that heavy substance use can have negative effects, this research specifically highlighted how prolonged marijuana use in adulthood might correlate with lower personal and professional achievement.

Does this mean smoking weed in your 30s is a direct path to failure? Not quite. Success is subjective, and people define fulfillment in many ways. For some, life goals like buying a home or having a stable career aren’t priorities. However, it’s worth considering that excessive marijuana use in your 30s could potentially slow down your progress in subtle ways that may not be immediately noticeable.

Is This Study Relevant to Everyone?

Before making any quick decisions, it’s essential to consider the study’s limitations. First, the study focused exclusively on Australian women who were also mothers. This doesn’t necessarily represent the global population of cannabis users, who vary widely in background and lifestyle. Additionally, the study didn’t take into account other factors, such as whether participants were using marijuana with other substances, which could have influenced the results.

Another aspect to consider is how the study defined “success.” The criteria focused on traditional markers like income and homeownership. In today’s world, with more people embracing digital nomadism, freelancing, and remote work, these standards may seem outdated. For many, the lack of a traditional career or a white-picket-fence lifestyle doesn’t mean they’re less successful.

Finding Balance: What’s the Real Takeaway?

The takeaway from this study isn’t necessarily a call to quit smoking weed entirely once you hit 30. Instead, it’s a reminder about the importance of moderation. If using marijuana helps you relax or brings enjoyment to your life, there’s no reason to feel guilty. But if it’s consuming more time, money, or energy than you’re comfortable with, it may be time to evaluate your habits. The key takeaway here is to prevent marijuana from becoming a barrier to your personal or professional goals.

Like most things in life, balance is crucial. Being mindful of your relationship with marijuana ensures that it complements your lifestyle rather than complicates it. Your 30s are often a decade of laying the foundation for a more stable future, so ask yourself: Are you in control of your choices, or are your choices controlling you?

Final Thoughts: Be Responsible and Self-Aware

This conversation isn’t just about marijuana—it’s about awareness of your habits and honesty about your life goals. For many people, marijuana is simply a weekend pastime or an occasional indulgence that doesn’t impact their lives negatively. But for others, it could gradually become a subtle obstacle, holding them back from achieving their dreams and aspirations. While this study isn’t the final word, it provides a good opportunity to reflect on whether your habits align with your life path or hinder your progress.

If you’re still lighting up in your 30s, do so with intention, self-awareness, and a focus on the future. Take a moment to consider if your habits are adding value to your life or distracting you from the things you truly want. The bottom line? Enjoy responsibly, stay mindful, and live your best life—whatever that means for you.