Scientists say that smoking weed in your youth isn't a big deal, but if you're still using it well into adulthood, your mileage may vary.
A team of researchers from the University ofQueensland in Australia looked at success outcomes for both cannabis and amphetamine users in a new study.
The team used data from over 8,000 mothers and 2,000 children about drug use at ages 21 and 30 and found that both substances were associated with lower success rates based on nine specific criteria.
The study is likely to have flaws for offended stoners. The data about mothers and children in Australia is strange and highly local, and may not represent a broader or more contemporary global population. Home ownership and relationship status are not the strongest measures of success.
The data didn't reflect whether the cannabis users in question were also dabbling in other drugs besides amphetamines, leaving a huge question of correlation hovering over the weed findings.
The scientists wrote in the study that they don't have enough data on ecstasy, opiates and even synthetic drugs.
The results are intriguing, at least as a jumping off point for further study. The researchers found that people who used drugs when they were younger were more likely to do well in life if they sobered up before long.
All bets were off after 30.
According to a press release, people who used cannabis and amphetamines at 30 had lower levels of life success.
Cannabis can mess up your life in ways that aren't directly related to the drug at all, so it's worth remembering. People who get caught with it can end up in the criminal justice system. The new research seems to circle around that point without grasping its implications.
The strongest predictors of continued drug use are anti-social behavior and contact with the criminal justice system, according to the statement.
It is worth noting that Australia has been a notable exception to the global trend of cannabis legalization, which may well flavor both the data and conclusions of this particular study.
We don't fully understand the relationship between marijuana use and social outcomes. Sometimes sparking up is associated with better quality of life.
We all could benefit from re-examining our drug use from time to time, and be aware that policy interventions don't make a drug any more or less damaging.
Do cannabis and amphetamine use in adolescence predict adult life success?
Scientists say that just one alcoholic drink a day appears to shrink your brain.
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