The research – published
in the journal
Drug and Alcohol Review – followed
1792 Australian high school students aged 15 in 1992, and
investigated their patterns of cannabis use across twenty
years.
It found that by the age of 35, those who had
regularly used cannabis in their early 20s were far more
likely to engage in high-risk alcohol consumption, not have
a job, and be daily smokers. They were also 20x more likely
to use illicit substances, and 60% more likely to not be in
a stable relationship. There was also a higher risk of
depression.
The study authors said: “Two-thirds of
people who use cannabis regularly started use in their early