The takeaway here isn’t to demonize marijuana. What the study really highlights is that occasional use in your younger years doesn’t doom your future. However, regular or dependent use in adulthood could affect things like motivation, relationships, or job performance for some people.

So if you enjoy marijuana occasionally and it isn’t interfering with your life—you’re probably fine. But if you notice it’s affecting your energy, finances, or responsibilities, it might be time to step back and reassess your relationship with it.

In short: Enjoy responsibly, stay aware of how it impacts your life, and make sure you’re still in control—not the other way around.