Friday Fact: Marijuana Detected in 42.7% of Adolescent Overdose Deaths and More Than 1 in 5 Overall
Marijuana was detected in 42.7 percent of adolescent overdose deaths and more than 1 in 5 overall, new CDC data show.
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that marijuana was detected in 21.0% of overdose deaths that were unintentional or had an undetermined intent between January 2021 and June 2025. Among overdose deaths involving individuals aged 12–17, marijuana was detected in 42.7%. Drawing on data from the CDC’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System, the study also noted that marijuana was recorded as a cause of death in 0.8% of the 209,166 overdose deaths that were reviewed during this time period. The study concluded that “cannabis use among youths represents an important opportunity for early intervention to prevent cannabis use disorder and address other substance use disorders and related adverse health effects.”
Get The Drug Report every Friday
The week's drug policy news, sourced and explained. Free. Read by tens of thousands of people who write, enforce and cover the policy.