Cannabis was detected in 21% of overdose deaths during January 2021–June 2025, according to the CDC’s Sept. 3 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The percentage was stable over time, but detection varied by age and was highest among adolescents aged 12–17 years. Cannabis was rarely listed as causing death, and most overdose deaths with cannabis detected involved illegally manufactured fentanyls or stimulants.
Here are five things to know:
1. Among 209,166 overdose deaths across 31 states and the District of Columbia, cannabis was detected in 43,880 (21%).
2. Cannabis was listed as causing death in 0.8% (1,687) of all overdose deaths and was the only drug involved in 0.004% (nine).
3. Cannabis detection was highest among adolescents aged 12–17 years, at 42.7% (439), and decreased with increasing age. Among adults aged ≥50 years, cannabis was detected in 16.7% (13,076) of overdose deaths.
4. Among all deaths with cannabis detected, 73.5% involved illegally manufactured fentanyls and 60.4% involved stimulants. Among adolescents aged 12–17 years, those percentages were 88.6% and 69.0%, respectively.
5. The findings indicate overdose deaths caused by cannabis are rare and cannabis detection among overdose deaths is primarily indicative of polysubstance use.
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