What is the most likely explanation for an 11-year-old girl exhibiting panic symptoms after smoking marijuana?

The selected answer centers on the fact that marijuana can induce acute panic symptoms, particularly in individuals who may not be regular users or who have a predisposition to anxiety. When someone who is not accustomed to marijuana consumes it, the psychoactive component, THC, can lead to feelings of paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks. This phenomenon is well-documented, especially in young individuals whose brains are still developing.

In the case of an 11-year-old girl, her exposure to marijuana could result in a panic episode that is directly related to the drug use, rather than a pre-existing anxiety disorder or other mental health condition. This situation emphasizes the age-related vulnerability to the psychoactive effects of cannabis, which can manifest as acute panic symptoms following ingestion.

This answer aligns with the understanding that certain reactions, such as panic episodes, can be temporary and drug-induced rather than stemming from a longer-term or chronic condition. Such acute reactions are particularly pertinent in clinical discussions regarding younger individuals and their interaction with substances like marijuana.