i was just joking but here's a nice firm answer for you.
Your friend's experience may be due to cannabis use. There is empirical evidence to show that cannabis use may be correlated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia may involve delusions and paranoia, it's easy to see why both may manifest themselves in panic.
Your friend may have been affected by use of the drug, especially if it's strong skunk.
Different people, different brains, different vulnerability. Cannabis may be great for some, for others, it ruins their lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=305vRNoofr8