Three British Airways cabin crew members were hospitalised after consuming THC-infused gummies given by a passenger. The return flight was operated with a replacement crew.
Three British Airways cabin crew members were hospitalised after consuming gummies containing high levels of THC that were given by a passenger. The incident reportedly occurred after the Heathrow–Los Angeles flight, and the return flight was operated with a replacement crew.
Contained up to 300 mg of THC
According to reports in the British press, each of the gummies contained THC, the main component responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
It was learned that the tired crew consumed the offered sweets on the crew bus after the flight from Heathrow to Los Angeles. Shortly afterwards, the crew reportedly became unable to control themselves and stated that they experienced an “out-of-body experience.”
Upon arriving at the hotel, the three cabin crew members reportedly experienced panic, fear, and confusion, and were taken to hospital as the symptoms worsened.
Return flight operated with replacement crew
Following the incident, British Airways assigned a new crew for the return flight to London. It was stated that the three cabin crew members receiving treatment returned to the UK the next day as passengers.
The airline announced that an investigation had been launched to identify the passenger who gave the gummies to the staff.
Statement from British Airways
British Airways made the following statement:
“A small number of our crew reported feeling unwell at their hotel and have since recovered. We sent a replacement crew to operate the return flight and there was no impact on our customers.”
“If it had happened in the air, the consequences could have been severe”
According to aviation sources, it is not uncommon for passengers to offer sweets to cabin crew as a gesture of appreciation. However, it was noted that the incident occurring after landing rather than during the flight was “a great stroke of luck.”
One source commented, “If the entire crew had become incapacitated at 30,000 feet, you wouldn’t even want to think about the consequences.”
Authorities state that if the passenger who distributed the cannabis-containing products is identified, they could face multiple charges.
