- The Association of Flight Attendants warned its members about microdosing magic mushrooms.
- It came days after Joseph Emerson pleaded not guilty to charges including 83 counts of attempted murder.
A flight attendants union has warned its members about taking magic mushrooms, days after an Alaska Airlines pilot was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, having previously used the drug.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA released a statement last Friday titled: "Know the Facts about Microdosing Psychedelics, Including Psilocybin."
Psilocybin is the chemical found in magic mushrooms that produces its psychedelic effects. Microdosing involves taking very small amounts of a drug, and has been involved in several studies that suggest it can be beneficial for mental health.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Elon Musk microdoses ketamine to help with depression.
But the AFA, which represents more than 45,000 flight attendants, is making sure its members are aware of the risks.
"All consumers, especially safety sensitive employees like Flight Attendants, should be aware of the below cautions and concerns," it said.
That includes legal issues, as psilocybin is illegal in most countries and states. And even at small doses, it can have "undesirable physical effects," the AFA said.
The AFA didn't mention the Alaska Airlines incident that occurred days before, but it may have prompted its alert.
Last Tuesday, Joseph Emerson pleaded not guilty to one federal count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants, as well as dozens of state charges of attempted murder and reckless endangerment.
Emerson, an off-duty pilot, was riding in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight on October 22. Prosecutors say he tried to shut off the plane's engines mid-flight.
Emerson said he had been struggling with depression and had taken magic mushrooms about 48 hours before the incident, per the court docs.
He told law enforcement he hadn't slept in 40 hours and believed he was having a "nervous breakdown," according to court documents.
His lawyer told The New York Times that Emerson "was not under the influence of any intoxicants when he boarded that flight."
But with his case receiving widespread attention, and several reports highlighting his mention of magic mushrooms, it looks like aviation organizations are ensuring employees know the risks of the drug.