Scenario: The Effects of THC on the Brain

Sarah, a 30-year-old flight attendant, took an edible one evening to unwind after a long shift. She expected to feel relaxed, but instead, she felt foggy and paranoid. The next morning, assuming the effects had worn off, she reported for duty.

During pre-flight checks, she struggled to focus and felt unusually slow responding to a passenger’s request. When turbulence hit, she hesitated before securing an overhead bin—something she’d normally do instinctively. A fellow crew member noticed her delayed reactions and asked if she was okay.

Realizing she wasn’t as sharp as usual, Sarah questioned whether THC had affected her ability to perform. Though she hadn’t used it at work, the lingering effects still posed a risk.

Sarah assumed she was fine the next day.

How can the lingering effects of THC impact performance in safety-sensitive jobs?