'Marijuana Edibles' Behind Brawl On Beijing-Bound Plane

SEATTLE, WA - Marijuana edibles might be to blame for a wild brawl aboard a Beijing-bound flight out of SeaTac last summer. A 24-year-old Florida man has pleaded guilty to four federal charges in connection to the incident, and he told the court he ate the marijuana treats before takeoff.

The incident happened July 7 as the Delta flight passed over Vancouver Island. Joseph Hudek IV, a first-class passenger, emerged from the bathroom and tried to open the exit door, according to court documents. Two flight attendants tried to stop them, but Hudek allegedly assaulted them. He allegedly punched one flight attendant in the face.

Another passenger tried to intervene, but Hudek allegedly hit him over the head with a wine bottle. He was only stopped after multiple passengers restrained him.

Hudek pleaded guilt to four charges: interfering with a flight crew and three counts of assault. He is facing up to 20 years in prison, according to U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15. In the meantime, Hudek is banned from commercial air travel.

Hudek had asked a judge to consider his "diminished mental capacity" because of the edibles. The judge would not accept that defense, however, because Hudek ate the edibles voluntarily. Recreational marijuana stores in Washington sell dozens of varieties of edibles, from sports drinks to traditional brownies.

Edibles sold in Washington do carry a warning label because eating too much THC can cause serious problems. The standard, safe serving size in Washington is 10 milligrams, but some edibles are sold in doses as high as 500 milligrams.

Caption: This Friday, July 7, 2017 photo taken by the FBI and released via the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle shows the aftermath of a cabin on Delta Flight 129 from Seattle to Beijing, after authorities say flight attendants struggled with Joseph Daniel Hudek IV, a passenger who lunged for an exit door.

Photo via FBI/Associated Press