Carnival Cruise Line has shocked the public by issuing a lifetime ban to a Texas mom for carrying a pack of CBD sleep aid gummies on board. The incident, which occurred at PortMiami over the summer, has raised eyebrows due to the questionable reasoning behind the ban.
Key Takeaway
Melinda Van Veldhuizen, a loyal Carnival Cruise Line customer, has been banned for life due to carrying CBD sleep aid gummies on board. This incident highlights the legal confusion surrounding CBD products in certain states and raises questions about the harshness of the punishment.
An Unfortunate Encounter
Melinda Van Veldhuizen, a 42-year-old mother of two, faced an unpleasant situation when her backpack was searched by cruise employees. To her dismay, the gummies were discovered, leading to her immediate separation from the rest of the passengers.
What followed was a grueling 2.5-hour interrogation by both Carnival security and local police. Van Veldhuizen revealed her shock at being treated like a criminal for such a minor offense. Little did she know that this incident would result in a lifetime ban from all Carnival Cruise Line vessels.
The Legal Confusion
While the sale and use of CBD products derived from hemp are legal in 47 out of 50 states, Florida imposes restrictions. In Florida, any product containing more than 0.3% THC requires a medical marijuana card. Unfortunately for Van Veldhuizen, the gummies she innocently carried fell into this gray area.
A Dream Vacation Turned Nightmarish
Melinda had planned this particular cruise to celebrate her 21st wedding anniversary and her son’s senior year of high school. The total cost of the vacation amounted to approximately $5,586, an investment that has now been abruptly halted by Carnival Cruise Line’s decision.
Adding insult to injury, Van Veldhuizen received a letter from Carnival, signed by Captain Rocco Lubrano, reaffirming her lifelong ban. The communication left her with no doubts, stating explicitly that she would “not be permitted to sail onboard any Carnival Cruise Lines vessel in the future.”
Seeking Resolution
The Texas mom, who had previously enjoyed over a dozen Carnival cruises, is now pursuing an internal claim with the cruise line. However, she has made it clear that she is prepared to sue if a satisfactory resolution is not reached. Both she and her attorney, Daren Stabinski, have expressed a desire to put this distressing chapter behind them.
