A Texan woman, Melinda Van Veldhuizen, found herself handed a lifetime ban from Carnival Cruise Line after her boarding experience took an unexpected turn due to the discovery of CBD gummies in her luggage. Van Veldhuizen, a 42-year-old Chiropractor and Nurse Practitioner from Dallas, had anticipated celebrating her 21st wedding anniversary and her son’s senior year in high school aboard Carnival’s Horizon Cruise in August. However, her plans took a drastic turn when security agents at the Port of Miami detected nail clippers in her suitcase through X-rays.

According to reports, the situation escalated when agents discovered sealed CBD gummies while inspecting her bag. Van Veldhuizen, a seasoned cruise passenger, explained that she brought the gummies on board to aid her sleep, as they were marketed to promote relaxation. Despite affirming her previous incident-free travels with such products, she found herself isolated from her family and subjected to questioning by security and police. The ordeal lasted for over two hours before she was informed of the decision to deny her boarding.

Van Veldhuizen detailed the ship captain’s persistent inquiries regarding the possession of a marijuana card or a medical diagnosis supporting her CBD usage. She emphasized that CBD is not subject to such cards or diagnoses, stating, “It’s CBD; that doesn’t exist. It’s just not a thing.” Dishearteningly, her family chose not to proceed with the cruise without her.

Subsequently, she received a letter from Carnival informing her of a lifetime ban based on her actions during the incident, citing violations of ship rules, interference with the safety and enjoyment of other guests, or causing harm to Carnival. Initially, Daren Stabinski, the attorney representing Van Veldhuizen from South Florida, disclosed that the cruise company demanded she bear the full cost of the entire family’s cruise fare, totaling $5,586. Subsequently, Carnival extended an offer to reimburse her $1,665 of the cruise fare.

Stabinski stated that his client is seeking to lift the ban and obtain a refund for the remainder of her family’s fares. Carnival, in response to the incident, cited adherence to federal law, defining CBD as a controlled substance. The cruise company asserted its commitment to adhering to federal guidelines, stating that it was their responsibility to prohibit the introduction of restricted items, including CBD, on board.

While Carnival expressed regret over the guest’s dissatisfaction, they maintained their stance, asserting that CBD is considered a controlled substance under federal law. Stabinski contested the notion of treating people as if they were engaging in criminal behavior for carrying CBD. He underscored that CBD, a non-intoxicating component present in marijuana, can originate from both hemp and non-hemp plants. He pointed out that Congress had established its legality in 2018.