A woman from Texas was permanently banned by Carnival Cruise Line after security personnel discovered CBD gummies in her luggage during a security check at the Port of Miami in August. The cruise line’s policies prohibit CBD products, citing their illegal status in some of the ports visited, even though they may be legally obtained for health reasons in parts of the U.S.
Melinda Van Veldhuizen, a 42-year-old Dallas-based nurse practitioner and chiropractor, recounted to The Washington Post her experience of being detained by security during boarding for the Carnival Horizon. The issue arose when an X-ray scan revealed metal nail clippers in her bag, leading to a search that uncovered the CBD gummies, bought from a Texas drugstore and intended to help with sleep issues.
Van Veldhuizen faced a lengthy wait, separated from her family, while security questioned her about the gummies and checked for a possession license. She was eventually denied boarding.
Subsequently, in August, Van Veldhuizen received a letter from Carnival Cruise Line, informing her of the lifetime ban across all their ships for violating onboard rules and impacting the safety or enjoyment of other passengers. The letter, reviewed by The Post, came from Captain Rocco Lubrano of Carnival Horizon.
This incident first came to light through a report by Miami’s ABC affiliate, WPLG.
Van Veldhuizen was initially expected to bear the cost of the cruise for herself and her family, which amounted to about $5,586, plus an additional charge of nearly $700 on her credit card post-cruise. However, a subsequent letter from Carnival offered to refund her cruise fare of $1,665. Her attorney, Daren Stabinski, argues for a full reimbursement and lifting of the ban, threatening legal action if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily.
Stabinski emphasizes the emotional toll on his client and urges Carnival to act fairly. He points out that the CBD gummies in question were hemp-derived and not marketed as containing THC.
CBD, a compound in marijuana, can be extracted from hemp or other cannabis plants. Its legal status is complex; while hemp was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD-infused products remain under scrutiny by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are illegal under federal law when added to food or marketed as dietary supplements.
This case highlights the intricate legal landscape surrounding CBD products, especially in the context of travel and differing federal and state laws. Cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line, adhere to federal laws prohibiting marijuana, cannabis, hemp, and CBD products, regardless of local laws in the states or destinations they visit.
Van Veldhuizen, a long-time patron of Carnival cruises, had planned the trip as a celebration of several family milestones, including her 21st wedding anniversary and her son’s final high school year.
