Don’t Bring CBD To WDW
Despite the lack of science around the product, the use of CBD oil has proliferated across the United States. Just don’t bring it to Walt Disney World.
This past spring and summer, two news items center around the product and WDW.
A former bartender at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida says she was fired over CBD oil she bought at a grocery store and used for foot pain.
Kathy Talafous said she was off the clock and visiting the park with her family on April 12, when security found the CBD balm in her purse at an entry gate.
Documents from the sheriff’s office claim the oil was not tested, but the Disney incident reports claims it tested positive for THC.
Talafous said she was suspended when she showed up to work the next Monday, and was eventually fired this week. Talafous said her union told her there is still a chance she could get her job back, but the process could take a long time.
A Walt Disney World spokesperson said the park will not comment on this personnel matter.
Earlier this year, a guest attempted to bring CBD into WDW.
The CBD business is booming in Florida, even though it’s not technically legal yet.
A 69-year-old woman from North Carolina was recently arrested at Disney World because she had CBD oil in her purse, which was recommended by her doctor.
The charge was later dropped, but the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said its deputy was following the law.
While officials have said some forms of CBD are legal, state statue says otherwise.
Until a recently passed hemp bill is signed into law, all CBD products are illegal in Florida.
Burkhalter Files Suit
Meanwhile, the woman has filed suit:
[Hester] Burkhalter, 69, was stopped at the gates of Magic Kingdom April 15 for carrying cannabidiol oil, the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis commonly known as CBD, which has become a popular anxiety and pain remedy since it was legalized under federal law in December.
It is still illegal in Florida.
Burkhalter said she spent 12 hours in jail before being let out on bond. On April 26, prosecutors filed notice in Orange County Circuit Court that they did not intend to pursue charges, closing the case against Burkhalter.
She and attorney Ben Crump announced May 15 that they intended to file a lawsuit against OCSO and Disney, alleging illegal detainment, false imprisonment, defamation of character, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violation of Burkhalter’s civil rights.
As with other legal matters, we’ll keep an eye on this one as it moves forward. In the meantime, be careful what you bring into the Parks!