A 69 year grandmother, was wrongfully arrested at Disneyland. Security staff found a bottle of Hemp, derived CBD oil in her bag. She was cuffed, and taken to jail in front of her grandchildren. A story that made the evening news across Florida, one that also shocked the Cannabis community.
She was taking a trip with her grandchildren, from Carolina to Florida, so they can make the kids dreams come true. But to their horror they instead watched their great-grandmother get whisked away in a police car. The incident left Hester Burkhalter traumatized. She had a medical note, and recommendations from her doctor however they did not keep her out of jail.
She was so stressed, that she was seen vomiting outside of the police cars, before the took her away. Even requested an ambulance, but the request was refused by officers telling her to ‘get back in the car’.
Disney World pays the consequences
Hester, is now rightfully suing Disneyland Florida. Seeking $6 million in compensatory damages, as well as $12 million in punitive damages for her unlawful arrest. As the CBD oil she was carrying for her severe arthritis and joint pain was and still is federally legal.
No illegal substances are stipulate at Disneyland, including marihuana, they are allowed to be used in the park. Although, it may be legal on state land, but it is NOT legal on Disney Land. As we know, she had an illegal oil. The rules are a little strange, as Alcohol and Opioids are allowed to be consumed in the theme park. Leaving the question – how outdated are Disneyland’s policies?
It wouldn’t be the first time Disneyland has been on the Cannabis news radar. The famous actor Robert Downey and even ex-president Barack Obama ,both admitted to being caught smoking weed in the theme park. And after, they were given stern warnings were allowed (without the need to call the police) to leave in peace.
So what happened with Hester and her bottle of oil? I suppose it’s not what you know (the law) but it’s WHO you know, so it looks like fame and fortune came to assist the actor and to-be president but unfortunately Hester the 69 great-grandmother was not so lucky.
