Getting unserialize(): Error at offset 65522 of 65535 bytes when trying to use Gate::denies('view_home_dashboard')

I'm using Laravel Framework 5.6.40 and I'm trying to integrate Spatie's Laravel Permissiosn Package. Everything works except whenever I try to use

Gate::denies('view_home_dashboard') 

I'm getting an exception.

I've tried a number of solutions:

• Clearing the cache
• Generating a new Key (artisan key generate)
• Clearing the Config
• Changing to protected static $serialize = false; and protected static $serialize = true;

But nothing works. I'm stuck with this error for the last 5 hours. Hopefully someone can help me out.

via Chebli Mohamed