NATIONAL franchise The Happy Herb Shop, which opened a store in Bunbury almost two years ago, will take legal action against media outlets that used its products and shopfront images in reports about the death of a Sydney teenager.
Prinsep Street store manager Gina Knight said “misrepresentation and persecution” of the company had caused staff and their families much anguish and suffering.
Ms Knight said images of 100 per cent natural herbal products sold exclusively through the Happy Herb Shop franchise, along with images of shopfronts, were broadcast as part of media reports on the death of Sydney teenager Henry Kwan.
The 17-year-old student jumped off the balcony of his family home while allegedly under the influence of a drug that mimics LSD last Wednesday night.
Ms Knight said the synthetic substance that caused Mr Kwan’s death had never been sold by the Happy Herb Company.
She said media reports linking the company’s herbal health and energy products with dangerous synthetics was false and misleading.
“When these kinds of products are demonised by the media, it becomes impossible for there to be a sensible discussion on drug policy,” Ms Knight said.
“Our goal is harm minimisation through providing safe and legal alternatives to uncontrolled illegal drugs, along with a wide range of natural health products.”
The company will seek financial compensation from the media outlets.
