Our History
The seeds for Happy Herb Co were planted in 1996 by our founder and tireless herb activist Ray Thorpe and Eliza Rix. Ray awakened to the healing, connecting power of herbs, and germinated his passion through research and experimentation. He learnt how herbs could offer a safe, healthy, non-addictive alternative to many medicinal and recreational drugs and that this knowledge was actively suppressed by those with vested interests.
In a quest to promote the appreciation and education of plants and herbs, Ray and Eliza started a market stall in Uki and opened their first shop as Happy High Herbs in the iconic village of Nimbin selling herbal alternatives for a healthy happy high life.
From these humble beginnings, Happy High Herbs grew worldwide to have almost 60 franchised retail outlets and a published book which is now in its 9th edition.
Sadly in 2013 there was a legislation change that would outlaw any products that would alter your state (excluding sugar and caffeine ). Ray and his team established the plant freedom alliance and fought to have herbs excluded from this law, which he was successful at but there were still many plant medicines taken away at this time. Devastated by the loss of so many amazing healing plants and fun alternatives, Happy High Herbs went into retraction and many of the iconic shops closed.
Shortly after this, Laura, now our company owner and CEO, joined Ray on a greater mission to save the much loved company and continue to dedicate their lives to serving its mission. In 2021, during Rays 75th year around the sun, Laura purchased the company to allow Ray to retire and enjoy his creative passions, and is now leading the company into its next evolution of connecting people and herbs.