House of Hemp unravels opposite school

Parents got their wish when a hemp store trading opposite a Central Normal School closed recently.

The House of Hemp lists party pills, sex products, hemp clothing, and smoking pipes, for sale through its online shop.

The shop, which opened on Featherston St during the summer holidays, has cleared its shelves and closed its doors.

The store manager did not return calls from the Manawatu Standard.

Diane Johns, whose granddaughter starts at the school this year, said parents will be relieved by the closure. "From a parent's point of view, I'm very happy."

It was outrageous the store was allowed to open by a primary school, as it encouraged children to ask questions about marijuana, she said. "It's not just the products, it's the people associated with it."

The store had closed within the last week, she said.

Central Normal School principal Shona Oliver said the school complained to the council and police, but legally House of Hemp had a right to trade. The store had been closing between 3pm and 3.30pm, while students left school.

- © Fairfax NZ News