Jack Herer : The Man, The Legacy, and the Iconic Cannabis Strain
It's popular to find weed strains named after people, but do you ever ponder their legacy as you puff on the joint that bears their name? You’ve probably seen (or smoked!) the Jack Herer strain from Starbird. But who is this mysterious man, and why is this delightfully potent weed named after him? Let’s sift through the smoke and learn all about The Emperor of Hemp.
Up close and personal with the Emperor of Hemp
Who is Jack Herer?
The famed Jack Herer was born in 1939 in a conservative Jewish family.Jack Herer dropped out of high school at 17, and enlisted as a military police officer in the Korean War. In the late sixties, he and his family moved from the East Coast to Los Angeles, California. It was here, in the sacred year of 1969, he first tried smoking marijuana. His positive experience made him wonder why it was illegal in the first place. At 30 years old, he began his lifelong advocacy for hemp and cannabis, and his dedicated campaigning to legalize marijuana.
In 1987, Jack established the iconic Third Eye Shoppe, a head shop in Portland, Oregon, that became a cultural landmark. From bongs and ashtrays to Jerry Garcia posters, this shop epitomized Portland's open embrace of marijuana. Standing as a proud beacon for the counterculture, it wasn’t just a store—it was a sanctuary for the free-spirited and a testament to the evolving acceptance of cannabis. Jack owned and operated the store until 2001, then the ownership changed to his son Mark Herer, who operated the store until its closure in 2017. At the shop’s peak, it had over a dozen employees with salaries and health benefits. Its closure was due to steeply declining sales, neighborhood gentrification and the cost of health care benefits rising significantly. All of this, partnered with competitive businesses and online stores, lead to the end of Third Eye Shoppe.
Unfortunately, Jack Herer faced health concerns later in life. He suffered from a severe stroke and a minor heart attack in 2000. This resulted in impaired speech and difficulty moving the right side of his body. Still passionate to educate the public, Herer worked relentlessly to recover. In 2004 and mostly healed, Herer shared that using Anamita muscaria mushrooms aided his recovery. Sadly, in 2009, Herer suffered another heart attack that resulted in his death in 2010. He passed away on April 10th, 2010 at only 70 years old
Third Eye Shoppe in Portland, three months after its closure.
The Emperor Wears No Clothes
Jack Herer's seminal work, The Emperor Wears No Clothes, published in 1985, is a cornerstone in cannabis literature. The book delves into the extensive history and multifaceted applications of cannabis, emphasizing its medicinal benefits and environmental advantages, particularly through the use of hemp fiber for textiles. Herer meticulously disputes prevalent misconceptions about the harmful nature of marijuana, presenting a compelling case for its decriminalization and broader utilization. This publication has been instrumental in the hemp movement, selling over 800,000 copies worldwide and continuing to influence cannabis rescheduling and legalization efforts.
How Did Jack Herer Help Cannabis Reform?
Herer's advocacy extended beyond authorship; he founded the organization Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) and was affectionately known as the "Emperor of Hemp." Jack Herer was a pivotal figure in cannabis education and a fervent advocate for hemp's environmental benefits. He was deeply concerned about the detrimental effects of fossil fuels on the environment and championed hemp as a sustainable alternative for fuel and fiber. Herer argued that hemp could serve as a renewable resource for fuel, medicine, food, fiber, and paper, and that it could be cultivated globally for both medicinal and economic purposes. Moreover, Herer contended that the U.S. government deliberately concealed information about cannabis's therapeutic properties and hemp's industrial potential. He suggested that this suppression was influenced by industrial magnates whose businesses stood to lose from hemp's competition. For instance, Herer claimed that the federal government targeted hemp because its textile applications threatened politically connected magnates, including members of the DuPont family, whose company developed nylon, and William Randolph Hearst, who had significant investments in the timber industry for newspaper production.
Herer's unwavering dedication to cannabis and hemp advocacy has left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring ongoing efforts toward legalization and the recognition of hemp's diverse benefits.
Jack Herer (left) and Dennis Peron (right) sharing a joint.
What Made Jack Herer Such a Pivotal Figure in Marijuana Advocacy?
Building on his reputation as a cannabis advocate, Jack Herer played a crucial role in advancing Proposition 215 (also known as the Compassionate Care Act) This was the initiative that legalized medical marijuana in California. His relentless efforts to educate the public on the medicinal benefits of cannabis helped shift perceptions and mobilize support. By speaking at rallies and collaborating with like-minded activists, Herer ensured that the campaign reached a wide audience. He aided and worked with Dennis Peron, one of the authors of Proposition 215. Jack had previously failed his mission in 1972 with Proposition 19 with only 33% approval. He made sure to organize and create a strong foundation for the next ballot initiative. Proposition 215’s success in 1996 marked a historic turning point in marijuana reform, embodying the values Herer championed throughout his life. Cannabis was finally celebrated and accepted as medically progressive and healing.
Why is the Strain Called Jack Herer?
The Jack Herer strain, developed in 1994 by the renowned seed bank Sensi Seeds, pays homage to the legendary cannabis advocate. This hybrid masterpiece blends the best traits of its lineage: the uplifting cerebral effects of Haze, the potent resin production of Northern Lights #5, and the robust structure of Shiva Skunk. The result is a well-balanced strain celebrated for its clear-headed euphoria and therapeutic potential. Jack Herer has since become a staple in dispensaries worldwide, embodying the spirit and dedication of its namesake. At our Salem dispensary, we currently have Jack Herer prerolls and flower stocked up! Due to its popularity, we do our best to keep Jack Herer on our shelves!
Jack Herer has a cult following among cannabis lovers and enthusiasts! It certainly does not go unnoticed. This strain won 1st place for Best Cannabis in the 1994 High Times Cannabis Cup, the same year its creation. It has continued its exalted status by securing first place in several High Life Cannabis Cups. Many seed banks have done their own version of the strain or crossed it to make it more unique. Sour Jack, for example, is a pungent and powerful crossbreed of Sour Diesel and Jack Herer. Consumers regard this weed with both nostalgia and reverence.
The distinctive cola of a Jack Herer plant
What are the Effects and Benefits of the Jack Herer strain?
Jack Herer is a Hybrid-Sativa, leaning heavily on the Sativa side. The remarkable thing about this strain is how well it represents Jack Herer and his personality. It provides a clear headed and energizing buzz perfect for the day time (and surely it helped motivate him during his activism).
The bright green buds, orange pistils and sugar dusting of trichomes make Jack stand out next to others! Jack Herer has a beautifully layered smell, with undertones of forest pine and obvious notes of spice, ginseng and citrus. This strain is suited for anyone craving that classic, unique flavor and sensation. The dominant terpenes are Alpha-Pinene, Humulene, Myrcene and Limonene, giving Jack its robust smell and bold flavor. We would recommend this strain during a bad case of the blues or when you’re in a creative rut. It’s like rolling up sunshine, and it can brighten even the gloomiest of New England winter nights. If you struggle with stress, fatigue or depression, grab yourself some Jack Herer and see for yourself why the weed is simply named after the man himself.
Jack nuzzling the buds
Keep the Legacy Going
Jack Herer deserves all the high praise and accolades he receives to this day. Had it not been for his tireless campaigning, research and education, we would most likely not have legal cannabis in the United States. For true progress to take hold, there needs to be grassroots organizations with passionate individuals. Jack Herer did not campaign for cannabis so he could selfishly indulge in it. He felt how beneficial it was, was saddened by lack of access and criminalization of a natural plant, and did his best efforts to change public opinion and policy. He did this with great success from personal experience, networking, campaigning, and rallying with copious amounts of research supporting his claims. Let Jack Herer be an inspiration to you today. He definitely didn’t fit the bill of the “lazy stoner’ archetype that weed smokers are always branded with. Jack Herer evolved past his conservative upbringing and became one of the most pivotal people in the counter culture of marijuana. He was a champion of cannabis, and we celebrate his legacy every day.
Fly high!