Jack Herer: Cannabis, genetics, effects – the story of a legend
Who was Jack Herer? You may know Jack Herer as a cannabis strain, but there is a real person behind it: Mr. Jack Herer. Here’s all about his story and the fight against prohibition – a bit like our cannabis petition today. Today I’ll show you how one of the world’s most famous cannabis strains came about, who Jack Herer really was and why his genetics are still setting standards today. Jack Herer, Mr. Nice & Co. – here you come back to all cannabis legends.
Jack Herer: The man behind the variety
Jack Herer was an American author and cannabis activist born in New York in 1939. He was best known for his book The Emperor Wears No Clothes a work that is still considered the standard work on hemp legalization today. His life’s work was to bring the truth about cannabis and industrial hemp to light – and to expose the many lies and political interests that have supported the ban for decades (source interview, video below).
Jack tried marijuana at the age of 30
Jack Herer only tried marijuana for the first time at the age of 30 – “Makapoka Gold” (didn’t find anything about the strain, but he says so in the interview below) was the strain that won him over. In an interview he said:
“I listened to music in colors – it was the best feeling of my life. And it was illegal?”
This experience opened his eyes to the great injustice behind cannabis prohibition.
Fight for hemp! Jack’s “California Marijuana Initiative”

Heute feiern wir den 420 Day, San Francisco
In the 1970s, he became part of the “California Marijuana Initiative“, collected historical documents, spoke at over 200 colleges a year and developed a scale to describe cannabis effects – this scale was even used in US government studies. Together with his partner “Captain Ed“, he vowed to fight for hemp until it was legal again. Herer firmly believed that hemp could save the world – as a raw material, medicine and food.
“One hectare of hemp replaces four hectares of trees. You can make any type of paper from hemp – without pesticides, without deforestation. And no one dies from hemp. That’s not opinion – that’s government sources.” – Jack Herer
Jack died in 2010, but his influence today is greater than ever – especially through the variety of the same name that made him famous worldwide.
Jack Herer who? 5 facts
- Legal hemp activist
- Author of the book: The Emperor Wears No Clothes
- Namesake of the “Jack Herer” variety
- Two-time US presidential candidate
- Symbolic figure of the cannabis movement
The origin of the variety: Jack Herer
The “Jack Herer” strain was developed by Sensi Seeds in the 1990s with the aim of creating a strain that combines the energy of a sativa with the stability and flowering time of an indica. It was to be strong, medically effective and unique in taste.
The result was a hybrid of Haze, Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. The effect: creative, energetic, long-lasting. The strain won the High Times Cannabis Cup several times.
- Developed in the 1990s by Sensi Seeds
- Cross between Haze, NL5 & Shiva Skunk
- Awarded numerous Cannabis Cups
#JackHerer eine Legend! Schon gewusst? Er selbst hat erst mit 30 Jahren zum ersten Mal Marihuana probierte – das hier ist der Strain, der seinen Namen trägt 😍 https://t.co/TyYgwgh8p4
— CannaZen (@CannaZen_de) June 3, 2025
Influence on the scene: Jack Herer lives on
The Jack Herer variety was the starting point for many modern hybrids, e.g. Jack Flash, Critical Jack, Jack Skellington or Jack the Ripper.
Its influence is not only genetic, but also cultural: it stands for enlightenment, freedom and medical benefits. Jack Herer is now approved as a medicinal strain in many countries – including Germany. With a doctor’s cannabis prescription, you can obtain it legally from specialized cannabis pharmacies.
- Sire of many modern Jack hybrids
- Cultural symbol in the cannabis scene
- Available as a medicinal variety in Germany
That was Jack Herer: Any questions?
His life’s work is based on courage, curiosity and an unwavering belief in enlightenment. Jack Herer not only shaped the cannabis movement – to a large extent, he made it possible in the first place. Anyone who talks about hemp today must not forget his name.
- Jack Herer was the voice of enlightenment
- He fought with facts against ideology
- His legacy continues to inspire today
Cannabis legends: Mr. Nice, Jack Herer & Co.
Cannabis history is rich in legendary personalities – from early activists to genetics pioneers and international dealers. Find out who has shaped this scene here. Names like










