Jack Herer: From Activist to Iconic Strain
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Plants for Persephone
Quick Answer: Jack Herer was a legendary cannabis activist, author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes, and advocate for hemp and legalization. In the 1990s, Sensi Seeds honored him with the sativa-dominant strain Jack Herer, a cross of Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk. Known for its uplifting, creative high and piney flavor, it remains one of the most iconic strains in cannabis history.
In the cannabis world, few names carry as much weight as Jack Herer.
Known both as a tireless activist and the namesake of one of the most famous cannabis strains of all time, Herer’s legacy is woven into cannabis culture, politics, and the plant itself.
But how did one man’s fight for legalization transform into a strain beloved around the world?
Image credit: Merry Jade
Jack Herer the Activist
Jack Herer was more than just a cannabis enthusiast—he was a pioneer of legalization advocacy.
His 1985 book, The Emperor Wears No Clothes, argued passionately for the benefits of hemp and cannabis, laying out evidence of its medical, industrial, and environmental potential.
Herer became a leading voice in the movement, traveling the country to educate and inspire. His relentless energy earned him the nickname “The Hemperor.”
Image credit : Green Pharms
The Birth of the Strain
In the 1990s, Dutch breeders at Sensi Seeds created a sativa-dominant hybrid that combined Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk.
They named it Jack Herer in honor of the activist’s dedication to cannabis reform.
The strain quickly gained fame for its uplifting, cerebral effects paired with a grounding body buzz—a fitting tribute to a man who fought for cannabis as both medicine and inspiration.
Image credit: 2H Media
Why Jack Herer Stands Out
Jack Herer the strain reflects the spirit of its namesake: bold, balanced, and unforgettable.
Its spicy, piney aroma and clear-headed high made it a favorite among medical patients and creatives alike.
It has also won countless awards, solidifying its status as a legendary strain and cementing Herer’s name not just in activism, but in cannabis history.
Image credit: CRYSTALWEED cannabis
Jack Herer: The Activist and The Iconic Strain
Jack Herer’s impact is twofold: as a passionate activist who helped shape the legalization movement, and as the inspiration for a world-renowned strain that continues to uplift minds and spirits.
Whether through his words or through the plant that bears his name, Jack Herer’s legacy lives on as a cornerstone of cannabis culture.
Where can I find Jack Herer?
Whether you’re shopping online or in Redmond, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it. That includes Jack Herer!
Currently we carry Jack Herer in smokeable flower and pre rolls from Artizen Cannabis.
What makes Jack Herer by Artizen Cannabis Special?
Artizen combines advanced cultivation techniques with Zen-guided discipline.
That’s why they approach growing each of their strains, including Jack Herer, like it's a work of art: fine-tuning their techniques to the growth rhythms, visual cues and specificities of each and every plant.
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Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.