Who is Jack Herer and Why is He Important to Cannabis?

If you need the energy to make things better, you can reach for Jack Herer’s namesake strain. The Jack Herer and subsequent ‘Jack’ strains typically have a healthy amount of terpinolene and that natural gassy smell. That, blended with the typical terpene profile of a spicy caryophyllene and hyper-energizing pinene, delivers a consistent aromatic blend designed for focus and adventure. As time goes on and strains are bred into new generations, the original blend will inevitably trickle out and transform into something new. While the genetics have evolved, the name is still the same- Jack Herer. 

Here’s why he’s important. 

Jack Herer was an outspoken cannabis activist who dedicated a lot of his life to his pursuit of getting cannabis decriminalized. Herer was a ‘late’ bloomer, only having smoked for the first time at the age of thirty. After his introduction to cannabis, Herer dedicated his professional life to progress in the cannabis space. In 1973, he opened the first of his head shops. 

Running a retail shop was only the first impact Herer made on the cannabis landscape. After opening his own head shop and getting more involved with grassroots cannabis advocacy organizations, Herer began to get more politically active. In 1981, Herer was arrested during a protest to change public policy around cannabis. During his first stint in jail, he began writing his first book, The Emperor Wears No Clothes. While writing, Jack continued to run his headshop, despite getting fined for operating the retailer for selling cannabis paraphernalia. The Emperor Wears No Clothes was self-published in 1985 and is still generally revered as one of the most impactful books on cannabis. The book covers uses of cannabis both medicinal and as a resource for other use, as well as discussion of cannabis prohibition. 

Herer’s Grassroots activism reached a high as he ventured into the world of traditional politics. In 1988, Jack Herer ran as the Grassroots Party candidate for President of the United States of America. He would run again for the same party in the 1992 election. He did not secure either victory. 

While his bids for president were not successful, Herer’s political activism was impactful. The outspoken Herer would continue to attend protests, demonstrations, celebrations, and more cannabis events up until his death in 2010. Because of his advocacy, we have the privilege to operate in so many states across the country. 

June 18th is Jack Herer’s birthday, and today we celebrate his legacy. 

For more industry insights, stay tuned to the Alleaves blog.