Jack Herer

Jack Herer (1939–2010), sometimes known as the “Emperor of Hemp,” was an influential American cannabis rights activist and author of “The Emperor Wears No Clothes.” This book, first published in 1985 and in its fourteenth edition by 2020, played a crucial role in the cannabis decriminalization and legalization efforts. Herer founded and led the organization Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP), advocating for cannabis as a renewable source for fuel, medicine, food, fiber, and more. He ran for President of the United States as the Grassroots Party candidate in 1988 and 1992.

Biography and Death of Jack Herer:

• Jack Herer opened his first head shop in 1973 and self-published ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes’ in 1985.
• In 1987, he opened the Third Eye Shoppe head shop in Portland, Oregon, and ran for President of the United States in 1988 and 1992.
• Herer’s health issues included a minor heart attack and a major stroke in July 2000, with a subsequent heart attack in September 2009.
• He believed in the benefits of Amanita muscaria for his recovery.
• Jack Herer passed away on April 15, 2010, in Eugene, Oregon, at the age of 70 and was buried at the Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.

Criticism and Legacy of Jack Herer:

• European experts like Dr. Hayo M.G. van der Werf and Dr. Ivan Bocsa criticized Herer for unrealistic claims about hemp.
• Criticisms included disputes over hemp yields, cellulose content, and the superior aspects of fiber hemp.
• Despite criticisms, a cannabis strain named Jack Herer was created in his honor, winning awards like the 7th High Times Cannabis Cup.
• Jack Herer was inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame, and the Jack Herer Cup is held annually worldwide.
• A documentary titled ‘Emperor of Hemp’ was made about his life and works, leaving a lasting legacy in the cannabis advocacy movement.

Contributions and Works of Jack Herer:

• Jack Herer was known as the father of the marijuana legalization movement and founded Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP).
• He authored ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes’ and co-authored ‘G.R.A.S.S.: Great Revolutionary American Standard System.’
• Herer’s works like ‘Cannabis Medicines Banned’ and ‘Hemp for Victory’ significantly influenced the cannabis advocacy movement.
• His activism led to increased awareness of hemp’s potential and efforts to decriminalize and legalize cannabis.
• He received the High Times Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the cause.

Hemp Advocacy and Legal Reforms by Jack Herer:

• Herer advocated for hemp cultivation for industrial purposes and highlighted its environmental benefits.
• He argued for hemp legalization to reduce reliance on traditional resources and emphasized its versatility and sustainability.
• Jack Herer’s efforts influenced major legal reforms related to marijuana and hemp, shaping the legal landscape in the United States.
• His advocacy for changes in cannabis laws and hemp cultivation contributed to shifting public opinion on marijuana legalization.
• Herer’s work inspired a new generation of activists to push for legislative changes in favor of cannabis and hemp.

Resources and Recognition of Jack Herer:

• Media related to Jack Herer can be found on Wikimedia Commons, with quotes attributed to him available on Wikiquote.
• Information about Jack Herer is accessible on the Erowid Jack Herer Vault and the official website for the Jack Herer Cup.
• Additional resources and articles related to Jack Herer can be found on jackherercup.com, showcasing his impact on the cannabis community and beyond.

Jack Herer Data Sources