Jack Herer

Jack Herer Cannabis Strain Review

Effects: Blissful, clear-headed, creative, energizing

May Relieve: Stress, depression, pain fatigue, anxiety, pain

This world-famous strain gets its name from the author and cannabis legalization advocate Jack Herer, writer of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. In his 1985 book, Herer compiled information and historical data about cannabis that became essential for the re-legalization movement. His work became so influential, that it’s still cited to this day by groups and individuals who promote the rescheduling of marijuana.

This Dutch hybrid was first grown in the early ’90s, quickly rising in popularity. The strain won various awards, even achieving medical grade status, which made it available in pharmacies across the Netherlands. It’s health benefits range from pain reduction to anxiety relief.

What Exactly is the Jack Herer Marijuana Strain?

The idea behind Jack Herer was to create a sativa dominant strain with the amazing properties of Haze — the grandparent of many cannabis varieties. The problem with Haze was that it took a long time to cultivate, so two other strains came for the rescue.

One of the other strains was Northern Lights #5, an Indica that won the Cannabis Cup competition in 1989 but kept making podiums until 1993. The other one was Shiva Skunk, another Indica that was known for its potent relaxing effects and its large yield. The result was successful as Jack Herer not only is easy to cultivate, but it’s considered te be one of the best Sativas in the world.

Among the most recognizable awards, Jack Herer took home a winning place in the notable 1994 High Times Cannabis Cup. This energizing sativa high became a staple among the cannabis community at the time. Doctors started giving Jack Herer prescriptions for conditions that affect the day to day of medical patients.

Jack Herer: Appearance, Flavor, and Aroma

When it comes to appearances, the plant can reach up to 80 inches tall, making it a generally enormous strain — so it’s important to make all the growing room necessary for this plant to flourish, preferably in sunny, dry, weather. During flowering, plants will exhibit a dense coat of trichomes that give it a shiny snowy look, which contrasts with its dark tones. The leaves, stern, and buds share a dark purple color with some hints of orange from the pistils, which you can find here and there on the flower.

Though jack Herer is a sativa-leaning hybrid, it’s snowy coat is similar to of Indica strains.. The trichomes generate a thick cape of resin that gives it a sticky feel to the touch and reflects light. This shiny look tends to contrast with the orange pistils making almost look like a jewel.

Tasty, earthy, and forestry tones characterize the initial flavor of Jack Herer. It’s not uncommon to perceive sweet citric undertones when exhaling. Sometimes it will even bring out a hint of spiciness that makes for a pleasant experience — though, the flavor of Jack Herer is known to be a significant part of it.

Aroma wise, it doesn’t stray away too much from its flavor. Some of the odor is much like Haze but with a few similar tones known to come from the Shiva Skunk cannabis strain. It has a dominant pine aroma that is more than likely to set the mood even before using the strain.

Jack Herer Effects

Being a famous strain, many growers have set upon themselves to make their versions of Jack Herer, making its effects diverse and unique. Generally speaking, the plant is 55/45 Sativa dominant and has a THC concentration that varies between 18% to 22%.

Jack Herer plants are known to improve mood by producing an exciting euphoria. Effects are more cerebral than physical and has been reported by consumers to  give the kind of energy boost that will enhance your creative skills and concentration.

In a recreational setting, this cannabis is excellent for concentration (or studying), listening to music, or a gathering with friends in an intimate setting. This strain is perfect for those that want to achieve a cerebral high without losing functionality, so it’s also ideal night’s out. Artists may find this variety attractive thanks to its creativity boost.

Medical Advantages of Jack Herer

Given the feeling of well being that the variety gives it’s often associated in helping with depression and stress. There’s a reason that dutch doctors prescribed it as a way to combat not only mental illness but physical conditions. It can address different types of pain, fatigue, and headaches.

Jack Herer may address severe migraines by stimulating a sensation of well-being as well as tackling stress to reduce the rates in which these episodes happen. It’s a helpful strain for people that are undergoing chemotherapy. Contrary to popular thought, cannabis’ THC not only can help with fighting depression and insomnia but is also efficient for helping patients deal with nausea and vomiting of any kind.

This variety has anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for people dealing with arthritis. It can also reduce the pain produced by syndromes like Carpal Tunnel. The medicinal properties of this plant make for a great contestant to help people with ADD and ADHD.  THC is known to stimulate and help to achieve relaxation to people that have a hard time conceiving sleep.

Possible Effects

The possible effects of using Jack Herer do not stray away from those of using any other strain. Mouth and eye dryness are one of the most common side effects. Some susceptible individuals are prone to experience anxiety and paranoia. It’s recommended for inexperienced consumers to start slowly to build up their tolerance.

Although the strain is known to combat nausea, overusing Jack Herer may induce mild dizziness. That said, resting may address many of the adverse effects that you may experience with Jack Herer. 

Final Thoughts

It’s no coincidence that Jack Herer was named after such an influential person and seemingly has made a name for itself in international competitions as well as smoking circles everywhere — thanks to its exceptional high and taste. 

Jack Herer cannabis has everything, from being a great recreational strain to improving concentration. It has splendid qualities in the medical areas. If you’re looking for an excellent sativa option that’s versatile, then there’s no going wrong with Jack Herer.

Although Herer passed away in April of 2010, his legacy will continue to have a considerable impact on anything related to cannabis. His book and the marijuana strain named after him are representations of the challenges that the humble cannabis plant faces today.