If you love uplifting strains, you’ve got to meet our friend Jack! Jack Herer is a classic sativa strain that many cannabis consumers swear by. Where did this strain come from, why is it so beloved, and what can you expect from it? Let’s break it down in this Jack Herer strain review.
Jack Herer Strain: The Classic You Need To Try
Jack Herer is perhaps one of the most famous sativa strains in the world. The strain was originally bred by Netherlands-based Sensi Seeds in the early 1990s and named for cannabis advocate Jack Herer, whose book Sensi had sponsored nearly a decade prior.
There are many forms of Jack Herer on the market today, but the original lineage lines with Sensi, who crossed three strains: Skunk #1, Northern Lights #5, and Haze. Most versions of Jack Herer sold today are child strains of the original lineage, but some brands have created their own version of Jack Herer using a different combination of parent strains.
To know which version of Jack Herer you’re consuming, you can check the label for parent strains or go to the breeder’s website for more information.
Who was Jack Herer?
Jack Herer was a cannabis rights activist and an author who wrote the famous pro-cannabis book The Emperor Wears No Clothes. The book, published in 1985, detailed the numerous uses of cannabis and hemp, both medicinally and industrially.
Herer self-published the book which sold over 800,000 copies worldwide. In it, he claimed that not only can “marijuana save the world”, but that the U.S. government knew the uses and benefits of cannabis and was actively keeping them away from the population.
Sensi Seeds, the original breeder of the strain named after Jack Herer, was a sponsor of the book and one of four businesses that offered $100,000 to anyone who could disprove the book’s claims.
Flavor And Aroma Profile
Jack Herer has a distinct aroma that lovers of this strain come to recognize instantly. It is pine-forward and woody, like the forest after rainfall. There are strong notes of spice and pepper with rich earthiness buried beneath and a distinct note of sour citrus.
The flavor loses some of the pepper spice and instead centers the sour citrus and pine, with noticeable notes of earthiness on the exhale.
Effects: What You Can Expect From Jack Herer
While Jack Herer has beautiful nugs and an enticing smell, it is the effects that make this strain so beloved by cannabis consumers today.
The High
The strain Jack Herer gained notoriety for intensely uplifting effects, delivering a jolt of energy to the brain. It is euphoric and motivating, centering the experience behind your eyes and giving your mind free rein to get creative and get going.
At the right dosages, you won’t lose the ability to focus but rather it will become almost effortless to do so, with a calm state of centeredness. Many people also experience a low-level body buzz, akin to a shot of expresso.
Ideal For
Jack Herer is often used as a wake-and-bake strain, delivering similar effects to a strong cup of coffee. It can help you find motivation to get your day started, make some (serious) progress on your to-do list, or get utterly lost in your latest creative project.
It’s important to mind the dosage of Jack Herer, particularly if you’re enjoying it in the morning. Low doses and small hits are associated with better results while higher doses may turn the experience from focused to scattered, depending on your THC tolerance.
THC Content and Potency
While the original lineage of Jack Herer often tested under 20%, today’s strains are usually more potent—sometimes reaching as high as 25% to 28% THC content. Consume accordingly!
The potency combined with the extremely uplifting effects of Jack Herer means it can easily be overdone, taking you from calm and focused to a brain so filled with ideas you don’t know where to start. Start with a low dose and go slow when trying Jack Herer from new cultivators.
Learn more about cannabinoids in our guide to how THC works or our CBD buyer’s guide, which breaks down everything you need to know about these two compounds.
How To Enjoy Jack Herer
Jack Herer is an uplifting and energizing strain, making it best suited for use in the first half of your day (consuming it too close to bedtime may actually keep you awake!)
Many people enjoy consuming Jack Herer in the morning as a wake-and-bake strain, or at mid-day for a little pick-me-up. Packing a bowl or a bong, or enjoying a half-gram joint of Jack Herer can deliver a cannabinoid boost, without making you feel untethered and unable to get on with your day.
This strain is both potent and energizing, so start with a few puffs or a small bowl to understand how the strain affects you, before diving into your latest project.
Jack Herer FAQs
What is the Jack Herer strain good for?
Jack Herer, a sativa-dominant hybrid, is a great strain for energizing and uplifting your mood, being productive, or diving into a creative project. This strain is often associated with focus and creativity, making it ideal for working on writing assignments, paintings, arts and crafts, or knocking out a few chores around the house.
Is Jack Herer pure sativa?
No, Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain, not a pure sativa. The original parent strains of Jack Herer are Haze, a sativa-dominant hybrid, Skunk #1, a balanced hybrid, and Northern Lights, an indica-dominant hybrid.
What is Jack Herer famous for?
Jack Herer is famous for being a cannabis advocate in the mid-20th century and the author of a pro-cannabis book, The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Jack Herer became more famous after Sensi Seeds released the Jack Herer strain.
Is Jack Herer good for studying?
Yes, in the right dosages, Jack Herer may be good for studying. This strain delivers a strong head-high experience that can be well-suited for focus when dosed correctly. Don’t attempt to study the first time you smoke Jack Herer: understand how it affects you before grabbing the highlighter and flash cards.
Jack Herer takes the High Street
Jack Herer is one of the most famous cannabis strains in the world, and for good reason. It is euphoric and uplifting, a wonderful boost to the mind and the body, perfect for starting or continuing your day. You can find the original Jack Herer genetics, as well as a few Jack Herer-derived strains at High Street Dispensary in Hackettstown, NJ.