The Emperor Of Hemp

Jack Herer was a guest on Time 4 Hemp, click here to listen to audio of that segment.

Click here to watch the interview on video.

The Cannabis Pioneer Who Changed the World

Written by Casper Leitch

Few names in the history of cannabis stand as tall as Jack Herer’s. A trailblazer, advocate, and visionary, Herer was a cornerstone in the fight for cannabis legalization and awareness. His influence reached from the West Coast cannabis community to a global stage, leaving a legacy that inspires activists, cultivators, and enthusiasts alike. Even the iconic sativa strain named after him pays homage to his indelible mark on cannabis culture, renowned for its distinct aroma and uplifting effects.

Born on June 18, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, Jack Herer began his journey in an unexpected place: the conservative business world. But destiny had other plans. The transformative spirit of the 1960s introduced him to cannabis, igniting a passion that would define his life’s work.

Herer didn’t just embrace cannabis - he championed it. He dedicated himself to dismantling the stigma and misinformation surrounding the plant, advocating tirelessly for its legalization and decriminalization. His mission wasn’t just about the right to use cannabis; it was about unlocking its full potential - from its medical benefits to its industrial applications in hemp.

Herer’s relentless drive came at a personal cost. His health suffered under the strain of his efforts, and he passed away on April 15, 2010, at the age of 70, following a series of heart attacks and strokes. Yet his spirit lives on, fueling the movement to end prohibition and cultivate a future where cannabis and hemp are embraced for their value and versatility.

Jack Herer’s life is a testament to the power of conviction, education, and action. His story continues to inspire those fighting for the legalization of medical cannabis, recreational marijuana, and the global acceptance of industrial hemp. Share his legacy and join the movement - together, we can carry his mission forward.

At a time when most people consumed in the closet, Herer’s example became a guiding light for the cannabis community. Even for those who didn’t agree with his bombastic vibe. “You’ve got to be out of your mind not to smoke dope!” Herer would tell crowds at his many public appearances.

The Visionary Who Revolutionized Cannabis Advocacy

At the heart of Jack Herer’s enduring legacy lies his groundbreaking book, ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes’. Widely regarded as a cornerstone of cannabis activism, this meticulously researched work exposed the untold history, versatile applications, and profound cultural significance of cannabis. Herer’s compelling narrative didn’t just challenge misconceptions - it empowered readers to think critically and engage in meaningful dialogue about the potential of both marijuana and hemp.

Jack Herer’s life was a testament to unwavering dedication in the face of adversity. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, he remained steadfast in his mission to uncover the truth about cannabis. His advocacy sparked a movement that galvanized communities, inspiring countless individuals to join the fight for legalization and the end of industrial hemp prohibition.

Known as the “Emperor of Hemp,” Herer was more than an advocate - he was a force of nature. Standing a little over six feet tall with a bold presence, scruffy beard, and a wardrobe inspired by the free-spirited hippie culture, he was a fixture at cannabis conventions and rallies across the West Coast. Whether speaking at events or connecting with fellow activists, Herer’s passion was infectious, igniting the sparks that would eventually lead to monumental changes in United States cannabis and hemp policies.

Herer’s path to activism was anything but ordinary. A high school dropout, he served as a military police officer during the Korean War before taking on various jobs, including sign painting, to support his family. In the late 1960s, he moved from New York with his wife and children to Los Angeles, where he encountered cannabis for the first time. That discovery would change his life, and the future of cannabis advocacy, forever.

In 1969, 30-year-old Jack Herer experienced a transformative moment that reshaped his life. Encouraged by a partner who loved cannabis, Jack tried Acapulco Gold for the first time. That experience, which he described as “taking the blinders off,” allowed him to see the hidden injustices and corruption beneath the surface of mainstream culture. From that point on, Herer became a fierce advocate for cannabis, devoting his life to dismantling the barriers of prohibition.

Herer’s work extended beyond raising awareness about the plant’s benefits. He boldly criticized the government’s role in suppressing information about hemp and marijuana, a stance that made him both a revered hero and a controversial figure. His fearless voice and relentless activism continue to inspire those fighting to end prohibition, legalize medical and recreational cannabis, and unlock the full potential of industrial hemp worldwide.

Jack Herer’s legacy reminds us that one passionate individual can ignite a movement. His story is a call to action: to educate ourselves, challenge outdated narratives, and work together to build a future where cannabis and hemp are embraced for the gifts they truly are. Share his story and keep the fire burning - because the fight for truth and progress is far from over.

The Unstoppable Champion of Cannabis and Hemp

Jack Herer wasn’t just an activist - he was a movement in himself. His transformative journey from a conservative Republican to one of the most passionate voices for cannabis and hemp legalization is a story of relentless determination, groundbreaking revelations, and fearless advocacy.

Even though Jack didn’t try smoking cannabis until he was 30, that single experience would ignite a lifelong commitment to dismantling prohibition and educating the world about the plant’s vast potential. Within a few years, he developed ‘The Great Revolutionary American Standard System (GRASS)’, one of the first grading systems for marijuana, and began designing innovative cannabis consumption tools.

A Pioneer in Cannabis Advocacy

In the 1970s, long before the convenience of the internet or the surge of legalization movements, Herer emerged as a pioneer in cannabis activism. At a time when advocates were often marginalized and misunderstood, Herer stood out as a fearless leader. He connected with like-minded individuals at festivals, earth fairs, protests, and cannabis conventions, passionately speaking about the need for legalization.

Through his Southern California head shop, Herer sold pipes, bongs, rolling papers, and his game-changing creation: a cartoon coloring-book version of ‘G.R.A.S.S.: The Great Revolutionary American Standard System’. It became an instant hit, selling out nationwide. Its success propelled Herer into the spotlight, cementing his role as a leading voice in the cannabis community.

The Emperor Wears No Clothes

Herer’s magnum opus, ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes’, first published in 1985, was a revolutionary work that changed the course of cannabis advocacy. Packed with meticulously researched government documents, scientific studies, and historical accounts, the book unearthed truths about cannabis that had been hidden for decades. It became an essential resource for activists worldwide, selling nearly a million copies in multiple languages over the next 3 years.

Jack Herer’s book revealed stunning facts, including:

Cannabis as Humanity’s Most Versatile Plant

For thousands of years, cannabis was cultivated for medicine, food, fiber, and spiritual use.

Hemp and American History

Early American settlers, including George Washington, were required to grow hemp for its use in paper, rope, and clothing.

Hemp in Nation-Building

The U.S. Constitution drafts were written on hemp paper. Early American flags and articles of clothing were made from hemp fibers.

Cannabis and Industrial Growth

Hemp was a vital crop until the 1937 prohibition Tax Act was passed. It was driven by corporate greed and anti-immigrant sentiments.

World War II’s Hemp for Victory

Despite prohibition, in 1942 the U.S. government produced and released the film ‘Hemp For Victory’ to encouraged hemp farming during the war to produce materials like ropes and sails, only to later deny this effort - a denial Herer exposed in 1989.

Environmental Benefits of Hemp

Hemp could replace harmful practices like deforestation and provide Eco-friendly raw materials.

Jack’s revelations were shocking, exposing lies perpetuated by corporations, government officials, and anti-cannabis propaganda. He framed the war on cannabis as a literal war, citing the 700,000 arrests made annually in the U.S. for cannabis-related “crimes.”

This seminal work, still in print today, is widely regarded as one of the most important cannabis texts ever written. It meticulously documented the plant’s history, versatility, and the calculated reasons behind its prohibition.

At the time of its release, the book was controversial, boldly challenging societal norms and government lies about cannabis. Its revelations inspired countless activists and played a critical role in reshaping public opinion. ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes’ remains a cornerstone of cannabis education, empowering generations to fight for legalization and reform.

Herer didn’t just write about injustice - he fought it with unyielding vigor. He described growers, activists, and anyone who refused to betray the movement as heroes. Conversely, he labeled those enforcing prohibition as war criminals, unafraid to challenge powerful institutions.

A Man of Passion and Purpose

With his booming voice, imposing stature, and the presence of an Old Testament prophet, Jack Herer was impossible to ignore. Whether engineering innovative bongs in his head shop, rallying for legalization, or protesting prohibition, he exuded passion. But his advocacy came at a price - constant harassment from law enforcement and prohibitionists.

Every cannabis arrest felt personal to Herer, fueling his fire to create change. On stage, he was a force of nature, captivating crowds of thousands with fiery speeches that condemned the hypocrisy of cannabis prohibition. Whether addressing 15,000 people or a single policymaker, his message was clear: cannabis prohibition is unjust, and the world must wake up to the plant’s true potential.

The Activist Who Refused to Back Down

Herer’s relentless activism wasn’t limited to speeches and books. He co-founded the political action committee Reefer Raiders, a group known for its bold and confrontational protests. Their tactics included openly smoking cannabis outside federal buildings, challenging lawmakers to confront the absurdity of prohibition.

These fearless acts of civil disobedience came with consequences. In 1981, Herer spent two weeks in jail for protesting. Two years later, he faced probation and fines for running a head shop that sold cannabis and hemp paraphernalia. But none of this deterred him. If anything, it strengthened his resolve.

Hugh Downs was an American radio and television broadcaster who was featured on the TV series, ‘20/20’ along side Barbara Walters. One day, the phone rang at the Help End Marijuana Probation office and it was Hugh doing research about cannabis hemp. He heard about Jack and his book and wanted a copy for his report. He spent some time on the phone with Jack and myself and about two weeks later he aired the above report on his radio broadcast.

A Tireless Advocate, Even at Great Cost

Herer’s relentless schedule eventually took a toll on his health. By 1990, he was speaking at 60 events a year, pushing himself to the brink. In 2000, while attending a hemp festival, he suffered a simultaneous stroke and heart attack. Though he recovered, his health challenges persisted.

In 2009, while speaking at Portland’s Hempstalk festival, Herer suffered another heart attack. A few months later, he passed away at his home in Eugene, Oregon, at the age of 70. Despite his physical struggles, Jack Herer never stopped fighting for the cause he believed in.

A Legacy That Lives On

Jack Herer’s impact on cannabis advocacy is immeasurable. In the early 1990s, Sensi Seeds honored him by naming a strain after him. The Jack Herer strain, a vibrant and uplifting sativa, has won multiple Cannabis Cup titles and remains a favorite among enthusiasts. Today, you’ll find Jack Herer pre-rolls and flowers at dispensaries across the country—a fitting tribute to the man who helped pave the way for modern cannabis culture.

Jack Herer’s contributions didn’t just advance the cause - they redefined it. His work continues to inspire a global community of activists, growers, and supporters committed to ending prohibition and embracing the full potential of cannabis and hemp. His life reminds us that courage, truth, and unwavering conviction can ignite change.

Every time a state legalizes recreational cannabis, eases hemp restrictions, or funds research into cannabis medicine, we owe a debt of gratitude to Jack Herer. His fearless dedication laid the foundation for these advances, ensuring that his dream of a world free from cannabis prohibition moves closer to reality.

Herer’s story isn’t just history - it’s a call to action. Whether you’re fighting for industrial hemp, medical cannabis, or recreational legalization, his legacy is a rallying cry for justice and progress. So, the next time you enjoy a cannabis product or celebrate a step toward legalization, take a moment to thank the man who lit the way. Jack Herer’s legacy endures as a beacon of hope, inspiring advocates worldwide to continue the fight for freedom, justice, and the recognition of cannabis as the powerful, versatile plant it is.

May his legacy live on forever!

Below you can read the book by Jack Herer,

‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes’

and/or download it for FREE.

Below is a FREE TO DOWNLOAD marijuana music MP3 by Cash Phlow.

The Prescription.