Jack Herer Strain: Cannabis Guide

oil painting of legendary cannabis activist jack herer with marijuana

Historical Background

This marijuana strain was named after renowned cannabis activist, Jack Herer. Most famously known for being the author of "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" which focuses on highlighting the benefits of cannabis and a legendary cannabis activist. He was proudly promoting not only marijuana legalization but to bring the plant back in to the global economy as its full force. Not always being a fan of the cannabis, he eventually devoted his life to fight for the legalization of the plant and how it can save and heal us for more than three decades. Jack Herer really showed what it meant to be a marijuana activist.

Sensi Seeds had cultivated this strain as a homage to Jack for his passion became the foundation of legalized cannabis. This strain not only was a honor to him by the name but by the impact the strain made in the cannabis community and how it took multiple awards for the years to come. Really being a true legend and leading to many other popular and sought-out after descendent strains in the cannabis industry.

Genetic Makeup

The sativa dominant strain is said to be a result of a crossbreeding Northern Lights #5, Shiva Skunk, and Haze. Jack Herer is considered abalanced hybrid with 55% sativa and 45% indica properties. Typically, it holds about 15-24% THC and less than 1% CBD. It is also known as “JH,” “The Jack,” “Premium Jack,” and “Platinum Jack.”

Parent Strain #1: Northern Lights #5

Northern Lights #5 is also another influential and award wining strains with typically 19% THC and is considered an Indica strain with its main terpenes being pinene, terpinolene and myrcene. It can give euphoric, creative and uplighting feelings and flavors/aromas of pine, plum and honey.

Parent Strain #2: Shiva Skunk

Shiva Skunk is also another powerful strain in the Skunk family and is a result of crossing Skunk #1 with Northern Lights #5, as a Indica strain and a average of 17% THC. This gives flavors and aromas of skunk, pear and tea. The typical effects that you may get from this is feelings of sleepiness, tingly and happy but more indica leaning effects. Myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene are the top cannabis terpenes within this strain.

Parent Strain #3: Haze

Haze, also known as, "Original Haze," "OG Haze," "Haze OG," and "Haze Brothers, is a sativa strain with about 18%THC. Haze gives flavors and aromas of spicy, herbal, tobacco and earthy. It is common that you may get energetic, creative and uplifting feelings. Its most prominent terpenes is myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene.

Sensory Experience

Aroma & Flavor

Jack Herer straing has a complex aroma and flavor profile, giving you a blend of earthy, pine and spicy notes. These have to play a big factor in the terpenes that are found within this strain as terpenes are what is most responsible for the aroma and flavor of the strain, and even play a part in how the effects may impact you.

The aromas you may get is citrus, earthy, herbal, lemon, pine, sour and woody. The flavors you may taste are citrus, lemon, orange, sour and sweet. Some of the top terpenes within this cannabis plant are terpinolene, myrcene, pinene and humulene.

Appearance

This cannabis strain has vivid orange pistils set against light green flowers, with a shimmering layer of crystal trichomes. Although, this strain is said not to have too much of a visual appearance, it still packs a punch within its flavors and effects. It can have pale to medium green leaves that have dense buds.

jack herer visual infographic with close up of marijuana plant jack herer strain

 

Effects and Benefits

Due to it being a sativa dominant hybrid strain, it is seen as a good strain to "wake and bake" with because of its energizing high. It can help boosts energy while providing a relaxing body sensation. Jack Here is known to enhance cerebral activity, making it suitable for creative tasks and brainstorming. It definitely does its job to help get you and keep you clear headed. It also can give your uplifting and euphoric effects. Of course, this can be different for every user depending on the batch you got along with how you body receives and reacts to the cannabis.

Jack Herer strain also offers potential relief for migraines, headaches, and stress. Jack Here has four phenotypes available, with two leaning towards indica and two towards sativa. This hybrid strain gives well rounded effects with a good balance. It gives uplifting effects, cerebral effects, can provide relief for you mentally and with its physical effects can ease chronic pain. Overall, it gives you a mellow high with an extra oomph.

Medical Applications

A common medical benefit from this strain is that it alleviates stress, depression, and anxiety. This Jack Herer strain was actually created in the Netherlands in the mid 1990's where it was eventually distributed as medicinal-grade cannabis in Dutch pharmacies making a favorite strain for the recreational and the medical marijuana consumers.

This can help aid with chronic stress or even help with your social anxiety with it s therapeutic benefits and energizing properties can give you a uplifting experience. However, with its energetic effects it may not be a great strain to help you fall asleep fast to. Jack Herer can potentially help with ADHD/ADD, depression, and headaches/migraines.

Growing Insights

Growing Conditions

If you are trying to grow Jack Herer strain, it has a growing rate of fair meaning you can try it out even if you are still learning. This strain grows best outdoors but will thrive and do its best in Mediterranean climates. Height wise, it can reach to about 8 feet tall in the best conditions so if you are planning to grow indoors it is important to take note of this and curb the height as soon as possible. Average height is about 6.5 feet, still may be needing topping if growing indoors.

cultivating cannabis marijuana plant

 

Yield

Jack Herer will typically produce up to 18 ounces (510 g) per square meter indoors and 18 ounces per plant outdoors. It also averages to a 10 week flowering period bringing it to be ready in late September and early October. Visually, Jack Herer's flowers aren't the best looking but has pale to medium green leaves and forms dense buds. Although, it does have a high trichome count making it nice and sticky, but can be hard to handle.

Awards and Recognition

This marijuana strain has quickly become on of the favorite strains gaining global recognition for both recreational and medicinal use. Jack Herer is recognized medical grade strain for its potency and benefits but is recognized among recreational users as well. It is considered second place for strains with most won awards showing its successful career between 1994-2006 with more than 11 awards.

The sativa dominant hybrid strain has not only been recognized within the community for being loved but it has earned its keep with winning numerous awards. Jack Herer was the winner of nine Cannabis Cup titles, including first place for sativa in 1999. Now, that is impressive enough to keep it recognized among other strains.

Derivative Strains

Jack Herer genetics have been sought after and much appreciated by cannabis lovers everywhere that without a doubt this sativa dominant hybrid strain would be the parent to many other strains that are just as favored by cannabis enthusiasts.

illustration of weed and marijuana cannabis family tree

This favorite strain was used to develop strains like Pineapple Jack, Jack’s Cleaner, Critical Jack, Jack Skellington, and Jack Flash. It has been also been crossed with Skunk #1 to make the J1 strain, crossed with White Widow to make the Apple Jack strain and crossed with Lemon Kush to make the Lemon Jack strain. There are countless crossbred strains from Jack Herer strain and many out there that you might enjoy.

Dosage Recommendations

It is always important to make sure that when you are considering on the cannabis dosage that you need that you will start with low doses, especially for edibles and tinctures. It can be best to wait 30-45 minutes after taking an edible or tincture to see how it effects your body and before taking a larger dose. For inhalation methods, take a few puffs and wait 20 minutes to gauge effects. Remember, every body is different and has multiple factors that go into play to figure out cannabis strain effects, make sure you are careful about your dosage and do it safely and responsibly.It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Adverse Effects

Like any other strain there is also possible negative side effects. Common side effects for this strain may include dry eyes and dry mouth.Some users may experience anxiety or paranoia, potentially due to THC interactions with endocannabinoid receptors. This is also a sativa-doiminant hybrid and sativa can be known to bring about feelings of anxiety or paranoia so be careful when consuming this strain.

close up marijuana plant picture of jack herer cannabis strain

Conclusion

Jack Herer stands as a testament to the legacy of its namesake, offering a balanced experience for both recreational and medicinal users. Its rich history, combined with its diverse effects, makes it a staple in the cannabis community. It stands to give a good balanced hybrid high with a energizing, cerebral and physical effects and relaxing effects that keep you clear headed and in a good mood. With lots of positive medical benefits along the positive effects it is the perfect strain for someone who is looking to have a great wake n bake morning or relax after a long day.

Before you go, don't forget to check out our cannabis infused recipe with the Jack Herer strain that help elevate the flavors and aromas that it brings.

From Our Recipe Box: Jack Herer Spicy Cannabis-Infused Citrus Shrimp Tacos

 

shrimp cannabis infused tacos

Whats better than shrimp tacos on a relaxed weekend in between smoke sessions? Jack Herer strain brings those citrus, spicy, herbal and earthy flavor which can be a great way to enhance some of your favorite foods. The citrus shrimp tacos that involve lime and orange juice help to bring those flavors out. If shrimp isn't your cup of tea, replace with chicken, beef, tofu or even mushrooms and still enjoy the infused plate. This sativa dominant strain will have you feeling good and get your mind in the right place making these tacos taste that much better.

Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)

Ingredients:

For the Cannabis-Infused Butter:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter

  • 7-10 grams of Jack Herer cannabis buds, finely ground

For the Shrimp Tacos:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused butter

  • Zest and juice of 1 lime

  • Zest and juice of 1/2 an orange

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 8 small tortillas

  • 1 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot blend)

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Making the Cannabis-Infused Butter:

  1. Decarboxylation: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the finely ground Jack Herer cannabis buds evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes. This process activates the THC in the cannabis.

  2. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter on low heat. Once melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis.

  3. Allow the mixture to simmer on very low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

  4. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container, discarding the plant material.

  5. Allow the cannabis-infused butter to cool and solidify. Store in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Shrimp Tacos:

  1. In a large skillet, melt the cannabis-infused butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

  4. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink.

  5. Add the lime and orange zest, followed by the lime and orange juice. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the citrusy butter sauce.

  6. Remove from heat once the shrimp are fully cooked.

Assembling the Tacos:

  1. Warm the tortillas according to the package instructions.

  2. Place a generous amount of coleslaw mix on each tortilla.

  3. Top with the spicy citrus shrimp.

  4. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

  5. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Note: The potency of the tacos will depend on the strength of the Jack Herer strain used and the efficiency of the infusion process. Always consume responsibly and be aware of your tolerance level. Start with one taco to gauge its effects, especially if you're new to edibles. The effects can take up to 2 hours to fully manifest.