Jack Herer Strain: Cannabis Guide
Historical Background
Jack Herer is a strain named in honor of the renowned cannabis activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes, a book pivotal in cannabis education and advocacy. Jack dedicated decades to raising awareness about hemp’s industrial potential and cannabis reform, earning his place as one of the most influential figures in the movement.
Sensi Seeds developed this strain in the Netherlands during the 1990s as a tribute to his work. Since its release, Jack Herer has become a staple among enthusiasts and cultivators. Its distinctive qualities have inspired a lineage of hybrid strains recognized worldwide.
Genetic Makeup
Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid that combines genetics from Northern Lights #5, Shiva Skunk, and Haze. This balanced blend typically leans approximately 55% sativa and 45% indica.
Parent Lineage:
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Northern Lights #5: A classic cultivar valued for dense resin production.
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Shiva Skunk: Known for vigorous growth and a skunky aromatic profile.
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Haze: Celebrated for contributing bright, earthy characteristics.
Laboratory analysis has reported THC levels across a broad range, while CBD content typically remains under 1%.
Appearance
This strain is characterized by medium to pale green flowers with vivid orange pistils. A generous layer of crystalline trichomes often covers its dense buds. While visually more understated than some modern hybrids, Jack Herer remains distinctive among cultivators who appreciate its consistent resin production and classic structure.
Did you know?
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Jack Herer was distributed as pharmacy-grade cannabis in the Netherlands in the 1990s.
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The strain is named after a real person whose advocacy influenced cannabis policy reform internationally.
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Its genetics have been used extensively in breeding programs due to their stability and unique terpene composition.
These characteristics are attributed to a diverse terpene profile.
Terpene Composition
|
Terpene |
Common Aromatic Notes |
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Terpinolene |
Fresh, herbal, slightly floral |
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Myrcene |
Earthy, musky, mildly sweet |
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Pinene |
Pine, crisp, woody |
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Humulene |
Herbal, hoppy, slightly spicy |
Cultivation Considerations
Jack Herer thrives in Mediterranean climates and performs well indoors or outdoors, provided growers manage its height and airflow. Outdoor plants can reach heights of 6.5 to 8 feet. If grown indoors, topping or training is recommended to maintain a controlled canopy.
Flowering Time & Yield
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Indoor flowering: Approximately 10 weeks
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Outdoor harvest: Late September to early October
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Average indoor yield: About 18 oz per square meter
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Average outdoor yield: Approximately 18 oz per plant
Cultivators value Jack Herer for its dense trichome coverage. Buds can be somewhat sticky, requiring careful handling during harvest.
Phenotypes & Derivative Strains
Jack Herer has multiple stabilized phenotypes, with some showing more sativa-leaning structures while others display indica growth patterns. Over time, this cultivar became a genetic backbone for many hybrids, including:
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Pineapple Jack
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Jack’s Cleaner
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Critical Jack
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Jack Flash
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J1 (crossed with Skunk #1)
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Lemon Jack (crossed with Lemon Kush)
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Apple Jack (crossed with White Widow)
Jack Herer’s genetics contributed to numerous award-winning cultivars that remain in demand across dispensaries.
Consumer Insights & Community Trends
Since its debut, Jack Herer has maintained popularity among enthusiasts who appreciate cultivars with a classic terpene profile and balanced expression of heritage genetics. This strain earned multiple High Times Cannabis Cup awards, including nine titles throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Its cultural status helped cement it as one of the most awarded strains globally.
Among dispensaries and collectors, Jack Herer is often recommended to consumers interested in classic hybrids and old-school cannabis genetics.
Awards
Jack Herer has earned numerous accolades since its release, including:
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High Times Cannabis Cup (1994): First Place for Sativa
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High Times Cannabis Cup (1999): First Place for Sativa
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High Life Cup (Amsterdam): Multiple placements across categories
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Spannabis Cup: Recognized in several competitions
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