Jack Herer has become a “double legend” in the cannabis space. Not only was Jack Herer one of the 20th century’s most prominent pot advocates, he was the inspiration for a successful sativa hybrid. To this day, the Jack Herer strain ranks as one of the most beloved sativa-dominant strains, and it’s a popular pick in the medical marijuana community. Plus, the dozens of high-profile JH-related descendants (e.g., Amnesia, Apple Jack, and Critical Jack) ensure generations of cannabis fans will hear about Herer.
Jack Herer Strain Summary
- A mix of Haze, Northern Lights, and Shiva Skunk.
- Created in the 1990s at Sensi Seeds.
- 80/20 sativa-to-indica percentage.
- 16 – 20 percent THC content
- ≤ 1 percent CBD content
- Winner of “Best Sativa” at 1999’s High Times Cannabis Cup
Jack Herer Origins
Although Jack Herer was an American cannabis activist, the Jack Herer strain didn’t originate in the USA. The celebrated Amsterdam seed bank Sensi Seeds created the Jack Herer hybrid sometime in the 1990s. According to most reports, Haze is the most dominant strain in Jack Herer’s genotype, but there are also significant traces of Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights.
Since Haze is a sativa-rich strain, Jack Herer tends to have a strong sativa presence of about 80 percent. However, because Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights are such strong indicas, they help balance Jack Herer’s effects. Indeed, many tokers rave about Jack Herer’s mild & well-balanced properties.
Jack Herer tends to have moderate THC percentages in the high teens or low 20s. While absolute beginners will be safer with CBD-rich hemp strains, Jack Herer tends to be a good “gateway” into the world of medical marijuana. The mid-range THC percentage coupled with the well-balanced effects has made Jack Herer a hot option with microdosers and MMJ patients.
What Does The Jack Herer Strain Taste Like?
Most Jack Herer cultivars have significant traces of the terpenes myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. In terms of aromatics, you’ll most likely pick up the citrusy blast of limonene as you sniff your Jack Herer buds. While Jack Herer isn’t as gasoline-drenched as Sour Diesel, it has a bright “zing” that will likely perk up your senses.
As people begin smoking Jack Herer, they often describe earthy flavors like pine and woods. It’s also common to feel a spicy & warming sensation in the back of your throat. Beta-caryophyllene is typically associated with black peppercorns, so Jack Herer probably picks up these peppery properties.
What Are Jack Herer’s Standard Effects?
Although Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid, it doesn’t tend to be as disorienting as other sativa-rich strains. Unlike Green Crack or Sour Diesel, Jack Herer offers relatively well-balanced effects. Cannasseurs still advise smoking Jack Herer earlier in the day, but they don’t tend to report the “melt your face off” effects some sativas are known for.
Most people who try Jack Herer claim this strain produces an enjoyable “head buzz” sensation and significant stress reduction. The addition of the “couchlock” strains Northern Lights and Shiva Skunk help temper Haze’s sativa high.
Remember that Jack Herer can have THC percentages in the mid-20 percent range. People with a low THC tolerance may find this feature too much to bear. It’s always best for absolute beginners to start with CBD-rich strains before working their way to classic weed cultivars like Jack Herer.
Want “Jack Herer Joy” Without Getting Paranoid? — Try Cannaflower’s CBD Hemp!
Despite Jack Herer’s “mild” reputation, it can provoke paranoia if new tokers aren’t careful. Whenever THC is present in a cannabis strain, there’s a risk it can trigger adverse reactions — especially if people have a low THC tolerance. Thankfully, many low-THC hemp strains taste similar to Jack Herer and have a lower risk for harmful side effects. As a bonus, CBD hemp strains are federally legal, so everyone in the USA can safely purchase them.
You could find out more about the hottest hemp hybrids on Cannaflower’s CBD flower page.
