Jack Herer

Jack Herer

Jack Herer was a cannabis activist, author, and pioneer in the movement to legalise cannabis. He is perhaps best known for his book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes,” which has been called “the most influential book on hemp and cannabis ever written.” Herer’s work inspired a generation of activists and advocates, and his legacy continues to shape the cannabis industry today.

Born in 1939 in New York City, Herer was raised in a conservative family and enlisted in the Army after high school. He later moved to California and became involved in the counterculture of the 1960s, experimenting with drugs and exploring alternative lifestyles. In the 1970s, he began researching the history and uses of cannabis, and became convinced of its potential as a renewable resource that could be used to produce paper, textiles, fuel, and food.

Jack Herer - Speaker and activist

Jack The Activist

In addition to his writing, Herer was a charismatic speaker and activist who traveled the country giving talks and rallying support for the cannabis cause. He was a regular at cannabis festivals and events, and his speeches were known for their humour, passion, and optimism. Herer’s message was simple but powerful: cannabis was a plant with tremendous potential to improve human health and well-being, and it was time to end the prohibition that had kept it illegal for so long.

The Emperor Wears No Clothes

The Emperor Wears No Clothes

In 1985, Herer published “The Emperor Wears No Clothes,” which traced the history of hemp and cannabis use and argued that the plant had been demonised and criminalised for political and economic reasons. The book became a cult classic and was widely cited by cannabis activists, who used it to challenge the official narrative about the dangers of cannabis use.

Herer’s work was instrumental in the effort to legalise medical marijuana in California in 1996, and he continued to advocate for cannabis legalisation until his death in 2010.

The Legacy Of Jack Herer

Today, Herer’s legacy is evident in the growing acceptance and legalisation of cannabis across the United States and around the world. His work helped to create a new understanding of the plant’s potential and to challenge the stigma and misinformation that had long surrounded it. While the fight for full legalisation and acceptance of cannabis is far from over, Herer’s contribution to the cause cannot be overstated.

Jack Herer was a visionary and a trailblazer who helped to pave the way for the modern cannabis industry. His book, “The Emperor Wears No Clothes,” remains a seminal work in the field, and his advocacy and activism continue to inspire those who are fighting for cannabis legalisation and acceptance today. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it is important to remember the contributions of pioneers like Jack Herer, who helped to make it all possible.