Jack Herer Strain Information & Review
Even people who’ve never tried weed have probably heard of Jack Herer, the strain named after the most prominent medical marijuana activist of all time. Herer passed away in 2010, but he’s a legend in the weed world — and so is this strain. It’s won nine different Cannabis Cups over the years.
Jack Herer (sometimes called JH, Platinum Jack, Premium Jack, or just The Jack) is a potent strain that leans sativa. There are a number of phenotypes available, and their sativa/indica ratios vary. Here’s what doesn’t vary, though: Jack Herer delivers a clear-headed, focused, and relaxing high loved by both medical and recreational users. It’s a great daytime strain, and patients use it to deal with health issues without getting locked to the couch.
Jack Herer buds are extremely sticky, with delicious citrus, pine, and spice aromas and flavors.
Effects and Side Effects
This strain doesn’t waste any time. Jack Herer hits quickly after the first toke or two, delivering a strong and energetic cerebral rush. It’s the type of head high that lends itself to getting things done: creative, focused, and motivating. There’s plenty of euphoria, but it’s not the type that sends you to another place (or planet); it’s a grounded, uplifting and happy high that wipes out stress.
The lack of significant body stone, despite the strain’s indica content, means that Jack Herer is good for much more just wake-and-bake or getting the housework done while you’re in a better mood. It’s ideal for use before a brainstorming session at work, before heading out for the evening, or when hanging out and having long and interesting discussions.
The only time you might feel a little out of control is when the Jack Herer experience starts to wear off. That’s when the euphoria can overwhelm the relaxation you feel during most of the high. This isn’t a great strain to smoke right before bed because it’s likely to keep you up for a while. But it’s great just about any other time.
Cottonmouth and dry eyes are the only common side effects of Jack Herer. Users extremely sensitive to high-THC strains or who have anxiety issues may experience paranoia or panic attacks, but that’s a rare occurrence.
Positive Effects:
- Energy: 5/5
- Creative: 4/5
- Pain: 5/5
- Stress: 4/5
- Sleep: 1/5
- Mood: 5/5
Negative Effects:
- Paranoid: 1/5
- Dry Mouth: 4/5
- Dry Eyes: 4/5
- Lethargy: 1/5
- Cough: 2/5
Bottom Line: Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid that acts more like a pure sativa, delivering an energetic, productive high that’s almost joyful at times and relieving stress without any sedating effects.
Medical Conditions
This strain may be the one most often recommended by medical professionals who suggest cannabis for their patients.
It’s commonly used by those dealing with mental health issues ranging from chronic stress and anxiety to PTSD and depression, because of its mood-altering effects. It’s also suggested for patients suffering from lethargy or chronic fatigue since it provides a strong energy boost.
Jack Herer is also the strain of choice for many who are dealing with chronic pain; its indica qualities do seem to provide physical relief, while the happy high helps patients forget about their aches and pains. It’s also often used to deal with migraines, gastrointestinal issues, and low appetite.
Flavor and Aroma
You may think you’re taking a walk in the woods as soon as you get your first sniff of Jack Herer, as the scents of pine, earth, flower, and herbs mingle with notes of citrus and spice. There’s a little skunk in there, too.
The taste of this strain is quite similar: earthy and piney but also exhibiting the sweet and sour flavors of orange and lemon and the spice of pepper. It’s complex and delicious.
Flavor and Aroma Ratings:
- Earthy: 4/5
- Citrus: 4/5
- Fruity: 3/5
- Spice: 3/5
- Wood: 4/5
Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Jack Herer isn’t the most potent strain you can find, averaging 18% THC content. But the strain’s ability to deliver a strong and energetic head high is strong, thanks to the combination of its sativa heritage, its THC, and the terpenes that boost its THC’s effectiveness.
Some samples have tested at 23 or 24%, too, which means the weed you buy may be even more potent. There’s very little CBD in a typical Jack Herer flower, but CBG can reach 1%.
When you light up a bowl of this strain, you can tell how complex it is — which means there is a large variety of terpenes in the flower. Caryophyllene, pinene, humulene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, and terpinolene are just some of them, and they all contribute to Jack Herer’s unique aroma and flavor.
Lineage
This strain was created in the 1990s by Sensi Seeds. The company named it after medical cannabis activist Jack Herer in tribute to his tireless work on behalf of legalization and the recognition of marijuana’s medical benefits.
Sensi has never made public the exact lineage of this strain, but its parents are believed to be the famed sativa Haze and a cross of indicas Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. There are four known phenotypes of Jack Herer, all but one of them sativa-leaning; the sativas are the ones usually found in dispensaries and seed banks.
Many other popular strains have been bred from Jack Herer over the years. They include Jack the Ripper, Jack Skellington, and Jack Flash 5.
Similar Strains
A number of strains have built reputations similar to Jack Herer in the patient community. Some of the ones to consider are Super Lemon Haze, Durban Poison, Clementine, Amnesia, and Vanilla Kush. Many of the “Jack” strains that are descended from Jack Herer are also good choices.
Jack Herer Strain Review: FAQ
Q: Is Jack Herer a good choice if you aren’t using cannabis for medicinal purposes?
A: Absolutely. It delivers one of the best energetic highs for daytime use, and the aroma and flavor make it even more enjoyable to smoke.
Q: How difficult is it to find Jack Herer?
A: Not difficult at all — it’s extremely popular, and most dispensaries in legal states are likely to carry it. It’s also easy to cultivate, which is why many patients plant the strain in their garden or grow room.
