Jack Herer

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a United States author and cannabis and hemp activist, born in 1939 and dying in 2010. He is best known for The Emperor Wears No Clothes, a book first published around 1985 and issued in several editions, which is used in efforts to decriminalise cannabis. He also writes Grass.

Writing and activism

Herer begins his public life as a former Goldwater Republican before becoming a pro-marijuana and hemp campaigner. His work argues for the decriminalisation of hemp on the basis that it can provide renewable fuel, food and medicine, and can be grown in almost any part of the world. He also claims that the United States government suppresses evidence supporting these views. He devotes much of his life to support for cannabis, hemp and marijuana.

Political activity and legacy

Herer runs for President of the United States twice as the Grassroots Party candidate, in 1988 and 1992, receiving 1,949 votes and 3,875 votes respectively. A documentary is made about his life, and a cannabis strain is named Jack Herer; he regards it as one of the world’s finest. In July 2000, he suffers a minor heart attack and stroke, which leaves him with speech and movement difficulties on his right side.