The Hemperor, Jack Herer has Died

(SALEM, Ore.) - The sad news has been confirmed. Jack Herer, 70-year old author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes and renowned around the world for hemp activism, has died at 11:17 a.m. today, in Eugene, Oregon.

Jack Herer suffered a heart attack last September just after speaking on stage at the Portland HempStalk festival. The last seven months have proven to be a huge challenge to the man, with several health issues making his recovery complicated.

Jack Herer's health has been poor lately, this last week there have been reports of the severity, and an outpouring of prayers on his behalf.

"It's shocking news, even after these last seven, trying months," said Paul Stanford, THCF Executive Director.

"Jack Herer has been a good friend and associate of mine for over 30 years. I was there when he had the heart attack at our Hempstalk festival and I know he wouldn’t appreciate the quality of life he's endured these last months. Still he will be greatly missed. I honor his memory."

"No other single person has done more to educate people all across the world about industrial hemp and marijuana as Jack Herer. His book is translated into a dozen different languages, it's a bestseller in Germany," added Stanford.

"The Hempstalk stage will forever be the Jack Herer Memorial stage. And, a Memorial is planned to be built where he fell that day," Stanford said.

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soyal June 8, 2012 3:51 am (Pacific time)

The only reason its not legal,Big oil,Cotton,Pharmacuticals,and pscitlas industries do not want the compatition,And of course,the destruction of our constitution,the courts would loose money,private prisons,the ability to seise your property.The controle.thats it in a nut shell,there not thinking about saving those other resorces,and using a reneuable one.the3 jobs,new industries and safe medicines,the tax revenues.income taxes,people off welfare,and the lost revenues to drug cartels.Its time .!

Hempoutlaw September 17, 2010 8:47 am (Pacific time)

Farewell my old friend.

Lee Walker August 15, 2010 11:04 am (Pacific time)

We are above the goverment. I would class them below us as liars and theives are in a normal soceity. Jack was our leader. R.I.P. you will be missed for many years to come and your name celebrated the day goverment is overthrown and cannabis decriminalized

LanceThruster May 29, 2010 7:41 am (Pacific time)

It is remarkable just how compelling his arguments in "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" were. Despite that, the War on Drugs/War on America goes on. Things will eventually change, but the damage done to people whose lives were turned upside down in this senseless prohibition will not be erased.

Christian Laurette May 9, 2010 5:58 am (Pacific time)

This sad news has only just reached me. Jack's legacy will live on forever. You did more for this planet than most people can only dream of. Thank you. Thank you so much. HEMP THE PLANET!

Joel May 1, 2010 7:48 pm (Pacific time)

I've just learned of this sad news. I had a brief but unforgettable time with Jack. I went to the Ann Arbor Hash Bash in 1989, walked to Jack's 'booth' and shared some very fine Jamaican sinse from a buddy outside of Negril with Jack and those gathered around. I showed him some pictures I'd taken in Jamaica and his eyes bugged out and he declared the pot, THE BEST of THE BASH !!! My photos and article were featured in the August 1989 High Times gaining the cover AND centerfold. The Hash Bash that year was SO much fun !! Chef Ra, Steven Hager, Ed Rosenthal, and several others from the magazine met at a restaurant called "Heidelberg's" after cruizing around in the psychedelic bus brought by, I think, Roger ?....and what a time we had ! Seems I remember someone writing in an issue of High Times that it was one of their most wonderful times of their lives !! RIP Jack...my memories of your are so fond.

ElectroPig April 21, 2010 10:13 am (Pacific time)

Remember these words: "I don't want to f-ing give this united states government one f-ing dollar of taxes..."

If you remember nothing else, remember this, and take the time to understand WHY Jack was so vehemently opposed to taxing cannabis.

William Spendlove April 20, 2010 2:59 am (Pacific time)

Happy 420 Jack.. Rest in peace, you will be sorely missed.

Janice April 19, 2010 1:22 am (Pacific time)

We mourn the loss of a great man, activist and freedom fighter! We will never forget him or his message! We Love Jack Herer! The I LOVE JACK HERER TOUR will begin in Seattle, WA on April 30 and continue to Olympia, Portland, and Eugene. CA shows will be added. Come join us and celebrate our great hero, Jack Herer. We will donate proceeds to Jack's family. www.myspace.com/welovethehemperor www.facebook.com/welovethehemperor.

Greenerfest April 18, 2010 9:15 pm (Pacific time)

Putting the sadness aside, we celebrate the life and legacy of Jack Herer, and George Clayton Johnson invites all to Greenerfest which is the unofficial-unauthorized send-off/homage tribute to The Beloved Emperor. Venice Greenerfest will indeed be a fitting memorial to the man who started the hemp movement. Jack Herer was the rebel outlaw Gandhi of the stoner culture and I am honoured to have known his mentor Captain Ed and The Emperor well and they were my heroes.. I know they are enjoying the fruits of the trees of life in heaven together. George Clayton Johnson is the last of the original 3 musketeers. I am grieved with Jack's passing, but grateful he saw the fruits of his work, and the liberty he envisioned on the nearing horizon. Jack never seen the promised land he wanted to bring us to, but he did see it in the distance. It is our duty to go the last mile now in his spirit and memory. Let George lead the charge now while he is willing and able. The Emperor is dead! Long Live The Emperor! Being in Venice, Greenerfest is the fitting place for the celebration of Jack Herer, the man and his work..since he started his mission for hemp at Venice Beach decades ago. From the spot where Jack Herer took the vision public and began preaching the gospel of Hemp, with a handful of Jack's longest and closest friends. Besides George Clayton Johnson, who has been Jack's OG closest ally over 45 years, there is Seattle Hempfest founder Vivian McPeak, who can be counted among the first and most ardent disciples of The Emperor since the book was published in the late 1980s. Mitch Margo ( he wrote The Lion Sleeps Tonite ) has been a close friend of Jack's for decades as well. Coming down from Santa Cruz is Mikey Jolson, Mikey has traveled the country with Jack, even being arrested and jailed with Jack Herer in the early days of the movement. Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs N Harmony will be there to pay tribute to our beloved Hemperor. I don't know who else will show up, but we are inviting all of Jack's several hundred thousand friends to join us at Venice Beach, Saturday May 15th. No Charge-No Admission. Let us send Jack Herer to Valhalla with a heroes cry and a thunderous joyful sound! Thank you Jack! Peace, www. Greenerfest .com

martha April 18, 2010 5:39 pm (Pacific time)

Jack Herer, estaras en nuestro corazones... gracias por tus enseñanzas...

Paula April 16, 2010 7:08 pm (Pacific time)

You were the "Best Teacher Of the Day" 420 Forever, For You Jack! Thank you and Rest In Peacefulness..

Kay Lee April 17, 2010 5:34 pm (Pacific time)

I have paid my humble tribute to Jack. But I wanted to remember to thank Bonnie King for her text and Salem-News.com for running this page so that we can all express our love for this man and his work. He's well and healthy now by golly! You all feel his spirit? It's the warrior within us. With that spirit, we will keep up the effort until EveryBody knows and this wrong is made right!

Jeanne April 17, 2010 11:52 am (Pacific time)

He was a great man and will be missed forever. May God bless him and keep him close. R.I.P

Grandma Kay Lee April 17, 2010 9:05 am (Pacific time)

I was 50 years old when a young man in my honors English class suggested I read The Emperor. I did. It actually changed my life, put me on the road, made me take my stand. Not many books can claim the distinction of opening so many people's eyes to truth. Bless you Jack and bless all of you who keep standing till the plant belongs to the people again.

KRON April 17, 2010 5:15 am (Pacific time)

The death of Jack Herer has and will continue to have various effects on not only fellow activists, the movement, industry, but friends, family, admirers, fans, and then there are those like myself who as I sit here "torn in tears", writing this have very much been a part of all the above at some point and in some way so I am least to say, saddened by this but know and hope this inspirers many that this is the time go above and beyond what one man has done for us all during his life. We Love you Jack you will be missed! Kron - San Diego - ccpmeds@yahoo.com - www.nugmag.com

EssiacHempLaetrile April 17, 2010 3:33 am (Pacific time)

Jack Herer has left us all and gone to a better place. But he will never be forgotten as April 15 will always be considered Jack Herer Day! RIP Emperor of Hemp http://www.youtube.com/user/EssiacHempLaetrile

Green Thumbs April 16, 2010 8:16 pm (Pacific time)

Mr. Herer...You are still our hero..have been and always will be. *You were the man that made things happen* ~may your sweet soul RIP~ You may be gone, but you will Never be forgotten.

Roger von Bütow April 16, 2010 4:36 pm (Pacific time)

Someone once said that hoping to live forever was fruitless, but leaving something behind that does should be our primary goal as humans..... "From the unmanifest I came, And pitched my tent, in the Forest of Material existence. I passed through mineral and vegetable kingdoms, Then my mental equipment carried me into the animal kingdom; Having reached there I crossed beyond it; Then in the crystal clear shell of human heart I nursed the drop of Self in a pearl." Pir of Herat Khwaja Abdullah Ansari

Thraxz Pro215.com April 16, 2010 4:17 pm (Pacific time)

Jack changed the way I see the world..I thank God for this very knowledgable man!

KT April 16, 2010 3:48 pm (Pacific time)

There will be a benefit concert held at the Hawthorne Theater on Tuesday -4/20- to commemorate Jack, and to help his family with funeral expenses. There will be some amazing bands and a lot of amazing people....so come on down and show your support for a man who did so much for the cannabis community

Jo Diggs April 16, 2010 2:51 pm (Pacific time)

Wow, what a bummer, he will be missed. Lou www.security-tools.us.tc

G April 16, 2010 2:50 pm (Pacific time)

RIP Thanks Jack, You'll be missed

Lisa April 16, 2010 2:46 pm (Pacific time)

one of the true heros of our time!

scott pennington April 16, 2010 2:08 pm (Pacific time)

thank you jack! he did not go lightly into that goodnight. be like jack. do not allow the govt. lies to choose your life. speak truth to those you love, about cannabis. end the war.

Gramadee April 16, 2010 1:50 pm (Pacific time)

Allthough we never met I know you will be tending your garden when I get there

Dave April 16, 2010 1:42 pm (Pacific time)

R.I.P Jack. We will continue with it and hope to make it happen. :)

Fran Cuhtahlatah April 16, 2010 1:17 pm (Pacific time)

Burning sage for your your journey across Rainbow Bridge, my friend Karen Duncan will be there to meet you with a pipe! Lighting one up for you my friend, CWU has a group going at your inspiration.

Stefan April 16, 2010 1:01 pm (Pacific time)

I have a dream. That one day this man's dream will be realized. LEGALIZE CANNABIS AND HEMP!

Tommy Flute April 16, 2010 12:48 pm (Pacific time)

I read the book- "The Emporer Wears No Clothes'' - It opened my eyes and my mind when I didn't know they were closed - I was shocked to learn - Of the truths our government buried - Decades ago... Lies were told - When some businessmen got worried - And so began the evil inquisition - to wipe out HEMP - The natural... competition -Paper, fiber, fuel and food - just to name a few - the benefits of a miracle plant - Paint, clothing and medecine too - with all the unjust efforts to ban it - HEMP HAS SURVIVED AND CAN SAVE THE PLANET!!!!! (the next part JACK didn't want in cause it made it sound less serious but it went....) So c'mon all you now , don't be hestitant, Lets legalize HEMP and make HERER PRESIDENT! T.SCHLAUCH (Tommy Flute)

freedom April 16, 2010 12:47 pm (Pacific time)

Rest in peace, warrior..

Dino Nelson April 16, 2010 12:42 pm (Pacific time)

LandR to Jack whom has bless us all with Knowledge and power to fight for truth and change!!!!

Anonymous April 16, 2010 12:38 pm (Pacific time)

This man even made the court house steps a fun place to be.. LandR 420.. I will be hitting the Jack Herer Pipe!!!!!

Lukas Re April 16, 2010 4:12 am (Pacific time)

Rest in peace, sir..

Nutmeg April 16, 2010 9:35 am (Pacific time)

What a fantastic example of a dedicated man. I am in awe of his fight and educated by all he has done! RIP JACK!!!

silvercloud April 16, 2010 9:26 am (Pacific time)

'"LEGALIZATION"' will be Jack's 'legacy' ~ that is all

bobobodlak April 16, 2010 5:51 am (Pacific time)

comme back Jack

mark gamble April 16, 2010 5:17 am (Pacific time)

Never got a chance to meet Jack. His activism will be missed. He is truly one to keep fighting for legalization of HEMP and CANNABIS. A friend in Kentucky. Jack, REST IN PEACE and lend us your support from beyond. God Bless this man.

douglas benson April 16, 2010 5:13 am (Pacific time)

The fight will go on untill we win ! RIP Jack.

herbman April 16, 2010 5:03 am (Pacific time)

One day Hemp/Cannabis will be free- R.I.P. Jack Herer your book has raised awareness everywhere in the world including here in Canada- You will be missed.

ElectroPig April 16, 2010 1:27 am (Pacific time)

It isn't funny how I predicted months ago that if Jack were released in the manner, and to the person he was released to, that we'd be hearing this news within 3-6 months at the latest. Usually I love being proven right, but in this case, there's absolutely no satisfaction in it at all. LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!

Eve Lentz April 16, 2010 12:17 am (Pacific time)

I was 42 years old when I first learned about something called "HEMP" (and I thought I knew everything!) A year later, I met Jack Herer as we marched on the Capitol in Olympia, WA, for the first Hemp Education Day in 1996. Jack's enthusiasm, energy and devotion to legalize the Cannabis Hemp plant, always amazed me! May all of us be equal to the challenge before us, still, and make Jack Herer proud! Sweet peace, my dear friend!

Rev. Randi Webster April 16, 2010 12:36 am (Pacific time)

Long Live Jack! Friend and warrior for the cause, your energy from the other side will be the fuel of our victory. There should be a national day of remembrance for The Hemperor...everyone show out in full force, wearing green maybe and let our numbers speak for themselves. The THC Party so to speak Anyway, again...Long Live Jack!

Craig Howard April 15, 2010 11:49 pm (Pacific time)

His book kick started the hemp movement, and my activism. In his time here he changed the world, maybe he didn't change the couse of humanity as much as he was trying to, but he turned the big ship. We have to keep rowing it in the right direction,.. until it makes it's destination.

Legalizemybongplease April 15, 2010 10:56 pm (Pacific time)

To legalize marijuana would be to carry on the spirit of Jack Herer. Let's do it now and rebuild America!

R.I.P. Jack April 15, 2010 9:36 pm (Pacific time)

His Words and Actions will Live On Forever http://www.jackherer.com/chapters.html

Michael J. Kaer April 15, 2010 9:31 pm (Pacific time)

With tears streaming down my face, I realized Jack never got to see Cannabis Legalized. :( I love you Jack; Thanks.

Larry Hertz April 15, 2010 9:04 pm (Pacific time)

Another hero will be missed dearly by many.

greenfloyd (aka Floyd Ferris Landrat April 15, 2010 8:49 pm (Pacific time)

Like so many people, Jack inspired me to activism. So much so that I quit my corporate gig in California, moved to Oregon and went to work for the Marijuana Initiative and then later Portland NORML. I sought Jack out in the late 1980's after I'd learned about the marijuana/hemp conspiracy and shortly after I discovered his book. I ate it up like a starving man and realized I had to meet this man. I found Jack living in the San Fernando Valley. Jack and his posse operated out of a home in an otherwise quiet middle-class neighborhood of wide, tree-lined streets. Over the course of several months in 1988, Jack granted me unfettered access to all his writings, research and library of books, at the time it represented nearly 20 years of his work in "Hempology." It was truly a banquet of the mind and I feasted like there was no tomorrow. If not for Jack and his seminal work, "The Emperor Wears No Clothes," progress on the political front, such as California's 1996 watershed Prop215, for example, would have probably taken an additional 10, or perhaps even 20 years. Jack, with his tireless persistence since the 1970s, returned our history to us. He opened millions of eyes to a great and terrible lie. Jack was a beacon of light, in a swamp of deliberate gov't/corporate darkness. For this we owe him our eternal appreciation, and a renewed commitment to cast out the darkness with light and replace the hate with love. Jack would not have it any other way. And Jack was a mighty, big man.

Rodat6 April 15, 2010 8:08 pm (Pacific time)

Many of us will see you soon Jack, tis only natural. You did a job to be proud of, thank you for your thoughts, they have helped the human to evolve.

Stephen Saunders The MAJI April 15, 2010 7:38 pm (Pacific time)

I had the priveledge of working with Jack and will honor his memory always. Thank you for the great work you did for all of us.

Joy April 15, 2010 7:23 pm (Pacific time)

It's time for us all to come out of the hemp closet and be activists to end prohibition. A wave is growing and we need to ride it to a saner time this fall! In Jack Herer's name, we should carry on his work.

Debbie Fagin April 15, 2010 7:09 pm (Pacific time)

You will be Missed.Jack was a legend.

LEXX1369 April 15, 2010 7:06 pm (Pacific time)

I will let Jack talk for me. Rest in Peace with Captain Ed Jack. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDgmLYdG1Rc

beets now April 15, 2010 7:05 pm (Pacific time)

rest in peace jack...you were the true emperor...with some mighty regal rags and a legacy to match...well done, friend!

Paul Stanford April 15, 2010 5:09 pm (Pacific time)

Jack and Captain Ed are together now. That is a nice thought.

Lilli McAllister April 15, 2010 6:38 pm (Pacific time)

RIP Jack My prayers going for your loved ones who will miss you so.

Steve 'KushMeister' April 15, 2010 6:35 pm (Pacific time)

Rest in Peace, Jack. We will carry on your good work, to it's fruition, until we reach the promised land!

herb green April 15, 2010 6:26 pm (Pacific time)

I Love Jack Herer perhaps my biggest hero in cannabis activism I remember in the mid-nineties calling the number in the back of Emperor Wears No CLothes and Jack picked up the phone...I was doing a persuasive speech in college on hemp and cannabis legalization. He was great and talked for several hours...into the wee hours of the morning in fact...What a great guy and for real...He lived it ...down to earth every step of the way You will be missed Jack...

Osotan; April 15, 2010 6:04 pm (Pacific time)

R.I.P.Jack, your dream is coming true,I say twist one up and chill people, he wouldn't want us moping around in sadness. Time to party! 4/20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OregonMedicalCannabisUniversity April 15, 2010 5:50 pm (Pacific time)

May he rest in peace and his family find comfort in the lives he touched!!!!!

Ken Nabis April 15, 2010 5:38 pm (Pacific time)

A true Hemp Warrior....Peace be with you.

B April 15, 2010 5:31 pm (Pacific time)

R.I.P. Jack you're a legend who won't be forgot

Chummy Anthony April 15, 2010 5:20 pm (Pacific time)

Jack will forever be in our hearts here in Nova Scotia. He has been a great inspiration to us Canactivists in Nova Scotia. tokes2ya Jack

DreamSmoker April 15, 2010 4:49 pm (Pacific time)

You will be forever missed Jack. Thank you for your contributions to Truth,and Freedom.. God Bless my Hero

J April 15, 2010 4:13 pm (Pacific time)

RIP JACK...You are a legend!

Dave Miech April 15, 2010 3:37 pm (Pacific time)

Farewell Jack, I am deeply saddened by our loss of you. You were a visionary, a revolutionary, and a leader of men. Fly in peace.

Steve April 15, 2010 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

I'll miss you Jack. R.I.P.

DreamSmoker April 15, 2010 4:51 pm (Pacific time)

You will be forever missed Jack. Thank you for your contributions to Truth,and Freedom for us. The Cannabis Culture. God Bless my Hero

Carla Glade April 15, 2010 4:49 pm (Pacific time)

Thank you for all you have done for society Jack. God rest your soul. Thank you for being our friend. Love and Respect, Carla, Kendra and Phil

Li'l G-Mac April 15, 2010 4:22 pm (Pacific time)

This was a brave man.

Don Christen April 15, 2010 4:20 pm (Pacific time)

Maine is forever grateful to Jack for his great contribution. We remember...

N April 15, 2010 4:15 pm (Pacific time)

put it in the air

J April 15, 2010 4:14 pm (Pacific time)

RIP JACK...You are a legend

zbestwun2001 April 15, 2010 4:12 pm (Pacific time)

R.I.P. Jack

zbestwun2001 April 15, 2010 4:11 pm (Pacific time)

You were a good friend Jackie. I'll miss you.

Thick Nick April 15, 2010 3:57 pm (Pacific time)

Long Live The Legend

JfromThaBay April 15, 2010 3:57 pm (Pacific time)

I just heard the news... Today's a very sad day, but I take solace in the fact that Jack is no longer in pain... This year's 420, and those upcoming will no doubt be dedicated to Jack's memory, as well as all the other Freedom Fighters who dedicated their lives towards making a change in the World. We all need to do our part to make sure that Jack's vision is realized... Thank You for Everything you've done, Mr. Herer. Long Live the Hemperor!!! You Will Be Missed, But Never Forgotten...

FARId GHEHIOUECHE April 15, 2010 3:57 pm (Pacific time)

R.I.P. Jack Herer We all shall become hererist one day empowered by Hemperor's legacy. Condoléances.

Spirit April 15, 2010 3:50 pm (Pacific time)

May you reunite now with your great friend Capt'n Ed!

Phil E. Drifter April 15, 2010 3:37 pm (Pacific time)

I'm honored and humbled to have spoken briefly with him last year.

Aiko April 15, 2010 3:37 pm (Pacific time)

You are still my hero Jack!

jns April 15, 2010 3:37 pm (Pacific time)

RIP Jack

Greg R April 15, 2010 3:33 pm (Pacific time)

Thank you for the words, the efforts the information, the knowledge the experience, the moments and friendship. You inspired me guided me at times and made me think, laugh and love, a true awakening. Thank you for sharing some of your life with me!! Forever in my heart and mind! Greg R.-Seattle

Phil E. Drifter April 15, 2010 3:25 pm (Pacific time)

RIP Jack Herer, a man of the ages! I will always treasure your kind and humorous response to a message I sent you correcting a minor typo on your website jackherer dot com You will be missed more than you could ever know. It's people like you who make me WISH there was a heaven, and a corresponding hell for others not nearly as human are you were.

aron pieman kay April 15, 2010 3:14 pm (Pacific time)

jack herer was a man of good deeds-mitzvahs-on behalf of those who needed medical marijuana!!! he will be remembered

Toni Bones April 15, 2010 2:53 pm (Pacific time)

What devastating news. I am honored to have a signed copy of his book, the most sold hemp book of all time.

Jeff Vance April 15, 2010 2:53 pm (Pacific time)

Great man, RIP. Your efforts will come full circle soon, they will not be without fruition.

Victor April 15, 2010 2:51 pm (Pacific time)

RIP Jack Herer, a man of honor and humanism.

Bryan Mann April 15, 2010 2:37 pm (Pacific time)

I agree Ryan, We will fight harder here in N.C. You will be truly be missed, R.I.P.

Ben G. Rowin April 15, 2010 2:35 pm (Pacific time)

Jack will be missed by all freedom fighters!

Rick April 15, 2010 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

Let's win this one for Jack! http://satanssmoke.us

Ryan Skipton April 15, 2010 2:13 pm (Pacific time)

The man was a legend and we will only fight harder for the legalization of cannabis

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The Hemperor, Jack Herer has Died

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