Cannabis Strain Focus: Jack Herer® from Sensi Seeds

Jack Herer smoking a joint and a cannabis plant

It has been decades since this wonderful strain conquered the hearts of passionate cannabis growers. To this day, our original Jack Herer is the most awarded strain in the world and a favourite to many. The cherry on the top of the cannabis cake? This masterful 3-way hybrid is a perfect balance between indica and sativa.

The Jack Herer strain graced the world more than 20 years ago. Named after the author of “The Emperor Wears No Clothes”, the strain is an ode to Jack Herer himself and the countless years of tireless cannabis activism that he led. Since Sensi Seeds created this contributory strain, it has become a staple in the gardens of many growers.

Cultivating Sensi Seeds’ Jack Herer

While Jack Herer is far from being the hardest strain to grow, it certainly requires some care, and more importantly, unconditional love! But undoubtedly, if you are a true enthusiast seeking legendary features, effects and tastes one frequently hears about when it comes to Jack Herer, the efforts and time spent are rewarded many-fold.

Jack Herer holding a cannabis bud to his face

“I have grown it in hydroponics as well as in soil, and both work very well, as long as you care for it, and treat it with love and passion.” – by Edward, sensiseeds.com*

*(all reviews that we cite in this article, are reviews left by our customers on the Jack Herer strain page)

Jack Herer Phenotypes

Due to its complex lineage, Jack Herer has four main phenotypes. Three of them show bold sativa traits, while the remaining indica phenotype, taller and denser, is more of a cash-crop gold mine. Regardless, each phenotype exceeds expectancy, and is a true delight for the discerning grower.

Thus, growers should not expect uniform plants when growing Jack Herer from seed. One of this strain’s outstanding features is that it allows the grower to choose a phenotype whose growing pattern fits their needs and preferences, while maintaining Jack’s near-psychedelic potency in whichever phenotype is chosen.

The most obvious phenotypic differences in Jack Herer strains are whether or not they exhibit more indica-like or sativa-like qualities. Beyond that, there are four main phenotypes. They are simply named phenotypes A, B, C and D. The differences can be summarized as follow:

  • Phenotype A:

The buds of pheno-A take the form of long strings of inflated, highly resinous calyxes, very much like the Jack Herer pictured in the Sensi catalogue. If potency is the main aim, growers should select this phenotype, which can be reliably identified by its oversized calyxes.

A Pheno-A cannabis plant

Pheno-A requires the full 70 days to finish and can multiply its height by a factor of five or more. Therefore, it should be flowered very small (around 10-15 cm). However, if a large plant is desired, it can be allowed to vegetate to be bigger. Indoors, this pheno produces limited outward branching and can produce efficiently at a final height of 80-180cm.

  • Phenotype B

Phenotype-B is the most Indica-influenced. It is very compact when compared to other Jack Herer phenotypes, though significantly taller than a pure Indica. It adds about 100-200% to its vegetated height in flowering and finishes in under 60 days. Growers who have a particular interest in speed, weight and compact growth pattern should select Jack Herer’s pheno-B as a mother.

Buds mainly cluster around nodes, but ‘run’ enough to cover a large portion of the (shorter) stem and branches. Flower formation is dense and regular, forming angular knots with blunt peaks.
Upper branches often combine with the main stem to form a large central cola. Calyxes are large, but not oversized and pistils are relatively short.

Indoors, this pheno produces most efficiently at a height of 50-100cm.

In terms of the effects, phenotype B produces a strong indica-like effect. With that being said, it does not overpower the cerebral sativa-like effects that are characteristic of Jack Herer varieties and phenotypes.

  • Phenotype C

Many growers consider phenotype C to be a lot like pheno-A, if not the same. But there are some differences that allow phenotype C to be considered a separate phenotype. It produces swollen calyxes, but they are significantly smaller than those of pheno-A. The calyxes also grow in strings, outwards and upwards, giving pheno-C a spikey appearance.

A Pheno-C cannabis plant

Overall, pheno-C produces voluminous, fuzzy buds that have a generous coat of resin all over them. The aroma is spicy and sweet, and the effect is the most energetic or uplifting of all the Jack Herer variations.

  • Phenotype D

For commercial growers, pheno-D is the least desirable of all Jack Herer variations. This is because it produces dense buds at each node like an indica, while gaining a lot of height during flowering like a sativa. This results in gaps between nodes at the top colas.

For home growers, this variety might be the most desirable because it produces truly spectacular amounts of resin. Sometimes, the resin content puts pheno-D among some of the most resinous plants we’ve ever seen.

pheno-D tends to produce very limited branching and clones can be grown close together without interfering with each other. Indoors, it is most efficient when kept to a size of 30-80cm. Flowering time is comparatively fast – usually 60 days or less.

Jack Herer’s phenotype D has a sharp, rich flavour, similar to fresh hashish. It’s generally the pheno with the most obvious physical ‘stone’ effect.

 “I had a good variety of phenotypes, including the one I know as Jack Herer from previous samplings, a lime one, an extremely dank skunky one that grows like a sativa, and a hazey-smelling indica.” – by MidnightToker, sensiseeds.com

“I kept three extraordinary phenotypes […]. Phenotype #1 has been nicknamed “Fruity Jack” as it’s very fruity, phenotype #2’s nickname is “Spicy Jack”, since it’s spicy. The most potent but least productive is called “Flashback Jack” because its calices are enormous and uber-resinous, and offer the unique, authentic taste of the Jack from coffeeshops back in the ‘90s.” – by Sam89, sensiseeds.com

If you’re looking for performance, worry not. Jack Herer maintains high standards of quality and is quite the performer if handled with proper care.

“The main stem of this plant can be two to three times as thick as your arm, if you grow them hydroponically or with aeroponics! Have fun with this absolute old-school smasher.” – by Demonic, sensiseeds.com

Tasting Sensi Seeds’ Jack Herer

One reason why Jack Herer has become an essential staple of a perfect cannabis experience is the quality of the experience it provides. While it provides a deep cerebral high, it also takes over the physical body with as much bravado as it takes over the brain. In short, Jack Herer is as powerful a cannabis strain as he is a cannabis activist!

 “Very good high, almost immediate if grown properly, then you are eased into a very ‘stoned’ state of relaxation. A gentle taste, creamy, and at times, metallic-skunky.” – by Mika, sensiseeds.com

The taste of Jack Herer can vary depending on how it was grown. One thing remains true for all phenotypes, and all methods of growing: there is a rich, earthy, skunky taste that can be anticipated simply by smelling the aroma of growing buds. It’s so resinous it hurts!

“Buds as hard as stone, when they are properly dried, and an earthy taste that gives you shivers all over … a punch in the face for sure!” – by dubinc07, sensiseeds.com

“Thank you, Jack Herer”

“These genetics are a beautiful homage to a great man, activist and great defender of cannabis, who unfortunately left us too soon! Rest In Peace, Jack. Thank you to Ben Dronkers, and to the entire Sensi Seeds team, for this magnificent, robust and potent plant, that will enchant your taste buds, and your mind! The quality-price ratio is honourable. You will not be disappointed, I recommend it greatly. Thank you.” – by Dr.Flow77, sensiseeds.com

Jack Here wearing a suit and smoking a joint

“15 years ago, I read in a magazine that a new cannabis strain was being released, and that it was a hybrid of some of the most potent varieties. Days later, I travelled to Maastricht and saw this name on a menu. Believe me, the joint I smoked marked me, I remember it as if it were yesterday. Taste as well as effect were unforgettable. One of the world’s best as far as I am concerned. Congratulations, Mr Jack Herer!” – by Caillus green, sensiseeds.com

Have you grown Jack Herer? Or simply smoked the strain? Are you as big a fan as we are? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

  • Disclaimer:
    Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.

Comments

17 thoughts on “Cannabis Strain Focus: Jack Herer® from Sensi Seeds”

  1. I met Jack in 1989 at the Hash Bash and corresponded with him till his death in 2010. Hands down the best activist we ever had. What we both shared in common was to fight for all adults to grow.

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Good morning Bruce,

      Thanks for the comment,
      That’s awesome you were able to correspond with him for all those years, I bet you have some incredible stories?
      Absolutely, one of the best activists of all time – Long live Jack!
      This article on Will you be the next Jack Herer or Ben Dronkers? might also be of interest to you,

      Thanks again,
      Have a great day,

      Mark

  2. Breeding cannabis hybrids end of product is 33% father like plants 33% mother like plants and 33% show charesterics from both of parents. Now when legalization at least for medical cannabis have gone through of the world I would like to see more inbreed and stable strains as a respect for a customer because of highly priced products. F1 strains lost their vigorous in couple of generations, so even making seeds from Jack Herer would be a waste of lots of time.

  3. Jeremy Stout

    I helped Jack with his book and PAC for a few years in the 90s, and picked him up from the airport when he came back to the US from the HT Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam. In my usual gleeful voice I greeted him with “Hi Jack! How was the trip?”

    “They named a bud after me”, he was still stunned.

    It was still hitting him that his immortality had been elevated by something other than his own actions, and it was a sight to behold watching him integrate that simple six-word phrase to his being. “They named a bud after me”, again in disbelief.

    On the drive home he talked about how they named cigars after people and even named a few, “but nobody has a bud named after them until now” he said. Jet lag set in pretty quick with Jack and he drifted off to sleep for most of the drive from LAX to the San Fernando Valley.

    The mythos surrounding this strain’s legacy is going to continue to grow wildly fascinating tall tales. That, my friends, is how you make an immortal legend. Well done!

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Hey Jeremy,

      That sounds like quite a ride home with Jack!
      Thank you for sharing your experience, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog!

      The legend lives on!

      With best wishes,

      Mark

  4. Jack H is thankfully very common here in the PNW. Reliable, phenomenal daytime cannabis everytime!

    I just transplanted my first JH baby into her 10 gallon living soil pot and can’t wait to find out which pheno I get. Reaaaallly hoping it’s that Flashback Jack super sativa one, though 😀

  5. Sensi Seeds Jack Herer is all I smoke now.

    A tiny hit and whatever I am working on becomes my focus…
    and solutions seem to come so easily….and puzzles become welcome opportunities for achievement instead of roadblocks to progress.
    No one has EVER noticed that I have “talked to Jack”.
    Not once.
    Though admittedly I use it sparingly.
    Just a bit at a time…every few hours or so as desired.

    Other “Jack” variants and brands (I have tried many) do not do the same for me.
    Some are close…but most end up having a slight Indica aftermath/fuzziness that
    is not what I am looking for….or simply have too much “body affect” to be helpful as a tool.

    I am an old man with a long history of consumption (on and off for 20 years….and then on for the past 35) and I can say that if you are looking for something to elevate your day and help you achieve some goal either physical or mental…Sensi Seeds Jack Herer really works for me.

    I appreciate it’s existence very much.

    Sincerely. Mike

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Mike,

      Thanks for your comment and sharing your experiences! It’s always great to receive feedback like this, I’ll pass it on to the rest of the team. We appreciate your existence too!

      ‘Talking to Jack’, I love it! And the man himself would have, too. Thanks again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  6. Dennis Hill

    Aloha from Big Island of Hawaii,
    I’m trying to locate your Jack herer phenol type (D) but it doesn’t come up in search. Or I
    Don’t know the name of P-type D.
    Can you please let me know how I can order that particular strain?,
    Thank you very much.🤙
    Dennis Hill. Dennisedwardhill@yahoo

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Aloha Dennis,

      Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, we do not have different phenotypes of Jack Herer available as different seed strains, so we are only able to offer you our standard Jack Herer seeds in Regular or Feminized. There is a small range of phenotypes within our Jack Herer, as there always has been, so there is a chance that you will get the phenotype you are hoping for. Sorry I can’t help you further.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  7. Peter Traube

    Love your Strains, “🤦‍♂️The Candy Jack was still the Best one for me. The Green Door in San Francisco, my home had it daily until the damn law to legalize it,& no MOTE CAj🤷‍♂️❤️❤️✈️🙏

  8. dr feelgood

    Awesome plants with a beautiful incense soapy haze aroma and flavour that lingers on the tongue and in the atmosphere for an age.
    The high Is a perfect mix of high head and relaxing body what more could you want.
    Fast fresh vigorous growth and a easy cloner.

  9. I thought this was a very informative as I hope to grow JH (Rip) in the next year or so. Finding out there are four different pheno’s and having them described in such detail is great. This will save any serious grower a lot of time. I was going to get 5 pips but after reading this I will have to get 10 to try and sample the full array of this strain. I cant wait to get started on them, but first I got to try making some oil. Mr Simpson’s receipe.

  10. I Live in the USA. and have my license to use medical marijuana. Just recently, it was past in my state, to . use marijuana by the general public for personal use. The state of Colorado and Washington are among the first to open that door. It would be great if our government will honor our Constitution and allow the individual states to rule for them self's as stated in our Bill of Rights and our Constitution. With that thought the drum beats on.
    Thanks for your time and help.
    Vaya Con DIOS
    Margaret

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    Sensi Seeds

    The Sensi Seeds Editorial team has been built throughout our more than 30 years of existence. Our writers and editors include botanists, medical and legal experts as well as renown activists the world over including Lester Grinspoon, Micha Knodt, Robert Connell Clarke, Maurice Veldman, Sebastian Maríncolo, James Burton and Seshata.
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