Jack Herer Quotes

Powerful Jack Herer for Daily Growth

About Jack Herer

Jack Herer (July 18, 1939 – April 15, 2010) was an American writer, activist, and lecturer, primarily known for his advocacy of cannabis legalization. Born in New York City, Herer developed a keen interest in nature and ecology at a young age, which later influenced his work on the environmental impacts of prohibition. Herer served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960. After his military service, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and went on to work as an advertising art director. However, it was the discovery of the medicinal benefits of cannabis that would ultimately change the course of his life. In 1980, Herer self-published the groundbreaking book "The Emperor Wears No Clothes," a comprehensive examination of hemp and its prohibition. The book became an international bestseller and is considered a seminal work in the cannabis reform movement. It detailed the history of hemp, its uses, and the political and economic reasons behind its prohibition, arguing passionately for its legalization. Herer's activism extended beyond writing. He co-founded the Hemp and Cannabis Museum in Olmsted Township, Ohio, and the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML) chapter in Seattle, Washington. His influence on the cannabis reform movement was significant, inspiring countless others to advocate for legalization and hemp cultivation. Jack Herer passed away in 2010, but his legacy continues to live on through his work and the numerous activists who have been inspired by him. His quotes, such as "Hemp is of first importance to the survival of the human race," continue to resonate and serve as a call to action for those working towards cannabis legalization and sustainability.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Hemp is of first importance to the survival of the human species."

This quote emphasizes the significant role hemp plays in human survival, suggesting that it holds a crucial position among essential resources for humanity. As a versatile plant, hemp can be used for food, clothing, biofuel, and even as an alternative to various industrial materials. Given the potential environmental and economic benefits, Jack Herer's words underscore the importance of hemp in meeting basic human needs while promoting sustainability.


"If the tree dies, we die."

This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness and reliance of human life on nature, specifically trees. It suggests that the health and survival of trees are critical to our own existence, as they provide essential resources like oxygen, food, shelter, medicine, and help maintain the balance of ecosystems. If trees die out or become endangered due to deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change, it could have catastrophic consequences for humanity in terms of loss of biodiversity, reduced air quality, soil erosion, and more. In essence, the quote highlights the importance of preserving and respecting our natural environment to ensure our own survival.


"The war on drugs is a war against nature and humanity."

This quote by Jack Herer suggests that the "War on Drugs" is more about controlling substances derived from nature, and the people who use them, rather than addressing harmful drug-related issues for the betterment of society. It implies a conflict between preserving natural resources and human rights, and the suppression of certain plant-based psychoactive substances by authorities, often disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities. The quote encourages critical thinking about the true intentions behind these policies and their impact on our relationship with nature and humanity.


"It is absolutely ludicrous to wage a war on plants."

This quote by Jack Herer emphasizes the absurdity of waging war against nature, specifically plants. It suggests that warfare, which is typically associated with conflict between sentient beings, should not be directed towards inanimate objects like plants. The implication is a call to peace and harmony, suggesting that we should focus on coexisting with nature instead of exploiting or destroying it. In essence, it's a statement about the importance of respecting the natural world and promoting sustainability over destruction.


"Everything in moderation, including moderation." (This quote isn't directly from Jack Herer but it is often associated with his philosophy.)

The quote "Everything in moderation, including moderation" suggests a balanced approach to life, striking a delicate equilibrium between different aspects of our existence. This includes our behavior, actions, and consumption patterns. It emphasizes that even the concept of moderation should not be followed too strictly or excessively, as extreme adherence to any rule can lead to an imbalance in life. Essentially, it's a call for a well-rounded, balanced lifestyle.


Growing hemp as nature designed it is vital to our urgent need to reduce greenhouse gases and ensure the survival of our planet.

- Jack Herer

Nature, Reduce, Ensure, Vital

If you substitute marijuana for tobacco and alcohol, you'll add eight to 24 years to your life.

- Jack Herer

Alcohol, Add, Your, Tobacco

But you can count the dead bodies from alcohol, tobacco, and legal pharmaceuticals by the millions.

- Jack Herer

Alcohol, Count, Bodies, Tobacco

Many artists and writers have used cannabis for creative stimulation - from the writers of the world's religious masterpieces to our most irreverent satirists.

- Jack Herer

Used, Religious, Writers, Irreverent

You see, the Greenhouse Effect is a direct result of burning fossil or old carbon fuels.

- Jack Herer

Result, See, Burning, Greenhouse

Well, as I understand it, the main supporters are beer companies and the pharmaceutical companies. I'd like them to show me the dead bodies from marijuana. But they can't because there aren't any.

- Jack Herer

Pharmaceutical, Like, Bodies, Supporters

I was a normal American nerd.

- Jack Herer

American, Normal, Nerd

The only dead bodies from marijuana are in the prisons and at the hands of the police. This is ridiculous.

- Jack Herer

Hands, Police, Ridiculous, Prisons

When I went off to the army when I was 17 years old, I believed in America and the rights of freedom. But today I believe my government is lying to the American people and that my president, George Bush, is a criminal.

- Jack Herer

Believe, American, Bush, Criminal

This girl wanted me to experience something I'd never experienced. She tried three times to get me high. Finally it worked, and I had the most incredible sex I'd ever had.

- Jack Herer

Sex, Incredible, Finally, Experienced

Hempseed produces no observable high for humans or birds.

- Jack Herer

Birds, High, Observable, Produces

I've lived in Los Angeles for at least 24 years.

- Jack Herer

Los, Angeles, Least, Los Angeles

Rag paper, containing hemp fiber, is the highest quality and longest lasting paper ever made. It can be torn when wet, but returns to its full strength when dry.

- Jack Herer

Torn, Fiber, Longest, Hemp

My family moved to Buffalo, New York in 1940 where I was raised.

- Jack Herer

New York, New, I Was Raised, Buffalo

I was 30 years old and this girl I knew found out I had never gotten high. Nobody had ever told me about marijuana.

- Jack Herer

Old, Knew, Gotten, Nobody

I don't want to wait 20 or 50 years for something to be done about petrochemical pollution.

- Jack Herer

Wait, Want, About, Pollution

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