All About Jack Herer

If you’ve heard about Jack Herer but would like to learn more, Green Nexus can help. Read about this award-winning cultivar from the Green House Seed Company and learn growing tips, how it affects your endocannabinoid system, and what kind of effects and benefits you can expect to find out if its right for you. 

Growing Jack Herer 

Jack Herer was cultivated from Haze and Red Skunk to achieve a strain that is easy to grow, potent, and produces impressive yields. This plant is resistant to powdery mildew, molds, and pests, and grows well indoors as well as outdoors, often reaching well above six feet tall. Depending on the conditions, Jack Herer has a quicker flowering period, with buds that are ready for harvest in about seven to nine weeks and yields averaging around 600 grams per square meter. 

This is a tall plant with long, deep green leaves and sage-colored buds with coiled orange pistils. Allowing it to spend more time in the flowering stage will produce more resinous trichomes, creating a beautifully frosted appearance on your buds. 

How Does Jack Herer Interact with the Endocannabinoid System

To understand the effects and benefits, let’s look at how this strain interacts with the endocannabinoid system. 

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell signaling system of sending messages between the brain and the body (Lu, Mackie, 2016) that’s necessary for the body to maintain optimal functioning. 

The ECS is made up three components:

• Endocannabinoids send signals between nerve cells by binding to the receptors on the surface of cells. 
• Endocannabinoids receptors stimulate the biological response communicated by the endocannabinoids. There are two primary types of receptos: 
  • CB1 receptors are found on the brain and spinal cord. For example, when there is stress, endocannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors to trigger a release of endorphins or serotonin. 
  • CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and immune system. When there is an injury, endocannabinoids bind to CB2 receptors to trigger an immune response. 
• Enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids once they’ve completed a function. 

Because the ECS acts as a bridge between the body and brain, it controls and affects multiple functions  (Zou, Kumar, 2018), including: 

• Appetite and hunger
• Fatigue and sleep
• Mood
• Inflammation 
• Immune response

Phytocannabinoids and Jack Herer

Phytocannabinoids are substances in plants that mimic endocannabinoids within the body as they have a similar chemical structure. Both cannabis L. short photoperiod plant and cannabis L. long photoperiod plant contain phytocannabinoids, the two most active ones to affect the ECS are tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (Potency) is the phytocannabinoid that triggers the psychological or psychoactive effects of cannabis because it binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain, producing deep, intense relaxation and feelings of euphoria as well as stimulating the appetite and easing tension or stress. Basically, this is the chemical responsible for creating the “high” sensation.
• Cannabidiol doesn’t bind to CB1 receptors, but instead works to prevent endocannabinoids created by the body from breaking down, extending the natural pain relief, relaxation, and other responses. 

Potency:  20.94%  CBD:  0.12%   CBN:  0.04%  

Jack Herer is a fairly potent strain that can produce strong effects. 

The Terpene Profile of Jack Herer

Terpenes are the chemical compounds found in plants that create their aromas and flavors.  However, recent studies also suggest that terpenes affect the ECS and often work in conjunction with cannabis to heighten the effects, adding several wellness benefits. While there are around 150 terpenes in each cannabis plant, there are a few specific terpenes that are dominant, giving the strain its unique aroma, flavor, and benefits. 

• Terpinolene is found in fruit peels and citrus peels creating a fruity, sweet aroma. Studies suggest that terpinolene can reduce anxiety, inflammation, and support cellular health. (Macedo, Santos, Sousa, et al. 2016). 
• Pinene has a sharp, pine scent and is found in evergreen trees, pine trees, and rosemary. Recent studies point to pinene having analgesic effects to relieve pain as well as anti-inflammatory properties (Salehi, et al. 2019). 
• Caryophyllene produces a spicy aroma that also is found in black pepper, cinnamon, and clove. Researchers have found that this terpene also has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties (Scandiffio, Geddo, Cottone, et al. 2020). 

The aroma of Jack Herer has a citrus top note with base notes of warm spice and cool pine. The flavors mimic these notes, though users often note a sweetness not found in the aroma. 

Type of Strain: Short Photoperiod Plant vs Long Photoperiod Plant

Another factor that determines the effects you may experience is the type of cannabis, whether it’s an short photoperiod plant or a long photoperiod plant. Short Photoperiod Plants are known for a “body high” as well as a “head high” where there’s intense physical relaxation and fatigue as well as feelings of euphoria and calm. Long Photoperiod Plants tend to be more energizing and motivating with feelings of happiness. 

Jack Herer is an 60 percent short photoperiod plant-dominant strain that produces strong mind and body effects that last a long period of time. However, the presence of long photoperiod plant prevents the “couch-lock” sensation, creating an overall uplifted feeling. 

The Physical and Psychoactive Effects of Jack Herer

Users of Jack Herer are very positive about this award winning strain and report experiences that align with what one would expect from a strain featuring this terpene profile, Potency content, and cannabis type.

• Feelings of euphoria
• Uplifted mood
• Eases anxiety and stress
• Eases inflammation and chronic pain
• Stimulates the appetite
• Reduces nausea
• Increases focus

Purchase Jack Herer Seeds Today 

If you are ready to try Jack Herer cannabis seeds to see if this is the right cannabis cultivar to help you achieve your wellness goals, order your seeds today. For more information about this variety or other varieties, reach out to our customer service team today at [phone]. 

What are the similarities and differences between Jack Herer and Glookies™?

Jack Herer and Glookies™ are both popular strains, known for their potent effects and distinctive flavors. The main difference lies in their genetic makeup and terpene profiles. While Jack Herer boasts a more earthy and piney flavor, Glookies™ offers a sweet and fruity taste. For more information, check out the “all about glookies article.

Author

Mo Smyth, BSN, RN Cannabis Nurse Educator

References

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Macedo EM, Santos WC, Sousa BP Neto, et al. Association of terpinolene and diclofenac presents antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory synergistic effects in a model of chronic inflammation. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2016;49(7):e5103. doi:10.1590/1414-431X20165103

Lu HC, Mackie K. An Introduction to the Endogenous Cannabinoid System. Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-525. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028

Salehi B, Upadhyay S, Erdogan Orhan I, et al. Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature. Biomolecules. 2019;9(11):738. Published 2019 Nov 14. doi:10.3390/biom9110738

Scandiffio R, Geddo F, Cottone E, et al. Protective Effects of (E)-β-Caryophyllene (BCP) in Chronic Inflammation. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3273. Published 2020 Oct 26. doi:10.3390/nu12113273

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Zou S, Kumar U. Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(3):833. Published 2018 Mar 13. doi:10.3390/ijms19030833