Jack Herer, Emperor of Hemp, has died

Famous marijuana activist and author Jack Herer, "The Emperor of Hemp," died Thursday morning at 11:07 Pacific time.

"Jack deserves kudos for having publicized the benefits of cannabis hemp in his classic book, The Emperor Wears No Clothes," said Dale Gieringer of California NORML.

"He also labored long and hard on innumerable initiatives to re-legalize hemp in California," Gieringer said.

Rest in Peace, Jack, Thank you for your incredible effort on behalf of the pro-marijuana movement.

PLEASE NOTE: The following story was based on a false rumor, which was corrected on this blog the following morning when it was determined that Jack Herer was still alive and recovering in a hospital. We apologize (again) for any confusion and meant no disrespect. Jack Herer is a legendary marijuana activist and we cheer him on!

Jack Herer, sometimes called the Emperor of Hemp, is an author and advocate for the hemp and marijuana movements. In 1970 he wrote one of the seminal books on the history of hemp and marijuana prohibition. Herer also founded and served as the director of an organization named HEMP Help End Marijuana Prohibition).

According to Portland Progressive Examiner: Breaking: Jack Herer, Emperor of Hemp, marijuana hero, dead

According to a source close to the family, Jack Herer, much beloved Emperor of Hemp, is dead. The marijuana hero collapsed backstage on Saturday, September 15, at "Hempstalk 2009" in Portland, Oregon. Herer had just given a fiery speech to the crowd on the future of hemp when he suffered a heart attack and a significant loss of oxygen. Herer died today, September 18, at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.