Marijuana Author Jack Herer Collapses After Stage Appearance at Portland Hempstalk

Our thoughts go out to his wonderful wife Jeannie Herer, and we hope that Jack makes a full and speedy recovery.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The most well known person in the world on the subject of marijuana, author Jack Herer, had a heart attack Saturday, after a fiery speech at the Portland Hempstalk Event at Kelly Point Park.

Ironically, Jack told our Doctor Phil Leveque, an old friend of his in the fight to legitimize and legalize marijuana, that he was feeling better Saturday than he had, "In the ten years."

Event staff came together quickly and called in the paramedic crew that treated Jack in the area backstage where he fell ill. Madeline Martinez, Executive Director of Oregon NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, says Jack didn't look like he felt well after the well received speech, and she told him he should get some water.

Shortly after that he apparently collapsed where he was sitting, and the emergency crews were called in. Bands kept playing and the medical personnel spent a considerable amount of time stabilizing Jack, before loading him in an ambulance and transporting him to the Emanuel Trauma Center in Portland.

Source report that Jack was in critical condition when he was admitted to the hospital with his son at his side. Soon after that, they were told that he was the victim of a heart attack, a result of arterial blockage.

Jack suffered a stroke several years ago that left him somewhat challenged in terms of speaking, but today more than one person watching him noted that his speech was much clearer than even the year before.

Jack Herer is beyond legendary with popular culture and his book, "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" is the largest and first account of the real story of marijuana and the techniques used by big money corporations to demonize and criminalize it.

There are no equals to Jack Herer; he is a friend of Salem-News.com and has personally helped us on more than one occasion in our research. Our thoughts go out to his wonderful wife Jeannie Herer and we hope that Jack makes a full and complete recovery.

Dr. Phil Leveque, Jack Herer, Bonnie King and Allen St Pierre, at Hempstalk, September 12, 2009
Photo by Tim King

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Anonymous July 19, 2013 2:55 am (Pacific time)

Jack Herer is a great strain, and I am glad it led me to learn about the man behind it. Much respect, and thanks for choosing to be a motivating inspiration to many.

NATHAN DOTSON / DEFINITE October 28, 2010 8:22 pm (Pacific time)

YOU ARE SO MISSED JACK OLD FRIEND. THOUGH YOU ARE GONE WE WILL CARRY ON. YOUR NAME WILL BE REMEMBERD FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS.WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOMS. YOU ARE A MARTER TO US ALL JACK.WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL WE ARE VICTORIOUS.THANK YOU MY FRIEND FOR YOUR BRAVERY,THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK,AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPARATION. REST IN PEACE.

DdC April 15, 2010 7:48 pm (Pacific time)

Requiescat In Pace Jack Herer 'Hemperor' Jack Herer Passes Away at 70 Jack Herer, Dies at Age 70 in Eugene

NATHAN DOTSON December 7, 2009 4:25 pm (Pacific time)

ALSO KNOWN AS DEFINITE. HANG IN THERE JACK.YOUR A GREAT FRIEND.YOUR NAME WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY.I LOVE YOU BROTHER.

DdC October 5, 2009 1:01 pm (Pacific time)

"Emperor of Hemp" Jack Herer Improving, Moved Out of ICU http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/content/emperor-hemp-jack-herer-improving-moved-out-icu Jack's awake and out of ICU. He's not talking yet or moving around much. He starts physical therapy on Monday. I just want to thank everyone so much for all the prayers and good wishes. They really seem to be working. Progress will probably be slow so please keep it up.

Jacks Our Hero October 3, 2009 3:49 pm (Pacific time)

Jack we are still thinking good thoughts for you..heard that you are doing better..Get Well Jack we all love you !!!

Krista September 25, 2009 8:53 pm (Pacific time)

come on back and play Jack . xx

BRIAN September 24, 2009 7:49 pm (Pacific time)

Jack there is still much work to be done. Keep taking your oil man. Get well soon. Much love

Vincent Squatch September 24, 2009 11:56 am (Pacific time)

We Love You Jack

Christian Laurette September 24, 2009 7:25 am (Pacific time)

This is the worst thing that could have happened.

Ricky Jay September 20, 2009 5:37 pm (Pacific time)

You're in my prayers Jack. Hope you're doing ok now; haven't heard anything lately.

R.O.E. September 20, 2009 12:54 pm (Pacific time)

We're praying for you Jack

Eve Lentz September 19, 2009 7:13 pm (Pacific time)

Rick Simpson oil, which Jack has been eating for 17 months, is now being used to help him in the hospital. It has already helped some of his vital signs, and we are expecting miracles that this oil will wake him. Expect Miracles!! Thank-you, Tim and Bonnie King, for your reporting confirmed news, and keeping Jack's friends in touch with the truth!

BOB MANDEL September 18, 2009 7:56 pm (Pacific time)

Sorry to hear that update, Bill. We know you can really use a truth seeker and trooper like Jack in Heaven,lord, but don't you think you can spare him a while longer???? All my love, brother man

LAURENCE CHERNIAK September 18, 2009 6:39 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Jack, Please, hang in there Jack and come back home soon. We love you way too much to be having to miss you now or any time in the future. Please pull through this and stay with us in this sometimes crazy world where you are loved, needed, cherished and have brought so much hope and inspiration to so many people. Our team has always been the better for your smiling and gracious company. You and I have had so much fun since the early 1970's and we've shared so much with each other and all these people, Jack. Once again, please get over this and come home. Love, hugs and many wishes for your good health. Constance and Laurence.

William Conde September 18, 2009 11:24 am (Pacific time)

please forgive me but I should have said they will remove live support if there is no change,not that there is no hope so continue your prayers.

Paul Petock September 18, 2009 4:08 pm (Pacific time)

Bill Conde that is really sad news , Jack go with god my friend .

William Conde September 18, 2009 11:19 am (Pacific time)

The news is not good. Today I heard from a mutual friend that Jack is on life support and there is no hope and they will remove life support sometime tomorrow. His family is with him now. Gods speed my friend may we meet again.

THCF MED CLINIC September 17, 2009 9:28 am (Pacific time)

We wish you a speedy recovery and wish we could get more info on how you are doing Remeber its just not summer till I get my kiss from Jack :) Get Well Soon

BOB MANDEL September 16, 2009 9:11 am (Pacific time)

Damn, Brother - I missed getting back in touch a few weeks ago with you, and you go and have another freakin' heart attack... You're too resilient to let the bastards take you anytime soon. Get healthy and strong, Jack... looking forward to hearing your voice real soon. Peace, Bob

Linda Werner September 15, 2009 4:33 am (Pacific time)

Jeannie, I consider myself a high energy person and Jack wore me out at the Seattle Hempfest. But I know what keeps him going is the outpouring of love he gets from the people that "get him." Please know that you and Jack can count on me and my family to be there for you to help transition his care from Oregon to where ever you choose. Just say the word. I owe you both so much for the passion you have instilled in me to develop my clothing line and for the trust you have given me to be one of Jack's messengers. We truly love you both. Linda Werner, Substance, LLC

420Lawyer September 14, 2009 10:41 am (Pacific time)

Best wishes and most heart-felt prayers for a speedy recovery.

LAURENCE CHERNIAK September 14, 2009 8:04 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Jack, Don't you dare leave us now. We love you.

THE INDIVIDUALS September 14, 2009 3:37 pm (Pacific time)

First Eddy Lepp goes to federal prison for 10 years, now Jack Herer is in the hospital, and next week Marc Emery is turning himself in for 5 years in federal prison! What a ruff year! Our prayers go out to Jack, Eddy, and Marc! 420!!!!

Good Karma Grower September 14, 2009 8:10 am (Pacific time)

I hope we hear good news soon.. Jack lives in our county in california and we are so proud! Hemp Can Save Our Planet

DdC September 14, 2009 3:30 am (Pacific time)

Sending our Love and Best wishes for a fast track back Jack. All the years of your hard work are starting to seep into the consciousness of the everyday people. Until Ganja and Hemp truth is openly taught, and the victims of the Ganjawar can walk free. But there are also still many vested ignorant perpetuating this civil war on citizens and we need your wealth of knowledge and spirt, so be well Jack Herer. Thank You.

jaime September 14, 2009 12:29 am (Pacific time)

terrrible news.. hope for a sppedy recovery! http://grainesdecannabis.wordpress.com

Paul Petock September 13, 2009 11:51 pm (Pacific time)

Sorry to hear the news , you are in my thoughts and prayers your friend Paul

Anonymous September 13, 2009 11:44 pm (Pacific time)

Please get better. :) Your a hero to everyone fighting for freedoms.

Rev David A. Lawson September 13, 2009 7:02 am (Pacific time)

I caught that he had been taking Rick Simpsons "oil" to help heal him. and he does look much better than when i saw him at harvest fest. Jack is one of my Heros. God Bless Him and his famnily

HAPPY HEMPTRESS September 13, 2009 9:55 pm (Pacific time)

High Folks, I want to give everyone an update on Jack. I just spoke with his assistant, Chuck, as of 12:30am east. Avery fast rumor coming out of Hempstalk of which I also reported on was only partially true. Jack has NOT had angioplasty yet and may not have to. Last night the doctors put him in an induced coma and lowered his body temp with ice. They are keeping him this way for 48 more hours. His heart is doing well for now so they think he will be ok soon. Chuck is staying in contact with Jack's family for updates so I'll let the list know when I know more.

Indica MaMa September 13, 2009 9:07 pm (Pacific time)

Sending swift healing energies your way.

William Conde September 13, 2009 6:51 pm (Pacific time)

I posted a comment about my dear friend Jack what have you done with it?

Editor: William, our staff was at Day Two of the event today and the comment section wasn't updated for hours, very sorry about that!

George September 13, 2009 6:10 pm (Pacific time)

Say I havwn't seen Henry Ruark posting any articles. Is he okay, on vation or something?

Editor: Henry's computer is undergoing an overhaul, and we look forward to him reengaging very soon, thanks for asking!

Irinka and Mike September 13, 2009 6:00 pm (Pacific time)

We pray across the pacific waters from New Zealand, for your recovery. Your books have helped to empower us to stand up for the benefits of this amazing plant. May all the healing good, you have given out, be returned to you 1,000 fold. Amen.

William Conde September 13, 2009 2:16 pm (Pacific time)

Jack Herer a dear friend for many years, a true patriot, an American Hero, a man that I truly love and respect with all my being, lays wounded. I pray for his return to health as there is much left to do and we are not allowed many like him in our lives. Dear God please send your comforter and heal this great man. Show your power and make him well.Jeannie stay strong girl we love you too.

ElectroPig September 13, 2009 4:20 pm (Pacific time)

I sent Jack an engraved pen for his bithday which read: "Jack Herer - Seeker of Truth". I fully anticipate that my 12th edition of "The Emperor Wears No Clothes", when it is published, will be signed with that pen! YOU HEAR THAT JACK? I didn't send you a pen with a 100 year shelf life just for you to use it for a couple of months! To those who don't understand, Jack's contributions are not just to hemp and common sense, but towards making people THINK FOR THEMSELVES! Thinking people start to see how their freedoms are being eroded at each and every turn, and while this is not what Jack is most known for, it is YOUR FREEDOM that he is fighting for! Your freedom to live. YOur freedom to be healthy...no matter who "doesn't" rape your wallet to get you healthy. Let's all hope that Jack gets back on his feet QUICKLY, and without any lasting side-effects...and let's hope that there are people out there getting their stills ready to make Jack some 100% natural, pure, SAFE medicine from the buds of the cannabis plant! More info about hemp oil: htp://PhoenixTears.ca or http://PhoenixTearsMovie.com Investigate! Learn! UNDERSTAND! These are the words that Jack represents best...it would do the world good if people took these words and ran with them!

J'nette Saxby September 13, 2009 4:01 pm (Pacific time)

"Get well Jack" from all of us in Norml New Zealand. We wish you a speedy recovery and perhaps a well deserved rest up.

The Farm. September 13, 2009 3:46 pm (Pacific time)

Our prayers go out to Uncle Jack, Jeanie and Chuck.. If you need any thing call HOME! We LOVE you!!!!and are praying for a speedy recovery. Eddy, Linda, the family, the farm and Ministry

Chris S September 13, 2009 3:15 pm (Pacific time)

Hey man my wishes are with you and your family just now, i know very good people in preventative medicine so if you want any advice please contact me dude. cheers chris

John and Dennis September 13, 2009 11:54 am (Pacific time)

We are praying for you in San Francisco Jack, Love John, Dennis and all your friends down here!

Daniel September 13, 2009 11:50 am (Pacific time)

Sorry to hear about Jacks medical problem . Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jack , have a speedy recovery .

TedG September 13, 2009 10:36 am (Pacific time)

My thoughts and prayers are with you Jack.

Grandma Kay Lee September 13, 2009 10:19 am (Pacific time)

I read Jack's book, "Emperor wears no clothes" in college at age 50. It changed my life from a do-nothing mom to an active grandma, traveling the country to educate people about the need to return cannabis to the people. I had heart surgery 2 years ago, so am sending wishes to Jack for the best doctors available and a full recovery. He's been important in many lives to so many people he doesn't even know.

jack eich September 13, 2009 7:39 am (Pacific time)

my prayers go out to this relentless hero exposing the lies and half truths of the drug mogols. they kill thousands of people with their dangerous drugs. legalize cannabis

Anonymous September 13, 2009 6:01 am (Pacific time)

This is a post that John English (the rabid prohibitionist) keeps deleting from his Examiner web site. I wonder why? John made the newspaper. John admits to 14 years of drug use (abuse?) in 1998. Tell us, John, were YOU a ‘criminal’ ? “I lived that lifestyle for 14 years. I care about not only children who see these people using dope, but I care about these people.” Newspaper link: tr.im/JohnEnglishDrugUse1 Text link: tr.im/JohnEnglishDrugUse2 Here is another post that he deleted. LEAP - Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. leap.cc. These are thousands of current and former officers, drug cops, DEA, and judges who, after many years of arresting and putting human being in cages for certain substances, now realize the utter obscene harm that Prohibition causes. Here is one other post John English deleted. Irv Rosenfeld's HB 5470 Michigan Medical Marijuana Testimony www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvzX8aNwxgM The man giving testimony on behalf of medical marijuana is provided marijuana from the federal government - for the past 25+ years.

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