In this series, Leafly explores what makes each family of strains unique based on their terpene profiles. A strain “family” refers to a line of hybrids branching from one genetic matriarch that expresses unique and desirable characteristics that breeders seek to build upon. This introductory primer will help you learn a little more about cannabis breeding and strain variability.
In the final installment of our All in the Family series, we’re taking a look at Jack Herer, one of the most influential cannabis strains in the whole wide world.
With so many Jack-related strains on the market, we wondered: What are the commonalities and differences between them, and what kind of effects can consumers expect? To solve this conundrum, we took a look at the terpene and cannabinoid profiles of various Jack crosses.
Jack Herer
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (16-20% THC on average)
Named after the Emperor of Hemp himself, Jack Herer is a world-renowned sativa strain that combines a Haze hybrid with a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. The result produces multiple phenotypes, however the most common have resin-coated light green buds with orange pistils that give off a spicy flavor of black pepper complemented by earthy undertones. Many cannabis consumers seek Jack for its clear-headed, uplifting high.
Because of these dominant effects and its physical characteristics, which appeal to both consumers and growers alike, it’s easy to see why Jack has been crossed with so many strains on the market.
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Black Jack
Chemical profile: THC-dominant (16-20% THC on average)
Black Jack is Jack Herer crossed with Black Domina. This strain from Sweet Seeds is a perfect example of how Jack Herer’s genetics can be dominant and why most of its crosses are sativa dominant. Just take a look at its chemical profile.
Black Jack looks nearly identical to Jack, with variance coming in the amount of ocimene it has, perhaps due to the influence of Black Domina, which features Northern Lights, Ortega, Hash Plant, and Afghani genetics.
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J1
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (16-21% THC on average)
At this point, it’s easy to see that Jack Herer is one of those parents whose kids look exactly like them.
J1 is a frosty cross of Skunk #1 and Jack Herer that has a sweet aroma backed by that unmistakable Jack pungency. With pretty much the same terps as Black Jack, it’s easy to see why it produces a similar clear-headed buzz.
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Super Jack
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (16-19% THC on average)
Super Jack is a cross of Super Silver Haze and Jack Herer that produces a sweet, spicy aroma with a rich, buttery undertone. Though a bit variant in flavor, this strain provides the same ol’ Jack high that many describe as an energetic head high, making it great for creative hobbies.
The similarities between effects from Jack and Super Jack are likely due to the fact that they both hold almost nearly identical terpene profiles.
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XJ-13
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (16-19% THC on average)
Lastly, XJ-13 is a sativa-dominant cross of Jack Herer and G13 Haze. It exhibits the same terpene profile as Jack Herer with a little less pinene. Flavor-wise, XJ-13 holds a strong citrus aroma accented by notes of earthy pine. Effects-wise, XJ-13 follows the same path as every aforementioned strain by providing happy and uplifted effects, great for creative activities.
In the end, we see that Jack Herer has dominance in genetics, as each terpene profile of its crosses are almost identical to it. It’s pretty safe to assume that the Jack strain on the shelf will have an abundant amount of terpinolene and caryophyllene, with variance in their tertiary terpenes.
