The Jack Herer Story

RICHARD COWAN, MarijuanaNews.com: 'Frankly, when you spend your days as I do, reading and writing about marijuana prohibition, watching a film on the subject did not sound like a lot of fun. Yes, the film is written and produced by my friend Jeff Meyers, and it is about my friend Jack Herer, but give me a break! Well, I was wrong. EMPEROR OF HEMP is not only fun, it's entertaining, informative and often powerful. It keeps a lively pace and uses pop music by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Joe Walsh and Cheap Trick to set the mood. It is narrated by Peter Coyote, who has one of the best voices in the business. And it has a story as weird as only the truth could be. I actually enjoyed it more the second time I watched it.

Meyers is a former L. A Times reporter and occasional contributor to Marijuananews. Anita Roddick of the Body Shop financed the film. The result -- as expected -- is a journalistically credible film and a real treat. As they say in Hollywood, it's a must-see for those in the movement, although I think it will definitely appeal to a mainstream audience. As such it should be used as tool by the movement, because, if this film is eventually seen by millions of people, or just the right people, it could hit hemp and marijuana prohibition like a bombshell.'

Ethan B. Russo, M.D.: 'I just finished my first viewing of the EMPEROR OF HEMP video and wantedto write to express my appreciation on a fine effort. The video should serve as an excellent documentary and educational resource on issues of cannabisprohibition, the medical uses of cannabis, and its utility as a source of durable fiber, biomass, and nutrition for our planet. Its use of juxtaposing quotations on differing cannabis viewpoints was particularly compelling in demonstrating the irrationality of cannabis prohibition. This video should be widely viewed and distributed. One would hope that PBS would have the courage to broadcast it, since its veracity is clear and convincing. Congratulations for the information and the courage to make it available.'