15 April 2010 - Jack Herer, author of the books like Grass and The Emperor Wears No Clothes passed away in Eugene, Oregon. He was 70 years of age. Jack Herer was an iconic advocate of cannabis legalization and was known with the international cannabis community as the Emperor of Hemp.

The leader in the modern marijuana legalization movement, was discharged from a Portland hospital in October last year. Herer was brought to Legacy Emanuel Medical Centre after suffering a heart attack following an emotional speech at the 2009 Hempstalk festival. In the speech Herer called for opposition to marijuana taxation plans.