Skunk #1

Where does Skunk #1 come from?

Skunk #1 is usually credited to Sacred Seeds, a California seed company tied to breeder David Watson, better known as Sam the Skunkman. The cross pulled together three older lines: an Afghani, Acapulco Gold from Mexico and Colombian Gold. Sources agree on those three, though not on the exact order they were crossed in.

It's commonly dated to the mid to late 1970s and later moved to the Netherlands, where it became one of the first stable hybrids sold there as seed. Because it grows evenly from seed, breeders used it as a base for many later strains. Several seed companies now sell their own versions, so plants under the name can differ.

The name comes from its smell. Early plants leaned toward the Afghani side, which is pungent and, as many people put it, smells like a skunk.

What does Skunk #1 smell and taste like?

Skunk #1 smells exactly like the name suggests: sour, musky skunk with an earthy base. Some batches carry a sweet edge, and people also mention citrus, pine and a little hash.

Myrcene usually leads its terpene results, followed by limonene and pinene. Myrcene brings the earthy, musky side, limonene a hint of citrus and pinene the pine. The taste follows the smell, earthy and sour, and some people find it harsh.

Skunk #1 effects: what people report

People most often describe Skunk #1 as happy and euphoric, with an upbeat, creative head feel paired with a relaxed body. Reports land in the middle: some find it energizing and chatty, others mostly mellow. Hunger comes up often.

These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your own tolerance. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common complaints, and some people mention feeling paranoid.

How strong is Skunk #1?

By today's standards Skunk #1 is middle of the road. Listings usually put it around 15% to 19% THC, with very little CBD, though some batches come in higher.

If you're new to it, start with a small amount and give it time before having more. The THC and CBD numbers for your batch are printed on the label, and they matter more than the strain name.

Buying Skunk #1 in Canada

Since many seed companies have released their own Skunk #1, two products with the same name can be different plants. Some are sold simply as Skunk, which may or may not be the same line.

You'll most likely see it as dried flower or pre-rolls. Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date on the label, since fresher flower keeps more of that skunky smell.

Skunk #1 vs Cheese

Cheese is usually described as a Skunk #1 phenotype that was kept and passed around in the UK, so the two are close family. Skunk #1 smells sour and skunky with an earthy base, while Cheese takes that funk in a sharper, savoury direction that really does smell like aged cheese. Both get described as happy and relaxed. If you want the classic skunk smell, start with Skunk #1. If you like funky, savoury strains, try Cheese.

Strains like Skunk #1

If you like Skunk #1, these are the closest matches:

• Cheese: a Skunk #1 phenotype with a sharper, savoury funk.
• Lemon Skunk: Skunk family genetics with a brighter lemon smell on top.
• Super Silver Haze: has Skunk in its parentage, with a lighter, more upbeat Haze side.
• Northern Lights: another classic from the same era, earthier and more relaxed.