Cannabis genetics offer an assortment of fragrances, flavours, and articulations. Through these factors we go with our own decisions and foster our own inclinations. The remarkable mix of terpenes gives every one of the strains their comparable, yet unique fragrant profiles. Today we explore the wide-ranging but easily recognizable Skunk terpene profiles.
Skunk is more than a cannabis strain. It is also an animal, but that little black and white animal is not nearly as popular around the world as the plethora of cannabis strains from the Skunk family. If you go back to the beginning of this famed family, you will eventually come to the one, Skunk #1.
It’s an absolute legend amongst cannabis connoisseurs of all ages. Terpene profiles and flavour palates range from the stench of a roadkill skunk, all the way to the sweeter, citrusy side of cannabis cultivars.
Its terpene profile is so strong you can catch hints of its aromatic power riding on a breeze from nearly a kilometre away. An odour so loud, that opening a jar instantly fills any room with a thick and conscious piercing aroma that leaves the holder with a sense of joy. Meanwhile, everyone else is asking, where is that smell coming from.
A great thing about cannabis and terpene profiles, is that there can be many expressions when outcrossing two cannabis varieties. This is how the Skunk family has cast such a wide net. The lighter, sweeter, and more common side of the Skunk family presents itself with a pleasing and inviting concoction of terpenes, pure bliss!
Skunk #1 was created by making a hybrid cross of Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold, and Afghan. The first two represent sativa landrace varieties, while the latter infuses its indica qualities, which are known for being highly potent plants. Skunk #1 is the backbone of the Skunk family, and all of the subsequent hybrids were derived from this iconic cultivar.
Outside of the cannabis culture, the term Skunk is commonly used to describe “highly potent” cannabis as well as being a generic term for “street weed”. Confusingly, many academics have used the term Skunk as a catch-all term for cannabis. As we know it in the cannabis community, the term Skunk has been used as a representative word for a complex and beautiful family of cannabis strains.
To guide you on a fun and fulfilling tour around the Skunk family universe, we present an assembly of seven Skunk strains, so loud they make your senses say, wow.
1. Skunk #1
Selecting this strain right away is an easy choice to begin any list highlighting the prominence of the Skunk family. Skunk #1 (available in regular, feminized, and autoflowering variants) is the rock star of the all-stars.
This strain’s terpene profile sits comfortably on the nose without offending even the most delicate of nasal passages. Instead, the vibrant and earthy undertones linger just below a layer of sweet terpenes. The sublime combination of terpenes shapes the aromatic profile into a delight for the senses. The dried flowers of Skunk #1 glisten in the light. A frosty overcoat of THC-laden trichomes sits atop bright green hues representative of the many colors found in a thriving forest canopy.
Effects of Skunk #1 have been described as impactful, energetic, but accompanied by a sense of relaxation in tight muscles. Skunk #1 stands apart for its exceptional power and terpene profile, but when it comes to growing various Skunk cultivars, this legendary strain shines even brighter by comparisson.
Skunk #1 is the first genuinely stable cannabis hybrid that showed up on the scene, many, many years ago. With reliable expression, rewarding yields, hybrid vigour, and a classic terpene profile, it is no wonder this cannabis strain always had a place on the menus in the coffeeshops of Amsterdam.
2. Super Skunk
Continuing with the lighter and sweeter side of the Skunk collection, we would like to introduce you to another member of the family, Super Skunk (available in regular, feminized, and autoflowering variants). This cannabis strain is so super you would think it would need a cape, but no, Super Skunk takes flight on its own.
The terpene profile of Super Skunk distinguishes itself from the other members of the Skunk family. It brings forth a uniquely citrus-heavy essence up-front. while maintaining the classic underlaying base. These base notes consist of dank earthiness and a sweetness that coats the air around you.
Super Skunk flexes its muscle with high THC percentages and a powerful effect, thanks to the addition of some Afghani genetics to its’ Skunk #1 lineage. Gardeners should also be aware of the intense and equally powerful terpene profile exhibited during the growth phase.
It is a favourite amongst indoor gardeners for its ability to withstand fluctuating environmental factors, quick flowering times of around seven weeks, and its abundant yields. Whether you are a consumer or a home gardener, Super Skunk should be towards the top of your list.
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3. Early Skunk
Of the complex terpene profiles that the Skunk family can offer, the Early Skunk (available in regular, feminized, and autoflowering variants) presents one of the more complex and diverse terpene landscapes. An outcross of Skunk #1 and Early Pearl, the Early Skunk gives a very mild earthy scent in the early flowering stages.
Adding to the aroma coming from this strain, is a diesel scent which will break-through as the Early Skunk approaches harvest. Toss in a dash of spicy notes which appear just after harvest and you can begin to appreciate the fine bouquet of terpenes present in the Early Skunk, but it gets even more lavish.
A properly dried and cured harvest will add yet another layer of intricacy to the heady terpene profile in the form of a lighter and floral terpene presence. Cannabis profiles can be multidimensional, and the terpenes present in the Early Skunk impart this upon the senses.
In the garden, it is an outstanding choice for novice growers due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions like cold, wet, and unforgiving environments. Average flowering times, excellent yields, mould resistance, and the ability to flourish in both indoor and outdoor gardens are a few of the desired attributes. The growth characteristics combined with the classic Skunk family effects make Early Skunk a delight to grow and enjoy.
4. Sensi Skunk
Sensi Skunk (available in regular, feminized, and autoflowering variants) broke the stereotype when it comes to the “skunk funk” and puts forth an enchanting scent so sweet you feel as if you will float away on a cloud of luscious terpenes. Always present in the Skunk family terpene profile are unrefined earthy elements that often sit comfortably in the background. While forming your first impression of this strain, your nose will detect the alluring sweet notes combined with a splash of citrus.
The rousing terpene profile may lead people to underestimate the potent effects that Sensi Skunk is reported to have. You can expect traditional indica effects from this indica heavy hybrid. Effects have been described as a deeply relaxing experience full of big smiles, calmed minds, and waves of euphoria. Sensi Skunk has also been known to encourage the munchies.
Gardeners enjoy cultivating the Sensi Skunk, which exhibits many of the reliable traits found in the Skunk family of cannabis cultivars. It makes itself a prime candidate for manys next gardening adventure due to short flowering times, fast growth, heavy yields, and average height gain. In 2014 Sensi Seeds released both feminized and automatic varieties of Sensi Skunk, making this strain a compelling option for growers everywhere.
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5. Shiva Skunk
With this chosen strain, we are shifting the terpene and flavour profile back to the funky side of the Skunk world. Shiva Skunk (available in regular, feminized, and autoflowering variants) combines two legends, Skunk #1 and Northern Lights #5, to create an aesthetically pleasing hybrid strain. Shiva Skunk brings all of the finer qualities to the forefront. It has a unique bud structure with a glimmering layer of trichomes and has one of the shortest flowering times for any Skunk hybrid.
Shiva Skunk is the most potent Skunk selection in the Sensi Seeds roster of award-winning Skunk strains. Take note novices, this cannabis cultivar is heavyweight in its effects. Frequently classified as a mellowing experience, Shiva Skunk’s effects fade away into a soothing, full-body relaxation, and many experienced cannabis connoisseurs reserve this special treat for the evening.
Shiva Skunk boasts a terpene profile that traverses from dank and musky, to a twist of citrus and berry, enveloped by undertones of sandalwood and funk. Growers are amazed by the plentiful, thick, and resin covered flowers that finish in just 45-to-55 days. With a classic Skunk profile, it is no wonder that Shiva Skunk is still at the top after 30 years of existence.
6. Purple Skunk
Using three of the best foundational blocks from the past to birth a new generation of Skunk strains, is precisely how the Purple Skunk (available as autoflowering seeds) was conceived. A combination of Skunk #1, Shiva Skunk, and Hindu Kush, this strain is an exquisite spectacle to behold and boasts a titillating aroma that pleases the legions of die-hard Skunk fans.
First impressions are everything, and from the moment you lay eyes on Purple Skunk, people see why she is special. Radiant purple hues dominate the dense, conical, trichome-covered flower. Vivid colors like those exhibited by Purple Skunk spark the imagination and are a real conversation starter in any circle.
The terpene profile of Purple Skunk leans more towards the “skunk funk” side of the scale, but that simple distinction doesn’t do the complexity any justice. True to form, you will first be hit with a warm and earthy sort of dankness, often accompanied by a sharp, full note of funk.
As the terpene profile evolves, subtle touches of sweetness and exotic sandalwood rise to the surface. Finishing this parade of inviting scents is a detectable hint of spice, likely an addition from the Hindu Kush in the lineage. An important note for potential cultivators, this strain gets very smelly in the flowering stages, be sure to have adequate filtration.
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7. Skunk Dream CBD
Fans of CBD focused flower can rejoice with this beautiful addition to the Skunk family in the form of Skunk Dream CBD (available as feminized seeds). This unique cannabis strain exhibits a THC to CBD ratio of 1:26. In layman’s terms that means that people can enjoy the flavours and terpenes that made the Skunk #1 so beloved without experiencing the psychotropic effects from THC.
Skunk Dream CBD contains less than 1% of THC, frequently at levels as low as 0.25%. The primary cannabinoid found in this cultivar is CBD, which consistently amasses to 7%.
The popularity of CBD dominant cannabis strains have skyrocketed as more information becomes known about the cannabinoid. True to the Skunk #1, Skunk Dream CBD exudes an earthy essence that crosses and blends with a subtler “skunk funk” signature. Like the Skunk #1, Skunk Dream CBD is multidimensional in its terpene profile.
Lingering in the air during the growing stages, a trained nose will often pick out spicy and floral expressions from Skunk Dream CBD. As harvest approaches after 70-to-75 days of flowering, terpenes representing notes of diesel lend themselves to the overall terpene profile. Do not miss out on the classic flavours and terpenes that made Skunk #1 so beloved.
Which terpenes are responsible for the aromas in Skunky strains?
As you can imagine, the Skunk family has a diverse group of terpenes that have been detected in laboratory samples. Not unique to cannabis, all of these terpenes can be found in nature, occurring in the essential oils of many common plants and trees. If you have been reading our recent series of articles, outlining seven of our top choices for fruity, floral, earthy, and now, skunky strains, you’ve likely seen us cover the individual terpenes in a little more depth.
For the Skunk family, because it reaches the many corners of the colorful and expressive terpene tapestry, we want to provide a quick overview of the frequently found terpenes and their commonly associated aromas. In total, cannabis gives birth to over 200 terpenes, although not all in the same strain.
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Myrcene
Myrcene is going to feature heavily in most of the Skunk family strains. This terpene is found in high levels in the backbone of this group, Skunk #1. Myrcene is mainly responsible for the earthy, musky, and somewhat dank funk that we find in many of the Skunk family strains.
Limonene
Limonene is another frequently found terpene in the Skunk family; however, limonene can take on many similar but different expressions. When given a blindfolded smell test, many people can decipher with their noses the difference between a lemon and an orange, but limonene is the predominant terpene in the rinds of both those fruits. In the Skunk strains, limonene is imparting a mild but detectable citrus scent in a few of the different Skunk varieties.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene brings with it peppery and spicy aromas that are often detected lingering in the air as you inspect and pull apart the flower of certain strains. The Skunk family has its share of spicy notes blending and weaving itself amongst the various strains’ dominant terpenes. Caryophyllene, in that sense, is referred to as b-caryophyllene (beta-caryophyllene), whereas a-caryophyllene (alpha-caryophyllene) exudes an earthly odour and was renamed to a-humulene many years ago.
Pinene
Pinene terpenes are frequently associated with pine needles. However, in the correct ratios to other terpenes in the cannabis flower, it can express itself as a sweet, clean, and uplifting profile. The most common form is a-pinene, which is the dominant terpene in conifer trees, giving them the “pine” smell. The less common form is b-pinene which gives off more of an herbal and earthy nose, both of which make appearances in the terpene profiles of various Skunk family strains.
Skunk varieties are many, but they all come back to the same base of Skunk #1, which is why this cannabis thoroughbred has been outcrossed to many other premium strains. The results have presented a range of captivating options for consumers. Known around the world for its funk and a slightly foul odour, many of these Skunk varieties offer terpene profiles that defy this stereotype.
Many nuances and subcategories exist when trying to classify cannabis. The majority of strains can be broken down into four basic categories. To keep classification orderly, we commonly use the “Fruity, Floral, Earthy, and Skunky approach to cannabis strains and the terpene profiles from them. Does the flower currently in your drawer fit into one of those four categories? A safe bet says that they do.
With so many tempting choices at your fingertips, it is hoped that this list of “seven Skunk strains you can identify with your nose” makes the decision a little easier next time you are presented with such bewitching options. A little hint – there are no wrong decisions here. Next time a group of friends has one of these Skunk strains in their possession, put your nose to the test and see which one of you is the true Skunk expert.
- Disclaimer:Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.
