The Lord of Bhang is one of many titles given to the Hindu deity Shiva, and it’s said that he discovered the amazing properties of cannabis while meditating amidst a stand of ganja plants. Of all the gods, Shiva is most frequently seen to enjoy cannabis in all its forms and many of his devotees imbibe hashish as a sacrament. As the most powerful of the Skunk family and thus among the most potent Indica-dominant strains ever made available, Shiva Skunk is named in honour of the Lord of the Dance.
Shiva Skunk was an instant hit when released as NL#5xSK#1 in 1987. That simple string of letters and numbers instantly grabbed the attention of any grower who recognised the two famous parents. A new strain combining distinct and stable genotypes is always a noteworthy event, and that working-title indicated a great deal more. NL#5xSK#1 offered growers a taste of ‘cannabis cubed’ - a super-hybrid embodying the two most powerful cannabis strains known at the time. Before being formally named, Shiva Skunk was already building a reputation as the next step in marihuana breeding.
Both parents influence the prolific bud structure and knock-down potency of this strain. Later in flowering Shiva Skunk’s buds bulk up sharply and become encrusted with a trademark layer of oversized trichomes, courtesy of the one and only Northern Lights#5. Remarkable hybrid vigour allows Shiva Skunk to out-perform even its distinguished parents for yield and resin content.
Bouquet is musky and dank with sweet-citrus undertones; smoke is thick and resinous, described as ‘creamy’ by fans, sometimes ‘oily’ or ‘heavy’ by novices. Shiva Skunk’s extra strong body-mind effects range from red-eyed and giggly to adventurous to deeply contemplative. This is not a smoke to be taken lightly. Remember that Lord Shiva’s primary title is The Destroyer!
Strain FAQ
How do genetic changes affect strains ending by the end of October?
Indica strains from short-summer regions are common. This genetic base helps them flower and mature quickly, making them finish by October.
Does timing alter their musky scent?
Absolutely! Harvest timing is said to greatly affect how musky a strain smells. As the plant ages, terpene composition alters, deepening those musky, earthy scents.
Why has the Cannabis Cup moved from Amsterdam?
The Cannabis Cup began in Amsterdam in 1988 and has now expanded to the US, Canada, and Jamaica. This global extension has followed the larger cannabis markets as cannabis legalisation changes throughout the world.
How is it seen as stealthier to use 12/12 photoperiod seeds?
Beginning with a 12/12 light schedule from seedling stage is said to be helpful in staying hidden. This method, called "12/12 from seed," reduces the vegetative phase, creating compact plants.
Do high-yielding strains reportedly need different nutrients?
Their dietary needs are said to be more demanding than their lower yielding counterparts. A balanced nutritional mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients is said to be needed for strong growth and bud formation.