Skunk (Cannabis)

Skunk refers to Cannabis strains that are strong-smelling and have been likened to the smell of the spray from a skunk.[1]

These strains of cannabis are believed to have originated in the United States prior to development by Dutch growers.[2] Just as with other strains of cannabis, skunk is commonly grown in controlled indoor environments under specialized grow lights, or in a greenhouse when full outdoor conditions aren't suitable.[3]

Skunk strains are hybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The combination of these two species produces unique effects.

Skunk strains, along with other strains, are used for recreational purpose but are also popular among the medical community as a form of pain medication and management due to THC's analgesic effects on the body.[3] Cannabis may have physiological and psychological side effects/medical benefits depending on which strain is being ingested. These may include: decreased blood pressure,[4] rapid heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite, slowed reaction time, paranoia with uneven THC/CBD ratios, short-term memory loss, anxiety with uneven THC/CBD ratios or reduction in anxiety when the correct amount of CBD is present.[5] Although these characteristics are present in other strains, due to its higher ratio of THC to CBD, negative side effects may be more prevalent in skunk strains as the percentage of CBD is lower.[3]

While these negative side effects are a reality for some users, it is also used to aid individuals with certain medical conditions.[3] Therefore, the debate as to whether or not marijuana should be legalised is an ongoing debate found in politics and media in all parts of the world. Currently, cannabis is legal through prescription in The Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Switzerland, Spain, Uruguay and 20 various states in the U.S. In Bangladesh and Uruguay, recreational use of cannabis (consumption and cultivation) is completely legal. In The Netherlands, recreational consumption of cannabis is decriminalized, but it may only be sold in a coffeeshop.

Potency

Skunk strains typically have a 14 to 15% THC concentration.[6]

Strains

Subset strains

References

  1. ↑ Brotman, Barbara (April 2, 2012). "Skunk smell spreading like weed through city". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  2. ↑ "Skunk". http://drugscope.org.uk/skunk/. External link in |website= (help);
  3. 1 2 3 4 http://www.drugscope.org.uk/resources/drugsearch/drugsearchpages/skunk
  4. ↑ "Blood Pressure Regulation By Endocannabinoids And Their Receptors". http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2225528/. External link in |website= (help);
  5. ↑ "Marijuana - Marijuana Use and Effects of Marijuana". webmd.com.
  6. ↑ pmid=10641915
  7. ↑ Identification of candidate genes affecting D9-tetrahydrocannabinol biosynthesis in Cannabis sativa
  8. ↑ "PatentStorm's time has ended.". patentstorm.us.
  9. ↑ B. Smith. "Jack Herer Seeds - Cannnabis Cup winning strain". Weed-seeds.net. Retrieved 2012-01-31.

Further reading

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