Culture

Sam the Skunkman: The Evolution of Hybrids

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2023

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More than likely, the strain in your stash jar will be a distant relative of Skunk #1. To learn about the groundbreaking developments of the first commercially successful hybrid, we sat down with Sam the Skunkman and talked to him about the old days. Speaking to him from his home in The Netherlands while smoking a joint, we loved listening to his experiences.

In the spring of 1985, Sam the Skunkman, arrived at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. His journey into cannabis hybridisation began in Santa Cruz when he started breeding cannabis on a large scale. He developed the world’s most influential hybrid and paved the way for extensive cannabis breeding in The Netherlands.

In the US, Sam the Skunkman played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking development of the first F1 hybrids and was friends with the illustrious Haze Brothers and started the esteemed Sacred Seeds to produce cannabis seeds and develop Skunk #1. Sacred Seeds carefully crafted this strain by crossing a robust Afghan indica known for its potency and resilience with the legendary Colombian Gold, renowned for its uplifting effects and dynamic characteristics.

This intricate breeding process was enhanced by outcrossing the resulting hybrid with the acclaimed Acapulco Gold, a weed strain famed for its exceptional stability and extraordinary flower production. This enhanced the strain’s stability while shortening its flowering time and significantly increased its yield potential, ensuring a bountiful cannabis experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

Skunk #1 has since earned recognition as one of the most influential hybrids globally and is prevalent in many cannabis hybrids worldwide. This strain is renowned for its distinctive and pungent skunky aroma, which has become popular among cannabis enthusiasts.

Sam the Skunkman comes to the Netherlands

In the early 1980s, many individuals in the Netherlands were engaged in cannabis cultivation. However, their efforts did not yield high-quality results. The cannabis they produced suffered from poor genetic development, and many faced difficulties growing outdoors due to adverse climate conditions.

During that period, a considerable amount of hashish and low-grade cannabis was being imported, which posed challenges regarding potency. In the past, when individuals cultivated cannabis, it was commonly referred to as “mean green”, and initially, they faced difficulties in selling it to the local coffeeshops because the quality was inferior.

During Sam the Skunkman’s visit to Holland in 1984, he visited several growers. During his stopover, he advised them that growing cannabis outdoors in Holland was futile and suggested they switch to greenhouse cultivation. “Forget it! You are wasting your time; you need greenhouses”, bellowed Sam the Skunkman. Following his advice, these Dutch growers transitioned to greenhouse cultivation, and everything changed.

At this time, there were only three leading seed suppliers: the Lowlands Weed Company, Neville Schoenmakers’ The Seed Bank of Holland, and Super Sativa Seed Club. Sam the Skunkman says that the Lowlands seed company never had the highest quality genetics but had the right spirit. In comparison, Neville and the Super Sativa Seed Club had excellent quality seeds because they acquired them from Sam and other cannabis enthusiasts.

Sam, you were talking about Skunk #1

Skunk #1 is a three-way hybrid, initially an Afghan and Colombian cross. It was a late-maturing plant, so Sam the Skunkman crossed it with an Acapulco Gold, shortening the flowering period. Although it was not the fastest flowering cannabis strain, it made it easy to grow indoors under lights, in greenhouses, or outdoors in the middle of southern California.

He remarks that a high-quality skunk, possessing superior genetics, can exhibit a THC content of 17% alongside a full-bodied terpene profile that creates an effect akin to 25% THC. The synergistic interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids, now commonly known as the entourage effect, results in an impressive and captivating experience.

Original Skunk #1 was 1 of 30 hybrids

According to Sam, the original Skunk #1 was among 30 hybrid strains tested during his time with Sacred Seeds. He explains that he grew and tended to all 30 plants in his greenhouse, using male plants of the same variety for each female. That produced an F2 population, resulting in 25% of the plants being similar to the mothers, 25% being similar to the fathers, and the remaining 50% falling somewhere in between.

This is not what Sam wanted, and he remarked that “hybrids tend to be almost always segregated”.He explains that Skunk #1 exhibited minimal segregation, making it an ideal choice for Sacred Seeds. The intention was to offer seeds exclusively for true breeding and keeping the Skunk #1 lineage alive. Now, growers would have the opportunity to cultivate high-quality cannabis genetics and produce seeds.

During this time, he thought more highly of the cannabis farmers because there were no other seed companies. However, Sam explains that ten years later, all the newer seed companies started buying these classic genetics and producing their own copies– it is the nature of business.

In the early 1990s, these companies started entering cannabis competitions with high-quality genetics, and pretty soon, the whole world was flooded with high-quality genetics. Sam laughs, “You have heard the joke; the Americans can do it bigger, the Germans can do it better, and the Dutch seed companies can do it cheaper!”.

Skunk #1 achieved mainstream success when it emerged victorious at the 1988 High Times Cup, defeating Super Sativa Seed Club, Sensi Seed Club, and the Seed Bank of Holland. Sam recalls winning first place with Skunk #1 and considered it the best weed because he had also tried the other two entries.

The impact of Skunk #1 can be observed throughout the cannabis industry. It served as a fundamental building block for many hybrid strains, and its genetic influence can still be seen in numerous popular strains available today. In the United Kingdom, “skunk” is now used to refer to any potent cannabis strain. However, it is essential to note that not all THC-heavy strains in the UK are genetically related to the original Skunk #1 variety.

The process of hybridisation

Besides Skunk, some other varieties were given to Sam the Skunkman, like Haze and California Orange. He states, “Haze was a variety given to me by the Haze Brothers, and they also gave me permission to reproduce and sell the seeds. Then there was Afghani #1, given to me by Mel Frank, Ed Rosenthal’s partner, who also permitted me to reproduce and sell that”.

There were also varieties like Durban Poison from South Africa. Ed Rosenthal first collected the seeds from the Transkei Coffeeshop here in Amsterdam, took them back to the USA, and gave them to his partner. Sam the Skunkman explained he grew it in California but believed what Mel Frank had given him was not the best.

“It was a second line, which was intersexed, so I had to grow it for four or five years in California to select the plants that were not intersexed”. He preferred Durban Poison because it was his earliest growing endeavour to flourished in the unfavourable climate. He cultivated over 20,000 plants outdoors in Holland!

Due to the process of hybridisation, whether through clones or seeds, it has become possible for anyone to cultivate high-quality cannabis. Sam the Skunkman believes the war on drugs was futile, as it was effectively lost when premium seeds and clones were distributed worldwide. The use of artificial lights in cultivation played a significant role in their defeat, despite taking several decades for this realisation to be acknowledged.

The legacy of Skunk #1 and Sam the Skunkman

Through innovation, dedication, and passion, Sam the Skunkman’s endeavours with Skunk #1 paved the way for advancements in cannabis breeding. The strain’s success and genetic stability were crucial in shaping the modern cannabis world. He demonstrated the potential for creating hybrid varieties with improved characteristics and inspired many breeders to develop their genetics and introduce new varieties with unique traits.

Sam the Skunkman helped lay the foundation for further exploration and innovation in cannabis botany, striving to constantly push the boundaries of potency, flavour, and cannabinoid content.

Thanks, Sam the Skunkman!

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American Heart Association

Naps Done Right Can Make a Huge Difference

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2024

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Weekends are made for naps, but done right they can make your week better also!

The body is a machine which needs fuel, maintenance and downtime. Around 30% of people don’t get enough night sleep during the week, which can cause problems during the waking hours. There has been a stigma around napping as being lazy, but often those “judging” are not giving their own body enough time to rest, refocus and beenergized for the challenges of day to day life. Data shows it is good for you and naps done right can make a huge difference.

Everyone is different and bodies need certain things to function, enough rest is one. Healthy sleep is one of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, their guide for improving and maintaining health. Naps can reduced fatigue, increased alertness, improve your mood and performance, and help with memory. But there are some guidelines…don’t sleep too long, don’t nap to close to your bedtime, and the following key lessons.

Figure out the right nap for the moment

The National Sleep Foundation shares there are three kinds of naps, each with their own patterns and effects. Planned napping, emergency napping and habitual napping. The first is when people sleep before they get tired, the second is when they nap because they’re exhausted and they have to, and the third is when they make a habit out of daily naps. Find the option that works best for you and you needs.

Naps should be short.

Productive naps are between 10-20 or so minutes. While we think of the more sleep the better, this is a case of a little goes a long way. Studies show a 10 minute nap can make people feel rested and prepared for the rest of their day. In fact, sleeping for over 30 minutes can disrupt in nightly sleeping patterns, which can alter your nights and productivity. Set an alarm for your naps, keeping them to a defined time, especially if you’re napping habitually and are not catching up on missed sleep.

Once awake, start moving

Weekends can be made for lounging around and being lazy. Spend all day in bed or lounging in the couch and end up sleeping on and off. But hese sessions can result in blurry days where the hours fly by and you end up feeling exhausted. It results in having trouble sleeping at night and not being rested. Days like these disrupt your circadian rhythms. Naps work best when they’re planned, with some activity and movement before and after.

Develop a schedule

Going to sleep at the same time every night provides plenty of positive results, helping you maintain a schedule and develop better sleeping habits. It’s the same with naps. “The brain prefers to anticipate something, not react to it. A nap is no different, which is why a scheduled nap always works better over the long haul when compared to a random nap.” This schedule shouldn’t force you to nap everyday, instead, it should help you nap more easily and feel more rested. Hope you can use the tips to make the most out of naps.

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boring

How To Figure Out If You Are Boring

Published

6 days ago

May 14, 2024

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It is rare for someone to go through life without running into someone who is dull – but to figure out if you are the boring one!

Nothing is worse than being stuck in a meeting, at a dinner, or in a car with someone who is dull and boring. They can’t help it, but they can make the best topics tiresome and miserable. But what if you discovered you are the boring one? At some point, lack of energy, mind somewhere else, and other things can make one temporarily dull. But it is being dull in the long term which is painful for you and others. Here is how to figure out if you are boring.

The University of Essex in the UK published a paper on traits of dull people. Published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, it covered personal traits and the dullest hobbies (top ones – watching TV, bird watching and smoking). Most people (53%) have 1-4 close friends, (38%) say they have five or more. Some 8% say they have no close friends. You can help not only friendships but family and partner relationships but following this advice.

Listening Skills

Boring people are poor conversationalists, and poor conversationalists tend to be the worst listeners. Communication is as much about talking as it is about being silent and listening to what the other person is saying. An engaging conversation isn’t one filled with the funniest jokes and the most interesting stories, it’s one where there is an exchange of ideas and conversations. Discover a curious streak and you will learn and time will become more interesting. Ask relevant questions and let those in the know express themselves.

Practice patience

Conversations are not competitions, rather it is a way to learn and engage with others. Basic “your turn, my turn” conversation etiquette is taught from a young age. It is no surprise some people have no self-control and allow themselves to take over conversations without giving the others a chance to speak. Work on controlling impulses and push yourself to listen to others.

On the flip side, if your problem is too shy and have a hard time opening up, try to practice and to find ways of making yourself more accessible and of speaking your mind. Practice with family or friends making conversation, read information and explore things which of interest.

Pay attention

Keep an eye out for people’s body languages whenever you’re talking. If they look distracted, are avoiding eye contact and keep on trying to change the subject then you are probably acting very annoying and boring. Train yourself to pick up on these hints and social cues and try to avoid overstaying your conversational welcome. It is ok to move on, sometimes it is you, sometimes it is them…but being aware can shorten a tough situation.

Build boundaries

Balance is one of the most important parts of conversations but it’s also pretty hard to define. Vulnerability is needed for a meaningful exchange, but too much of it and it’s kind of disastrous. Think about what you are talking about on consistent basis.

Complaining about how awful your life is and how unfair your job will not gain you any friends, even if this is a common behavior. Always aim for sincerity and get to know your audience; don’t tell a stranger your deepest and darkest secrets.

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Cannabis

The 5 Best Mom’s Love Language Gifts

Published

1 week ago

May 12, 2024

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Sunday is Mother’s Day – the day mom are celebrated for all the extra effort they do to make kids life special. First celebrated in 1907, it became official in the US in 1914 and Canada in 1915. Between the two countries, spending is expected to reach an all-time high of $35.7 billion this year. Some of it will be enjoyed, some may not. Here are the 5 best Mom’s love language gifts (and one might be weed!).

This love language is all about verbal acknowledgments of affection, compliments, words of appreciation and encouragement.

6 Cannabis Gifts For Mother's Day: CBD, Pre-Rolls And More — Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Words of Affirmation

Try a special way to tell her you love her. Make a book (easy to do online) of special pictures of the two of you. Write her a letter about what she means to you. You can get her favorite podcast host or even reality TV star to send her a special Mother’s Day shoutout (check out Cameo and all the celebrities they have available). Or consider compiling a video from all the kids and family answer the question ‘why we love you.’

Receiving Gifts

These people enjoy receiving gifts and symbols of love. Monetary value is usually not important but more so the thought and reflection behind the gift.

You can spoil her with luxury and a gift she would never buy herself. While gifts don’t need to be expensive, treat her to something luxurious that you know she wouldn’t want to spend the money on for herself. Think of what she loves and work around it. Gift cards for books, music, travel, etc can show you want her to enjoy life.

Another thing, what about giving a gift which could help their sleep, mental health or manage pain. A gummy or edible would be a perfect gift. Maybe a CBD cream which could help with muscle soreness?

Quality Time

People who enjoy this love language want someone to spend uninterrupted time with them, make plans and be fully present in their conversations during these times. Give a gift of an all-inclusive day. Give a Saturday which could include brunch, a walk, and more.

Gift a unique experience. Anyone can plan brunch or a wine tasting but what about surprising mom with something special. Some ideas include a picnic or colorful charcuterie board with all her favorite foods, a self-portrait session or a local food tour.

Acts of Service

This love language includes doing favors or taking the burden off the person you are showing love to. Will cook a special meal, take them a car trip, doing garden together, anything which your Mom would love to do.

Touch

These people feel loved when they receive physical signs of affection, including kissing, holding hands, and cuddling, to name a few.

Spoil her with a gift that will make her senses go crazy. While a spa day may seem obvious here and certainly fits the bill, you can also try something unique such as dance classes or something to make her feel extra cozy such as a weighted blanket, robe or new luxury sheets.

There are many new and fun ways to spoil mom this year. Take it to the next level this time around by considering what will make them feel most loved.

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