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Sam the Skunkman: The Evolution of Hybrids

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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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The Best Tariff Friendly Cocktails

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The weekend is for fun, so here are some affordable cocktails to kick back and relax

There has been a buzz about tariffs and the global stock markets are quaking. But most don’t realize at the end of hte day, as people settle down, their favorite cocktails will be hit. Foreign alcohol is significantly impacted by tariffs imposed by the current adminstartion. These tariffs include a 25% levy on all beer imports, additional tariffs on aluminum used in beer cans, and varying tariffs on wines and spirits from different regions. Popular brands such as Guinness stout (produced by Diageo), Italian Campari liqueur, and imported beers like Corona and Heineken are directly affected. Tequila has been on the list, but currently has escaped.  To help the wallet and the throat, here are the best tariff friendly cocktails.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Strawberry Bourbon Basil Smash

What better way to relax than with some good, old-fashioned bourbon.  This cocktail combines the rich flavor of barrel aged bourbon with spring treats like strawberries and fresh basil.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fresh strawberries, cut into chunks
  • 5 leaves fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 3 fluid ops bourbon
  • 1/2 cup ice, or as needed
  • 3 fluid ozs sparkling water, or as needed

Create

  1. Muddle strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup together in a cocktail glass until smashed together and fragrant
  2. Add bourbon and ice
  3. Stir to combine
  4. Top with sparkling water

Hard Ball

After a tough week or if you just want to start the evening off with a different note, consider this cocktail. The story of peanut butter whiskey, most notably Skrewball, begins with Steven Yeng, a Cambodian refugee who, after immigrating to the US, developed a love for peanut butter and later combined it with whiskey to create a popular cocktail at his bar, which eventually led to the creation of the brand in 2018. Skrewball is made in San Diego.

Ingredients

  • 1½ ozs Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
  • 4 ozs Berry flavored Hard Seltzer

Create

  1. Combine ingredients in a highball glass
  2. Add ice
  3. Stir and enjoy

American Mule

Vodka’s history is rooted in Eastern Europe, with both Russia and Poland claiming its origins, though the word “vodka” itself is Russian, meaning “little water”. While the exact origins are debated, the earliest written records of vodka-like spirits appear in the 14th century, with the word “wódka” appearing in Polish documents in 1405.  But why not put an American spin on it using Tito’s, which is made in Texas, and have a popular American Mule.

  • 1 1/2 oz Tito’s Vodka
  • 3 oz ginger beer
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 lime slice for garnish

Create

  1. Combine ingredients in a chilled glass
  2. Add ice and stir
  3. Garnish with lime wedge

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Cucumber Gimlet

This cocktail feels like you are diving directly into summer, skipping spring.  The cucumber brings a whole level of freshness.  Crisp, cool and completely tariff free.

Ingredients

  • 3 cucumber wheels, thickly sliced
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 2 ozs gin
  • 3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • Cucumber wheel, sliced thinly for garnish

Create

  1. Add the cucumber wheels and simple syrup into a shaker and muddle
  2. Add the gin, the lime juice and ice and shake until well-chilled
  3. Strain into a coupe glass
  4. Garnish with a cucumber wheel



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Cannabis Consumers Are Being Hit By The Tariffs

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Tariffs are the word of the day – but marijuana consumers need to be ready to see a change also.

From apples to automobiles, hundreds of industries are trying to figure out the new tariffs.  What is clear is prices are going up on a random amount of things.  But, why is a surprise, is cannabis consumers are being hit by the tariffs also. Although cannabis itself cannot be imported or exported due to federal restrictions, the industry heavily relies on international suppliers for key components like vaporizer hardware, packaging, and cultivation equipment.

RELATED: Mixed Messages From The Feds About Cannabis

For instance, products sourced from China now face cumulative tariffs as high as 45%, including a 10% increase imposed in February 2025. Similarly, imports from Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs. These measures have particularly affected items like vape cartridges, batteries, and specialized packaging materials, which are difficult to source domestically at competitive prices. As a result, many cannabis companies are passing these increased costs down the supply chain to consumer

The financial burden of these tariffs is substantial. Analysts estimate that most cannabis businesses lack the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% cost increase. This has led to higher retail prices for products like pre-rolls and vaporizers, potentially pushing consumers toward cheaper, unregulated black-market alternatives. Such a shift raises concerns about product safety and could undermine the legal market’s growth.

Additionally, the tariffs have caused stock prices of major cannabis companies like Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth to decline by 5%-10%, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.Smaller businesses, already constrained by high taxes and limited banking access, are particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures.

Efforts to mitigate tariff-related expenses include exploring alternative manufacturing locations in countries like Malaysia or India. However, transitioning production is complex and time-consuming due to logistical hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements. Domestic production is another option but often comes with higher costs and limited capacity.

RELATED: How To Be Discreet When Using Weed

Packaging regulations in many states exacerbate the situation by requiring child-resistant designs, further limiting affordable domestic alternatives. Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.

The ongoing trade tensions show no signs of easing under Trump’s administration, leaving cannabis businesses with little choice but to adapt quickly. Strategies such as diversifying suppliers, investing in automation, and innovating with local materials may help companies weather the storm. However, without significant policy shifts or financial support mechanisms, the industry faces a challenging road ahead.



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The Best Tips To Update Your Wardrobe

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Spring is about renewal and beauty – so why not use this time to refresh your look and wardrobe?

Winter is behind us and temperatures rising. It is time to move from heavier winter clothing to lighter, warmer-weather pieces. And maybe adding some brighter colors and lighter fabrics. But what about a refresh of your look also? While it is hard to pinpoint an exact number, a significant portion of people according to retail research, feel they need new clothes and are actively updating their wardrobes. But do you need to have to look for you? Her are the best tips to update your wardrobe.

RELATED: Tips To Develop A Better Morning Routine

We asked Harmony Arnold, an image consultant and wardrobe stylist with over two decades of experience enhancing personal and professional image, what do when looking into your closet.  With an extensive background in costume design for film, theatre, commercial advertising, and emerging mediums like VR, Harmony brings a nuanced understanding of how visual storytelling influences perception and leadership. Arnold works with executives, public figures, tech and creative professionals.

The Best Tips To Update Your Wardrobe - Harmony Arnold

Take a Hard Look at Your Go-To’s

We all have a uniform—did you know most people wear only 10% of their wardrobe on repeat? It’s time for a spring-clean refresh! Keep what makes you feel confident, retire the worn-out pieces, and swap in elevated essentials that work for you. For men, that might mean reassessing your favorite jeans and tees—are they still in great shape, or are they past their prime? Upgrade to well-fitting denim, fresh button-downs, and structured casualwear that feels effortlessly put together.

Make Sure It Fits Like a Dream

Even the best clothes fall flat if they don’t fit just right. Tailoring is your secret weapon, whether it’s hemming your trousers, wearing a blazer, or making sure your shirts skim—not cling to—your frame. A fitted (not tight) Oxford shirt, properly tapered chinos, and a blazer that defines your shoulders will instantly elevate your style and get you noticed. 

Invest in Forever Pieces

Think of your wardrobe as a curated collection—fewer, better pieces make getting dressed effortless. For men, this means a great pair of dark denim, a versatile, well-tailored blazer, and crisp white or neutral button-ups with a proper hemline. A well-made leather sneaker or a classic loafer can seamlessly take you from casual outings to business casual settings.

RELATED: The Science Behind Why Music Sounds So Much Better When You’re High

Lighten Up & Layer Like a Pro

Say goodbye to heavy winter fabrics and hello to easy-breezy layers! Swap out your wool suits for lightweight cotton or linen versions. A lightweight jacket or an unstructured blazer is a great way to add polish without overheating. Looking to refresh your palette? Soft blues, sage greens, and light neutrals are easy ways to bring a seasonal update without straying too far from what you grab in the fall and winter seasons. 

Accessorize Like You Mean It

Nothing transforms a look faster than the right accessories. Swap out your wintery dark leather belt and shoes for lighter tans or soft suedes. Consider a woven belt for a relaxed but polished feel. A statement watch, an upgraded pair of sunglasses, or even a well-chosen pocket square can bring personality to your look without going over the top. (Hint: Accessories are also the easiest way to dip into a new vibe without a complete wardrobe overhaul!).



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