Here’s the description of the S1 Skunks
Ah, the nostalgia of "skunk weed" from the 80s and 90s is a tale that resonates with cannabis connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. “Roadkill Skunk”, known for its pungent funk reeking of skunk spray, has become somewhat of a legend in the cannabis community. Its distinctive terpene profile, characterized by a strong, skunky smell, was a hallmark of high-quality weed during that era. For some, the acrid odor of burning sulfur was enough to make your eyes water if you stood too close to the plant. Outdoors with a nice breeze, you could smell dead skunk from over a mile away.
During the dark ages of prohibition, however, strong smelling weed was exactly the sort of thing that would get cultivators busted and even if you were running a couple of carbon filters, it wasn’t enough to cover up the smell. Growers were drawn to strains with little to no smell in flower and, as the years passed, the noxious skunk spray odor seemed to just disappear, almost as if it were a relic of a bygone era. For more than a decade, the smell of roadkill skunk has been the subject of relentless pursuit by growers and users alike, each yearning to recapture that nostalgic essence.
The skunk weed of the 80s and 90s was not just known for its smell; it was a symbol of the counterculture movement, a physical representation of rebellion and freedom. Its aroma filled the air at concerts, festivals, and in the backrooms of underground clubs. The potent smell was instantly recognizable, and for many, it evoked memories of youth, liberation, and the carefree days of the past. As the cannabis industry evolved, new strains with varied aromas and effects emerged, and the classic skunk scent became a rarity, much to the dismay of those who longed for the nostalgia it brought.
The quest for the original skunk weed has been like searching for a treasure feared lost forever. Growers have scoured seed banks, exchanged cuttings, and experimented with crossbreeding in hopes of rediscovering the skunky aroma. Despite their efforts, the exact terpene profile remained elusive, leaving a yearning in the hearts of the old stoners who remembered it wistfully.
But after years of dead ends and “sweet” terps, there seems to be good news on the horizon for those chasing the olfactory ghost of the roadkill skunk. The recent release of the ‘79 and the ’81 Florida Heirloom Skunk clones has sparked excitement within the cannabis community. Held tightly by a breeder with Sunshine Seed Co now in his 70’s, these recently released treasures just may be the missing link that enthusiasts have been lusting for.
As it is described, the ‘79 Florida Heirloom Skunk stands out not just for its growth and potency, but for its remarkably offensive odor, a pungent assault on the senses, a noxious mixture that harkens back to the unmistakable stench of rotting eggs mingled with the sharpness of ammonia. This olfactory experience is so overpowering and repugnant that it's almost offensive, yet for those who remember, it's a nostalgic trip back to the days when cannabis had a wild, untamed aroma. While both exhibit the eye-watering bite of sulfur and ammonia - the '79 really pushes the limit of what the senses can handle and, as stinky as the '81 is, seems mild in comparison.
The flowering cycle of this heirloom strain spans 84 to 88 days, during which its already potent smell intensifies and evolves. Harvesting around day 81 yields a product with a headier and more stimulating effect, but it's in the later stages of flowering, particularly around day 84, that the balance between its foul scent and psychoactive potency reaches its peak. For the true connoisseurs who yearn for the maximum expression of its foulness, letting the plant mature till day 86 or 88 is key. Be warned, though – by this time, the smell becomes almost insufferably rank, a true testament to its skunk lineage and a challenge even for the most seasoned of enthusiasts.
Both the ’79 and the ’81 are EXCEPTIONAL representations of a long-gone era, with the ’79 being the FAR MORE OFFENSIVE of the two and more of what I was looking for. Given the age of both, I think the S1’s and the crosses (I crossed both of them to each other) are going to put a BIG SMILE on a lot of old grower’s faces
I’m excited to help reintroduce these legendary strains back into the modern cannabis landscape and to a new generation of growers. It's not just about the nostalgia or the pursuit of a long-lost aroma, it’s about reconnecting with a piece of history, a time when cannabis culture was in its formative stages, and each strain had its own story. The Florida Heirloom Skunks are more than just plants; they’re a living piece of the past, a testament to the rich and varied history of cannabis. With the rediscovery of roadkill skunk, we don't just get a chance to experience its unique aroma; we have the opportunity to revive a part of our culture that was almost forgotten.
A friend is currently growing out both the ’81 and the ’79 and commented:
“I’m running several 1979 & 1981 heirloom skunk plants, and right hand to god my driveway is 375 feet - 465 feet to my mailbox and I can smell that shit before getting out of my truck to get the mail (and i am running double carbon filters. I love that stinky shit, even if I occasionally gag from the sour-rotten-egg ,baby shit, ammonia, and 7 day old skunk roadkill.”