Shiva Skunk: The Most Powerful Member of the Skunk Family
Shiva Skunk: The Most Powerful Member of the Skunk Family
Strain Overview
Type: Heavily Indica-Dominant Hybrid (85% Indica / 15% Sativa)
Origin: Netherlands (Sensi Seeds)
Lineage: Northern Lights #5 x Skunk #1
Flowering Time: 45 – 55 Days
Yield: High / Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate (Requires odor control)
In the pantheon of cannabis genetics, few strains carry a name as weighty as Shiva Skunk. Named after the Hindu deity Shiva—often associated with the transformational power of bhang (cannabis)—this strain was bred to be the absolute strongest variety in the Skunk lineage.
Released by Sensi Seeds in 1987, Shiva Skunk is a genetic "super-hybrid." The breeders took the two most successful strains of the era—Northern Lights #5 and Skunk #1—and smashed them together. The goal was to combine the massive yield and vigor of Skunk with the devastating resin production and potency of Northern Lights.
The result is a strain that is smoother than a standard Skunk but hits significantly harder. It is widely considered the most resinous and potent member of the Skunk family, offering a heavy, oily, and narcotic experience that lives up to its divine namesake.
History and Lineage: The Meeting of Titans
Shiva Skunk represents the peak of Dutch breeding in the late 1980s. It wasn't just a random cross; it was a calculated attempt to create the ultimate indoor plant.
Northern Lights #5 (The Mother): As detailed in our previous review, NL#5 is the "perfect" indoor Indica—compact, fast, and resinous. It lends Shiva Skunk its rock-hard bud structure and low leaf-to-calyx ratio.
Skunk #1 (The Father): The strain that defined "hybrid vigor." It brings the pungent aroma, the size, and the distinct cerebral energy that lurks behind the heavy Indica stone.
The "Super" Distinction:
While Super Skunk (Skunk #1 x Afghani) was bred for commercial weight, Shiva Skunk (Skunk #1 x NL#5) was bred for potency and resin. It is the connoisseur's choice of the Skunk family.
In-Depth Cannabinoid Profile
Shiva Skunk is known for its sticky, oily texture. The resin glands are often larger than average, contributing to a high extraction yield.
| Cannabinoid | Typical Range | Description |
| THC | 15% – 20% | Moderate/High. While the percentage seems average by modern standards, the effect is known to be much heavier than the numbers suggest. |
| CBD | < 1.0% | Low. This strain is psychoactive and not typically used for CBD therapies. |
| CBG | 0.5% – 1.0% | Moderate. Helps modulate the high, preventing immediate panic often associated with pure Skunk strains. |
In-Depth Terpene Profile
The aroma of Shiva Skunk is complex. The Northern Lights influence tames the sharp, acrid "spray" of the Skunk #1, resulting in a smell that is creamy, musky, and sweet.
Total Terpene Content: ~2.0%
1. Myrcene (Dominant)
Aroma: Musk, clove, ripe red fruit.
Effect: The primary driver of the sedative effects. It gives Shiva Skunk its "heavy eyelids" sensation.
2. Caryophyllene (Secondary)
Aroma: Pepper, spice, wood.
Effect: Adds a physical warmth to the high and contributes to pain relief.
3. Limonene
Aroma: Citrus undertones (sweet orange rather than sour lemon).
Effect: Provides a subtle mental uplift that keeps the user in a state of happy contemplation rather than just sleep.
4. Skatole (Trace Sulphur Compounds)
Aroma: The "Skunky" funk.
Note: While not a terpene, these volatile sulphur compounds are present in all Skunk lineages, giving the strain its signature pungency.
Flavor Notes:
The Inhale: Surprisingly smooth and creamy. Notes of sweet berry and citrus.
The Exhale: The flavor turns heavy and oily, leaving a coating of musk, skunk spray, and damp earth on the palate.
Strain Effects: The "Heavy Gaze"
Shiva Skunk is famous for a specific type of high: "The Heavy Gaze." It is deeply contemplative.
The Head Rush: Unlike pure Indicas, Shiva Skunk starts with a burst of Skunk-derived mental energy. You may feel chatty or giggly for the first 20 minutes.
The Transition: The Northern Lights genetics suddenly take over. The mind remains active, but the body begins to feel incredibly heavy.
The Contemplation: Users often report getting stuck "zoning out." You might find yourself staring at a painting or listening to a song on repeat, lost in deep thought.
The Stone: Eventually, the cerebral activity fades, leaving you in a classic, red-eyed, happy stone.
Best For: Solo listening sessions, meditation, deep conversations with close friends, or unwinding after a high-stress week.
Medical Benefits
This strain is a favorite among patients who need strong physical relief but want to maintain a sense of mental "wonder."
Chronic Stress: It forces a perspective shift, allowing patients to detach from their daily worries.
Muscle Tension: Excellent for releasing tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Insomnia: While it has a mental kick at the start, the comedown is a reliable sleep aid.
Nausea: The pungent flavor and high resin content can help settle stomachs and stimulate appetite.
Growing Shiva Skunk: The Vigorous Hybrid
Shiva Skunk exhibits true "hybrid vigor" (heterosis). It grows faster and stronger than either of its parents.
Structure: It stays compact like Northern Lights but produces side branches like Skunk. It forms massive, spear-shaped colas that are incredibly dense.
Odor Control: Warning. This plant stinks. Unlike NL#5 (low odor), the Skunk genetics make this plant very pungent during flowering. Carbon filters are mandatory.
Resin: It is one of the best strains for hand-rubbed hash (Charas) or rosin pressing due to the sheer volume of trichomes.
Yield: It is a heavy yielder, often exceeding 500g/m² indoors.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Shiva Skunk stronger than Super Skunk?
A: Generally, yes. While Super Skunk is heavier on the body (more Afghani influence), Shiva Skunk is considered more psychoactive and resinous due to the Northern Lights #5 parentage.
Q: Why is it named after Shiva?
A: Lord Shiva is a principal deity in Hinduism, often depicted with a chillum (clay pipe). Cannabis (Bhang) is used in worship of Shiva to aid in meditation. The name reflects the strain's ability to induce deep, meditative states.
Q: How long does the high last?
A: It is a long-lasting strain. The effects can easily linger for 3 to 4 hours, tapering off into a long period of relaxation.
Final Verdict
Shiva Skunk is a bridge between the old world and the new. It takes the raw, landrace power of Northern Lights and gives it the commercial appeal and flavor of Skunk. It is a serious strain for serious smokers—a resinous, pungent beast that commands respect.
Score: 9.5/10 (The King of Skunks)