Purple Skunk: The Energetic Anomaly
Purple Skunk: The Energetic Anomaly
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (85% Sativa / 15% Indica)
Breeder: Sensi Seeds (Original Dutch source) / Classic Clone-Only variations
Lineage: Skunk #1 x Old World Purple (Likely Dutch or Afghani Purple)
Market Status: The "Active Purple"; Purple Skunk is a strain that breaks the rules. In a market where "Purple" almost always equals "Sleepy" (think Granddaddy Purple or Purple Urkle), Purple Skunk stands apart as a high-energy, Sativa-dominant powerhouse. Originating in the Netherlands and popularized in Oregon and British Columbia, it is one of the parents of the legendary God Bud. It is revered for its stunning violet coloration and its ability to provide a racy, cerebral high that contradicts its dark appearance.
THC Content: Moderate to High (18% – 22%)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene, Skatole
Key Effects: Racy Euphoria, Social Energy, Visual Clarity, "Giggling" Fits
Purple Skunk is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
It looks like a heavy, narcotic Indica—dark, dense, and purple—but it hits like a shot of espresso. It offers the classic, nose-wrinkling funk of a Skunk #1 mixed with a subtle berry sweetness. It is the perfect strain for smokers who love the "bag appeal" of purple weed but hate being glued to the couch.
History and Lineage: The Dutch Experiment
This strain is a relic from the time when Dutch breeders were trying to add color to their high-yielding Skunk lines.
The Mother (Skunk #1): The engine. The most influential hybrid in history. It provides the tall, vigorous growth structure, the high yield, and the overwhelming cerebral energy. It dictates the effect of the strain.
The Father (Old World Purple): The paint. The exact purple strain used is often debated, but it was likely a hardy Dutch outdoor variety selected purely for its anthocyanin production (purple color) and berry flavor. It dictates the look of the strain.
The Synthesis: Purple Skunk is a Sativa that wears an Indica's coat. It retains the aggressive energy of the Skunk #1, proving that color does not always correlate with sedation.
Terpene Profile: Skunk Spray and Sandalwood
The aroma of Purple Skunk is undeniably "Old School." It is savory, pungent, and earthy.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Musk): The dominant terpene. It provides the heavy earthy, herbal base.
Pinene (The Sharpness): A major player in this strain. It adds a fresh pine and turpentine note that contributes to the alertness and mental clarity of the high.
Skatole (The Funk): Like its parent, Purple Skunk is rich in volatile sulfur compounds. It has a distinct skunk spray/burnt rubber aroma that lingers.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is loud. It smells of damp forest soil, skunk spray, and faint dark berries.
The Smoke: Expansive and vintage. It tastes of earthy sandalwood and pine on the inhale, with a sour, funky berry finish on the exhale.
Strain Effects: The Sativa Surprise
If you smoke Purple Skunk right before bed expecting to sleep, you will be disappointed. This is morning weed.
The Experience
The Rush: The high hits almost immediately with a soaring cerebral buzz. It is racy and stimulating, similar to a Haze.
The Chatter: It is a phenomenal social lubricant. It makes users talkative, giggly, and open. It is the opposite of introspective.
The Clarity: Unlike the mental fog of God Bud, Purple Skunk offers sharpened senses. Music sounds better, and colors look brighter.
The Body: There is very little physical heaviness. The body feels light and capable of movement, making it great for dancing or hiking.
Best For: Morning wake-and-bake, parties, concerts, outdoor activities, and depression.
Growing Purple Skunk: The Stinky Giant
This strain displays its Sativa dominance in the grow room. It wants to get big.
Growth Structure
The Height: Tall. Despite the purple color, this plant stretches like a Skunk. It produces long internodes and requires height management (topping).
The Smell: Extreme. This is a "Grade A" stinker. It begins smelling in the vegetative stage. Do not grow this without filtration.
The Colors: Vivid. This is one of the easier strains to turn purple. With just a slight drop in night temperatures during late flower, the buds and leaves will turn deep lavender and violet.
The Yield: High. It produces long, running colas rather than tight golf balls.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 8 to 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: This strain is prone to mold if grown outdoors in wet climates, due to the dense floral clusters. Indoors, ensure you have high airflow. It is a heavy feeder that can take high levels of Nitrogen in veg to support its rapid growth.
Final Verdict: The Energetic Anomaly
Purple Skunk is a unique piece of cannabis history. It challenges the stereotype that "Purple means Indica." It offers the stunning visual appeal of a dark purple exotic, but the energetic, happy high of a classic green Sativa. If you want a strain that looks beautiful in the jar but keeps you awake for the party, this is the Skunk for you.
You should choose Purple Skunk if:
You love "Old School" Skunk funk.
You want a High-Energy Sativa.
You want Purple buds without the sleepiness.
You are a Social Smoker.
Score: 9.1/10 (The Active Purple)