The Sunday Mail
Skunk is the generic name often used by the media and police to describe a potent form of the cannabis plant. In fact, skunk is only one of 100 or so varieties of cannabis plant which have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is regarded as cannabis’ main active ingredient. “Traditional” herbal cannabis ranges from between 2 and 4 percent THC content. The more potent varieties average between 10 and 14 percent with the trend being towards even higher levels of THC.
The original skunk was a cross between Indica and Sativa cannabis stock, with the fast-growing Indica as the main ingredient.
It was generally believed among regular users and growers that Sativa produced a “high” (sharpened and heightened perception) while Indica produced a “stoned” effect (just about the opposite).
The original hybrids, including skunk itself, are believed to have originated in the USA.
The name skunk itself points to a US connection (being so-called because of the pungent odour it emits while growing).
They have since been refined and cross-bred into a range of different varieties by Dutch growers.
Skunk and the other varieties are now being grown in significant quantities in the Netherlands and Britain.
British growers now boast that they are ahead of the Dutch in techniques and quality.
They also claim that seed being produced in Britain makes the British market self-sufficient.
Cannabis resin has been adulterated for years with everything from
boot polish to ketamine. But skunk buds are easy to identify and difficult to fake.
The herbal dust which is often passed off as skunk can be adulterated by other herbal matter but most regular users can tell the difference by smell and sight.
The main effects are the same as any cannabis although clearly they may be magnified depending on the amount consumed and the individual.
Explaining the effects of cannabis is notoriously difficult as they
vary so dramatically from one person to another, and are often dependent on mood, company, music, place,
the interaction of other substances
both legal and illegal and variable doses.
But skunk’s strength and speed often catches out users. Many report that the “stoned” effect can come on rapidly and be disabling.
The results can be quite dramatic, including anxiety attacks and projectile vomiting.
Some of the more common effects include elation, profound relaxation, alteration of time and perception, transient hallucinations, rarely in the same league as LSD, uncontrollable laughing, increased sociability and talkativeness, nervousness, anxiety and mild paranoia, the “munchies” — a strong desire to eat and continue eating. — drugwise.org.uk
