Shiva Skunk
Also known as: NL#5 x Sk#1, Northern Lights #5 x Skunk #1
Breeder: Sensi Seeds (originally The Seed Bank)
Sensi Seeds' most potent Skunk variety and the first-ever High Times Cannabis Cup winner in the Mostly Indica category (1988). A true 'super-hybrid' combining the two most powerful cannabis strains available in the late 1980s, Shiva Skunk was named after the Hindu god Shiva — 'Lord of Bhang' — whose primary title, The Destroyer, is a fitting warning for novice consumers. The cross delivers exceptional hybrid vigor, outperforming both parents in yield and resin content. It remains a staple of the Sensi Seeds catalog nearly four decades later, available in regular, feminized, and autoflowering formats.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Northern Lights #5 x Skunk #1
Northern Lights #5 is one of the most revered indica phenotypes ever cultivated, descended from Afghani landrace genetics refined through early indoor breeding programs. Known for compact structure, rapid flowering, and extraordinarily dense resin production. Skunk #1 was created by Sacred Seeds (Dave Watson / 'Sam the Skunkman') from Afghani x Acapulco Gold x Colombian Gold, then brought from California to Holland in 1985. It became one of the first truly stabilized hybrid cannabis strains and introduced pungent aroma and vigorous growth to modern breeding.
Lineage Dispute
No dispute. Originally released in 1987 under the working title 'NL#5 x Sk#1' by The Seed Bank. Renamed 'Shiva Skunk' circa 1990 when Sensi Seed Club absorbed The Seed Bank's genetics.
Terpene Profile
Myrcene —
Caryophyllene —
Limonene —
Aroma: Intensely musky and dank with sweet-citrus undertones — classic Skunk pungency amplified by NL#5's resin. Aroma intensifies dramatically toward harvest. Notes of honey, berries, and sandalwood emerge in some phenotypes. Growers report the smell is potent enough to require carbon filtration.
Flavor: Thick, resinous smoke described as 'creamy' by experienced users and 'oily' or 'heavy' by novices. Sweet skunky foundation with citrus brightness, tropical wood undertones, and rich earthiness. Some report menthol smoothness on the exhale and subtle berry notes. Drying and curing shifts the profile toward more prominent citrus with reduced muskiness.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Begins with a cerebral euphoric uplift and mood elevation; some users notice a red-eyed, giggly phase early on.
Transitions into deep full-body relaxation with a contemplative, meditative quality. Effects range from adventurous and social to profoundly introspective depending on dose and phenotype. Strong appetite stimulation. Not a smoke to be taken lightly — Sensi Seeds warns 'Lord Shiva's primary title is The Destroyer.'
Duration: Long-lasting. SeedFinder reviewers rate strength and duration as 'strong and long lasting.' Tolerance builds slightly below average for indoor-grown material.
Commonly Reported Uses
Growing Characteristics
Grow Tips: High calyx-to-leaf ratio means minimal trimming — 'you can almost throw those scissors away' (Sensi Seeds). Responds very well to SOG and SCROG training. Hydroponics can boost yields over soil. Maintain good airflow late in flower as buds become extremely dense and compact. Oversized trichomes coat buds late in flowering courtesy of the NL#5 parent. Optimal pH 6.2–6.6 in soil, EC 1.2–1.8. Dense resin production makes this an excellent hash plant — traditionally prized for solventless extraction. Watch for the rare sativa-dominant phenotype which stretches more and flowers longer.
History & Origin
Released in 1987 by The Seed Bank (Amsterdam) under the working title 'NL#5 x Sk#1.' It had already been winning West Coast harvest festivals in the US before its Amsterdam debut. In 1988, it won the Mostly Indica category at the very first High Times Cannabis Cup — making it one of the original Cup champions. In 1990, the Sensi Seed Club absorbed The Seed Bank's genetics and renamed the strain 'Shiva Skunk' — replacing a cumbersome technical name with a mythical one. The name references the Hindu god Shiva, who legend says discovered cannabis's properties while meditating in a field of ganja. The strain helped define the 'Amsterdam gene pool' alongside Northern Lights #5, Skunk #1, and Haze — genetic building blocks for countless modern varieties.
Awards & Recognition
- ●1988 High Times Cannabis Cup — 1st Place, Mostly Indica (first Cup winner ever in this category)
- ●2016 Cannaval — 1st Place, Outdoor
- ●2016 BHO Copa de Asociaciones Canarias — 2nd Place
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Shiva Skunk as a parent:
Sources & References (10)
- https://sensiseeds.com/en/cannabis-seeds/sensi-seeds/shiva-skunk
- https://sensiseeds.com/en/feminized-seeds/sensi-seeds/shiva-skunk-feminised
- https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/shiva-skunk-story-shiva-skunk-feminized-grow-report/
- https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/which-cannabis-cups-awards-and-prizes-has-sensi-seeds-won-over-the-years/
- https://seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/Shiva-Skunk/Sensi-Seeds
- https://kindgreenbuds.com/marijuana-strains/shiva-skunk/
- https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/strains/shiva-skunk/
- https://theamsterdam.com/seeds/shiva-skunk/
- https://oaseeds.com/en/sensi-seeds-shiva-skunk.html
- https://mr-hanf.de/en/seed-shop/regular-seeds/shiva-skunk-reg
Want to Grow Shiva Skunk?
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