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. Shiva Skunk occupies a unique position in cannabis history as the winner of the very first High Times Cannabis Cup indica category in 1988, entered under its original working name "Northern Lights #5 x Skunk #1." The strain was brought to market in 1987 by The Seed Bank (later reorganized as The Sensi Seed Bank, then Sensi Seeds), and the genetics were drawn from two pillars of the "Amsterdam gene pool" — the collection of elite cultivars that arrived in the Netherlands from the American West Coast during the 1980s and served as genetic building blocks for countless modern varieties. Sensi Seeds later renamed the strain to Shiva Skunk, choosing the name both for its extraordinary potency and because Shiva is the Hindu deity most associated with cannabis. The strain has continued winning awards decades later, including 1st Place Outdoor at the 2016 CANNAVAL and 2nd Place at the BHO Copa de Asociaciones Canarias. THC content typically ranges from 17-24% depending on phenotype and growing conditions. Two phenotypes exist — the common indica-dominant expression and a rare sativa-leaning variant — though the overwhelming majority of seeds produce the compact, fast-flowering indica type.
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
Grower's Notes
Shiva Skunk is Sensi Seeds' most potent entry in their Skunk lineup, an 85% indica / 15% sativa hybrid that combines the dense resin production of Northern Lights #5 with the vigorous growth and pungent aromatic character of Skunk #1. Originally released in 1987 under the technical name "Northern Lights #5 x Skunk #1," the strain won first place in the mostly indica category at the very first High Times Cannabis Cup in 1988 before being renamed to honor the Hindu deity Shiva — a figure traditionally associated with cannabis.
Growth Structure and Training
In cultivation, Shiva Skunk is one of the most reliable and beginner-friendly photoperiod strains available. The plants develop a compact, heavily branched structure that stays tight at 110-120 cm indoors, with thick stems and strong lateral branches capable of supporting the heavy, dense bud clusters that form during flower. The indica heritage keeps vertical growth manageable, making it well-suited for indoor tents, small rooms, and greenhouse environments.
Flowering Time and Harvest
Flowering is fast — 45-55 days for the dominant indica phenotype, though the rare sativa-leaning phenotype can take considerably longer. Most growers can plan on roughly 7-8 weeks from flip to harvest. A short 3-week vegetative period after germination is sufficient before switching to 12/12. Indoor yields are excellent at 400-450 g/m2, while outdoor plants in optimal conditions can produce 600-850 g/m2 — figures that outperform both parent strains. Outdoor harvest in the Northern Hemisphere falls in mid-September to early October, with greenhouse crops finishing by late October under natural light.
Growth Structure and Training
The strain exhibits impressive hybrid vigor during vegetative growth, quickly establishing a robust framework for flower production. Once buds begin forming, development is rapid and the resin production becomes extraordinary — in late bloom, flowers swell dramatically and become coated in a thick layer of oversized trichomes that are a signature trait inherited from Northern Lights #5. The calyx-to-leaf ratio is high, which translates to easy trimming at harvest.
Environment and Climate
Environmental requirements are straightforward. Temperature should range from 18-28°C, with humidity maintained at 40-60% depending on growth stage. Soil pH of 6.2-6.6 works well, with EC of 1.2-1.8 mS/cm for nutrient solution. The strain responds well to organic bloom nutrients and standard cannabis feeding schedules — nothing exotic is required. Good airflow is important during late flower as the dense bud structure can trap moisture, but Shiva Skunk is generally considered resistant to common pests and diseases, adding to its appeal for less experienced growers.
Growth Structure and Training
Training techniques significantly improve yields. SCROG and SOG setups produce excellent results, and the strain responds well to super cropping and lollipopping. The naturally compact growth means less canopy management than stretchier hybrids, but selective defoliation improves light penetration and airflow to lower bud sites.
Bud Structure and Trichomes
The terpene profile is dominated by myrcene with supporting caryophyllene and limonene, producing a sweet, musky aroma with prominent citrus notes that intensify approaching harvest. The smoke is thick, creamy, and almost oily, with notes of tropical wood, rich earthiness, and lingering citrus. The effect is a powerful indica body stone — expect intense physical relaxation with a contemplative, slightly giggly character. Evening use is recommended.
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:
Frequently Asked Questions
7 common questions about Shiva Skunk
What is Shiva Skunk and what are its genetics?
Shiva Skunk is a indica cannabis strain (85/15 Indica-dominant) bred by Sensi Seeds (originally The Seed Bank). It is a cross of Northern Lights #5 x Skunk #1, testing at 15–24% THC. 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.
What does Shiva Skunk smell and taste like?
Shiva Skunk's dominant terpenes are Myrcene. The aroma is described as 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.. The flavor profile features 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..
What are the effects of Shiva Skunk?
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. Duration is typically 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 include Pain relief, Stress reduction, Insomnia, Appetite stimulation.
How hard is Shiva Skunk to grow?
Shiva Skunk is rated easy difficulty. It flowers in 7-8 weeks, reaches medium (110-120 cm) in height, and yields 400-450 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor, greenhouse, outdoor environments.
What are the parent strains of Shiva Skunk?
Shiva Skunk is a cross of Northern Lights #5 and 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.
What strains were bred from Shiva Skunk?
Shiva Skunk has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Blue Shiva, Blue Skunk, Green Giant, Morning Glory, Purple Skunk Automatic. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Shiva Skunk won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Shiva Skunk has received recognition including 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.
Sources & References (17)
- 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
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- https://www.zativo.com/sensi-seeds/shiva-skunk
- https://www.leafly.com/strains/shiva-skunk
- https://seedfinder.eu/index.php/en/strain-info/shiva-skunk/sensi-seeds
- https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/shiva-skunk
- https://www.growdiaries.com/strain/shiva-skunk
- https://www.cannapedia.ai/strain/shiva-skunk/
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