Sweet Island Skunk
Sweet Island Skunk
Also known as: Island Sweet Skunk, ISS
Overview
Sweet Island Skunk emerged from Vancouver Island, British Columbia in the early 1990s, developed by Federation Seed Company as an expert cross between Sweet Pink Grapefruit and Skunk #1. This sativa-dominant hybrid (75-80% sativa) gained significant cultural significance through multiple BC Harvest Cup wins in 2002 and 2003, and earned a spot in High Times' top 10 Canadian Strains of All Time in 2013. This heady strain is a Canadian original that has been grown for decades on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
The strain exhibits distinctive visual characteristics with buds that are green with bright yellow and orange hairs, displaying vibrant shades of green with hints of orange pistils woven throughout and dense, rounded flowers coated with a generous layer of resinous trichomes. What really makes this strain stand out is its thick blanket of frosty trichomes covering the medium to large-sized buds, creating an almost crystalline appearance that catches the light. This hybrid is known for her incredibly pungent scents that can make her quite obvious, so it's best to store these flowers in an airtight jar. The strain's aromatic profile combines sweet tropical fruits intermingled with its signature skunky essence, with taste experiences that evolve as hints of grapefruit and diesel emerge.
Effects
Reported Medical Uses
- Users report relief from depression and anxiety
- May help with chronic pain and arthritis
- Often used for stress management
- Users report benefits for fatigue and low energy
- May assist with nausea and appetite loss
- Often chosen for PTSD symptom management
- Users report help with fibromyalgia pain
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Possible Negative Effects
Growing Information
Flowering time ranges from 8-10 weeks indoors (approximately 60-70 days), with outdoor harvest typically occurring in mid-October. Indoor yields can reach up to 550 grams per square meter, while outdoor cultivation in optimal conditions can produce upwards of 1,000 grams per plant (approximately 39 ounces per plant). The strain grows tall and may require extra support during flowering, performing well indoors but often better suited for outdoor or greenhouse cultivation due to its height and space requirements. In Southern California or Spanish coastal climates, plants can get huge and yield many pounds per plant. Island Sweet Skunk is easier to grow than many other sativa-heavy strains and is suitable for beginners due to its resilience and adaptability to various growing conditions. Perfect for sea of green (SOG) growers, though it prefers to grow as a single cola indoors but will branch considerably if topped.