Skins Skunk in an indica-leaning hybrid developed by European breeding company Loud Seeds. It is descended from the resinous Afgooey and regional specialty Michigan Skunk. This bud blooms with a deep, hashy aroma and well-balanced mental and physical effects. Skins Skunk’s THC content has been measured at between 17% and 21%.

These striking buds are medium to large in size and are distinguished by solid, conical shapes. Their small, broad leaves coil tightly inward in a characteristically indica internal structure; these leaves themselves are a mottled patchwork of bright and dark green. The flowers are also twisted through with curly orange hairs (which are actually botanical reproductive structures called pistils). Finally, a high volume of cloudy, off-white trichomes ensures this strain’s potency -- as well as its stickiness.

A quick olfactory inspection of these impressive flowers may pick up on a fruity aroma with some distinct notes of strawberry. A closer whiff may pick up on some sweet citrus as well. Grinding up or breaking apart the solid buds, meanwhile, yields the rich, incense-like aroma often associated with grandparent landrace strain Afghani. When burnt in a pipe or a joint, Skins Skunk gives off a surprisingly smooth and fruity smoke that may leave behind some hashy flavors on the exhale.

Skins Skunk can be a true creeper, only unveiling its heady effects after 10 or 15 minutes post-ingestion. Eventually, smokers may feel a constricted, pulsing feeling around the cheekbones and temples. These strange sensations soon melt into a kind of hyper-awareness in which users may be more sensitive than usual to certain visual or auditory stimuli. This kind of plugged-in thinking is also characterized by a freely-associative affect, with thoughts jumping from one to the next in unexpected associations. Thanks to this cerebral mindset, users may be able to accomplish work on complicated tasks or problem-solving scenarios; they may also stumble across some inspiration for open-ended creative projects. In social situations, Skins Skunk’s tendency to turn up the volume on internal monologues can spill over into lively dialogue and friendly vibes.

After about an hour, Skins Skunk’s mental edge sinks into a more bodily-centered effect. Consumers who may have been standing or otherwise active may feel their eyelids and limbs begin to sag. At this point, demanding physical activity can be much more difficult, making smokers feel as if they’re wading through peanut butter. In more relaxed surroundings, the strain can facilitate deep, restorative breathing and banish any lingering muscular tension. In its later stages, Skins Skunk is better suited to mellow pursuits like binge-watching or snacking. Because of this progressive relaxation, the strain is recommended for late afternoon through nighttime consumption, when it can be fully savored.

Skins Skunk’s recreational versatility can translate into several benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its early thoughtful properties can aid focus for those with attention deficit disorders. Meanwhile, its upbeat mood can temporarily numb the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physical benefits include a relief from aches and pains, whether temporary and injury-related or chronic, as due to conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. At a high enough dosage, Skins Skunk may even be a potent sleep aid for insomniacs. Because its early sense of mindrace can be disorienting in the wrong set and setting, Skins Skunk should be consumed with some caution by patients who are prone to paranoia or panic.

Fortunately for intrepid gardeners, Loud Seeds has made seeds of Skins Skunk available for purchase online. Once obtained, they can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success calls for a semi-humid climate with consistent daytime sunlight. These indica-leaning plants tend to grow short and bushy with strong sideways branching patterns. Per Loud, Skins Skunk flowers within 7 to 9 weeks and can offer a yield of up to 37 to 46 (or 1.3 to 1.6 ounces) of bud per square foot of plant.

A solid all-purpose smoke, Skins Skunk is sure to appeal to indica and sativa lovers alike. It’s a great way to wind down at the end of the day with some likeminded friends.