When cannabis pops into most people’s heads, it’s the skunk strains that take center stage. That bold, in-your-face stench might turn some noses away, but for weed enthusiasts, it’s pure gold. To the seasoned crowd, a funky, stinky bud often signals serious potency—and they’re probably not wrong. That unmistakable skunk punch comes from a unique blend of aromatic compounds in cannabis known as terpenes, which shape not just the scent and taste but also the vibe of the high. In iconic skunk-scented strains like the timeless Skunk #1, the heavy hitters are terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene. Still, you’ll stumble across twists that crank up the skunk factor even more or toss in a lemony zing or a cheesy edge, thanks to the hundreds of skunk variations flooding the market. If you’re on the hunt for the skunkiest of the skunky, you’re in luck—check out the list below for the top Skunk strains worth sampling.
Best skunk flavored weed strains
Best skunk flavored weed strains
When it comes to the diverse flavor of different cannabis strains, there’s nothing quite as classic as that dank skunky funk. Skunk strains have earned their legendary status for a reason — these pungent strains are part of an old-school genetic lineage that helped make weed what it is today.
While the distinct skunky aroma and flavor of certain cannabis strains was long believed to come from “skunky terpenes,” recent research reveals the sharp flavor and scent of skunk strains is most likely caused by a volatile organic compound (VOC) known as 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol (321MBT).
Despite how skunk flavored strains attain their distinct pungent aroma and taste, they remain one of the sought-out varieties for consumers who appreciate the varied tastes of cannabis. If you’re interested in savoring the flavor and famous effects of the best skunk flavored weed strains of today’s cannabis scene, keep reading to discover those known to deliver.
Top 10 best skunk strains
Whether you’re a fan of bright, sunny sativa strains, knock-out indica varieties, or prefer a hybrid that meets in the middle, you’ll find a skunky strain below to meet your unique needs and preferences.
Skunk 1
Originally created in the 1970s California underground cannabis scene by the legendary Sam the Skunkman and other growers under the name “Sacred Seed Collective” when breeding weed was just beginning, Skunk 1 is the renowned classic queen of all skunk strains. Considered the world’s first high-potency hybrid, this Acapulco Gold, Columbian Gold, and Afghani cross really gained its claim to fame when the Skunkman took it to Amsterdam after Sacred Seeds was raided 1982. Since then, Skunk 1 has gone on to gain worldwide recognition and has parented some of the highest-quality strains of cannabis history. When people think of skunk weed, this is the classic pungent flavor and aroma they’re referring to. It puts off a potent, musky scent that’s both sweet and sour with a tangy and acrid earthy twist that smells just like the animal it was named for — with a similar, skunky and sharp flavor with ripe spicy undertones. This slightly indica leaning hybrid delivers the uplifting euphoria and perfectly soothing body high you’d expect from a strain that put cannabis on the map.
Apes in Space
With its sparkly deep purple-hued buds and fun, funky flavor, there’s no question why Apes in Space is considered one of the best skunk flavored weed strains. Created from a Grease Monkey and Falcon-9 cross, this balanced hybrid with 23% THC produces a rich earthy skunk flavor blended with soft herb undertones. Its flavor is similar, only with a slightly more spicy herbal kick. Apes in Space delivers an intensely euphoric and creative head high and heavily soothing physical effects that soon make you sedated and sleepy. With its classic dank taste and potent effects, Apes in Space is one of the highest rated skunk strains you’ll find.
High Society
High Society is a highly potent balanced hybrid considered one of the best skunk flavored weed strains that delivers an uplifting, happy high when you need a bit of a mental boost. This powerhouse skunk strain packs a 25% THC punch and a sweet nutty flavor with rich coffee undertones and subtle notes of skunk. While not overly pungent, this Biscotti and Jet Fuel Gelato cross does contain hints of that classic skunky funk — and produces a super giggly and euphoric effect for a fun uplifting high that relaxes the body but doesn’t leave you couch-locked.
Incredible Bulk
For cannabis consumers that crave a psychedelic high, Incredible Bulk is the best of skunk flavored weed strains to deliver it. This indica hybrid with around 24% THC has a fruity tropical skunk flavor with distinct spicy herbal notes. A triple cross of Green Spirit, Super Skunk, and Big Bud, Incredible Bulk delivers a strong uplifting cerebral rush that quickly leads to a blissfully euphoric and focused, creative high. These initial effects end up becoming somewhat psychedelic, sending you on an introspective trip through the dimensions of your mind. When the mind-bending high of this sweet skunky strain starts to mellow out, you’ll find yourself utterly relaxed — comfortably sedated and locked to the couch.
Columbian Gold
Columbian Gold is an energizing sativa-dominant hybrid with a bright and zesty flavor that blends lemon and lime with a pungent skunk finish and powerfully pungent skunky aroma. This Columbian landrace is one of the parents of Skunk 1 — meaning its part of the iconic triple cross that directly contributed to the vast line of legendary skunk strains worldwide. It’s also one of the best skunk flavored weed strains for consumers looking for a new addition to their collection of wake-and-bake strains. Columbian Gold is daytime weed all day — delivering a sunny burst of uplifted euphoria that produces a clear-headed, focused high, boosting mood and making you feel happily motivated and on top of the world. With uplifting effects like these it's evident why medical patients swear by this strain for alleviating stress and depression.
Purple Urkle
Purple Urkle is a 1980s classic cannabis hybrid with indica leaning genetics and a pungent candy-like flavor that blends sweet fruity berries with dank skunk undertones and a subtly rich earthy finish. It’s said to be a Mendocino Purps phenotype, but there’s also speculation it could have originated from Grandaddy Purple. Either way, this sweet and skunky strain delivers a happy head high and a heavily relaxing physical buzz that will soon have you sleepy and drifting into a solid night’s sleep. It’s one of the best skunk flavored weed strains for evening use, especially when looking for something that helps with insomnia and other sleep issues.
LA Confidential
LA Confidential is a potent indica-dominant powerhouse with a ridiculously high 28% THC that’s cherished by experienced rec consumers and medical patients alike. Almost purely indica, this is the best of skunk flavored weed strains for indica fans who favor a super sedating experience. LA Confidential has a strong skunky pine and spicy herbal flavor and aroma — and is famous for delivering an almost narcotic-like sedative state that’s somewhat uplifting while producing a super relaxed, sleepy state. Its high potency and powerful effects make it popular in the medical community for sleep support, especially sleep disturbances triggered by pain, stress, or depression.
Lemon Tree
If you’re a fan of zesty lemon flavored cultivars and are looking for something with a funky skunk twist, Lemon Tree is a balanced hybrid you’ll want to keep in mind. This balanced hybrid packs a tasty lemony citrus and skunk flavor with a distinctly sharp diesel taste. Created from a Lemon Skunk and Sour Diesel cross, Lemon Tree delivers a refreshingly relaxed and uplifting, happy high that’s known to inspire a talkative social energy. While it does contain a relatively high 23% THC average, this skunky citrus strain isn’t so overpowering that you’ll feel hazy and too stoned to function. Instead, you’ll just enjoy a chill, blissfully relaxed vibe perfect for using any time of day.
THC Bomb
THC Bomb is a balanced hybrid created from unknown genetics that adds a mysterious allure to consumers interested in the best skunk flavored weed strains. Its flavor and aroma are pungently skunky with rich earthy notes and a bright lemon finish. While it might be one of the best skunk flavored weed strains, the THC Bomb high isn’t quite as captivating as its flavor — but with 21% THC it does deliver happy, euphoric effects that are balanced with a relaxing and somewhat sedating body high. Medical patients report it's a good strain for alleviating stress, depression, pain, and insomnia.
Lemon Skunk
Lemon Skunk is an award-winning sativa-dominant hybrid that took home gold in both the 2007 HighLife Cup and 2008 Spannabis Cannabis Champions Cup. Also known as Lemon Skunk OG, this strain created from two distinct Skunk varieties is directly connected to the skunk source — producing a sweet lemony citrus taste on the inhale with a pungent skunk flavor and aroma on the exhale. It contains a 22% THC average and delivers a heady euphoric high that inspires creativity and an uplifting and blissfully happy energy. You’ll feel relaxed and focused with slightly soothing physical effects that don’t slow you down. It’s one of the best skunk strains for daytime use with award-winning effects that make it well worth smoking on when you come across it.