Road Kill Skunk: Myth Or Reality?

When you hear the words “Road Kill Skunk”, your mind might be drawn to a poor deceased animal lying by the roadside, but we're actually talking about the controversial cannabis strain of the same name. Known for its super intense aromas and flavours, Road Kill Skunk is so contentious that many doubt its actual existence. However, we're here to set the record straight and clue you into what this coveted cultivar is all about, once and for all!

The origins and evolution of Road Kill Skunk

Much like other strains, such as White Widow and Chemdawg, Road Kill Skunk has an origin story that's steeped in mystery; plenty of growers also claim it's their creation. Road Kill Skunk (or RKS) is a highly sought-after cannabis strain amongst enthusiasts, and is commonly thought to be derived from Skunk #1 (but more on this later). Road Kill Skunk hit the scene around the late 1970s and was hugely popular during the 1980s and 90s. However, tracking down a true RKS plant today is a hot topic disputed among many growers and cannabis lovers.

Strain or a phenotype?

Whether Road Kill Skunk is a distinct strain or simply a phenotype of an existing cultivar is of chief importance to the debate. There are several schools of thought regarding this subject, with most centring on RKS' relationship to Skunk #1. Skunk #1 is a hybrid of Afghan, Mexican, and Colombian landrace strains. Some enthusiasts argue that RKS is just a particularly pungent phenotype derived from Skunk #1, resulting from a natural genetic variation. However, others believe that it's its own distinct strain created by crossing Skunk #1 with additional Afghan genetics to amplify its characteristics. As you can imagine, this has led to some heated debates within the cannabis community.

The Afghan connection

The inclusion of an Afghan landrace isn't some random claim, as this particular variety is known for its unique and skunky aromas, thanks to high levels of sulphur-containing compounds known as thiols. Simply put, the robust aroma is a key characteristic of Afghan genetics, making them highly valued in cannabis breeding. In the quest to create (or recreate) the legendary Road Kill Skunk, breeders often turn to Afghan to enhance the skunky profile and overall resilience of the plant.

The evolution of Cheese

Cheese is a unique phenotype of Skunk #1 discovered in the UK in the late 1980s. Much like RKS, it's renowned for its distinct and pungent aroma, and more modern varieties, such as Big Buddha Cheese, have further enhanced this trait by incorporating additional Afghan genetics. While an acquired taste, Cheese is often seen as a rite of passage for budding cannabis enthusiasts, as the aroma and flavour are unlike any other strain.

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Cheese (Zamnesia Seeds) feminized

(135)

Parents: Skunk x Northern Lights

Genetics: 60% Indica / 40% Sativa

Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks

THC: 18%

CBD: 3%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Cultivation challenges of Road Kill Skunk

Like other cultivars, Road Kill Skunk isn't without its challenges when it comes to cultivation. The idea of maintaining genuine RKS genetics has led to some disputes within the cannabis community, with many believing all versions of Road Kill Skunk have been diluted over the generations.

Maintaining pure RKS

Maintaining the pure Road Kill Skunk phenotype is challenging due to the aforementioned genetic drift as well as the changing commercial preferences of consumers. As mentioned, RKS carries a pungent aroma that is very reminiscent of its namesake, so there's little wonder as to why these attributes have been tailored for a much broader appeal. However, dedicated breeders are working to preserve the classic RKS traits by backcrossing with older, more pungent strains and incorporating Afghan genetics to enhance its skunky profile. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to dilute this strain, as well as keep it alive and intact for future enthusiasts to enjoy.

Recommended strains for RKS traits

If strong, skunky aromas are your thing and you're looking to capture an experience similar to that of Road Kill Skunk, you're in luck. There are many strains you can check out that will get you close to the genuine RKS experience.

Arguably, your first port of call should be Skunk #1. As the parent strain of RKS, it's definitely worth exploring the heritage. This strain boasts classically dank aromas and euphoric effects.

Super Skunk should be the next strain on your list. It is formed from a pairing of Skunk #1 and Afghan genetics, making it very similar to RKS. Expect rich, skunky aromas and powerful relaxing effects.

Lastly, for those looking to sample something really pungent, it has to be Cheese. This renowned cultivar is famous for its strong cheese-like scent and balanced effects. If you mapped out the RKS cannabis family tree, Cheese would undoubtedly be a very close relative.

Community efforts and anecdotes

As a strain that dates back to the 1970s and beyond, Road Kill Skunk has certainly seen its fair share of fans. You don't have to look far to find forums full of enthusiasts of this particularly pungent cultivar. One thread on icmag.com, aptly titled “The Road Kill Skunk Fan Club”, features countless contributors talking about the glory days of RKS and what it means to them. However, it's not without its debates, as some even dispute the validity of the existence of the strain itself!

Personal stories

There are many personal anecdotes showing just how fond users were of RKS and how they've tried to track it down ever since. For many, it was a case of trying it only once, but they never forgot the unmistakable characteristics of the strain.

As one user (wannabeebreeder) on the icmag.com forum writes: "The craziest skunk smelling bud i have ever sampled, it had the most acrid skunk odor to it and smelt like burning rubber when you smoked it. I picked a fresh nug the size of a pop can or so. Which left a sticky residue on my fingers that was similar to sap or sticky glue. I will never forget the smell of that herb for the rest of my life”.

Breeding projects

Alongside anecdotes of those remembering the glory days of Road Kill Skunk, many are trying their hand at breeding their own versions in an attempt to get as close to the original as possible. Breeders, both amateur and professional, are investing years and substantial resources trying to source seeds from pre-1980 Skunk #1 and backcrossing them to stabilise the skunky traits, with varying success. You don't have to search very far online to see various breeding projects set on recapturing the magic of Road Kill Skunk.

Legacy and popularity

As you might be able to tell by this point, Road Kill Skunk has its own unique cannabis fan base. You'll definitely struggle to find many other strains that are as hotly disputed as RKS.

Nostalgia and cultural impact

Road Kill Skunk holds a special place in the hearts of cannabis enthusiasts. It evokes nostalgia for its heyday during the 1970–90s when its unmistakable pungent, skunky aroma and potent effects set it apart. For many enthusiasts, RKS symbolises the holy grail of a bygone era of cannabis. As modern breeding trends favour sweeter and more accessible cultivars, the ongoing search to recreate RKS highlights its place in cannabis history.

Reeking havoc: The hunt for RKS

Although a controversial topic amongst die-hard cannabis breeders, the hunt for Road Kill Skunk is still underway. The quest to recapture those pungent aromas and unique profile is unlikely to end. In fact, there are even some seed banks that claim to have recreated a 1:1 copy, but this is still disputed by those in the know. So, while Road Kill Skunk isn't a myth, the challenges of recreating it are substantial. Perhaps we need new invested parties? Maybe keeping the legacy of this legendary strain alive for future generations is in the hands of the person reading this article!

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

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