The Skunkman's Timeline
1970s – Santa Cruz Beginnings
David Watson arrives in Santa Cruz, California. Joins the Haze Brothers and Sacred Seeds Collective. Begins crossing landraces: Afghani indica with Acapulco Gold and Colombian Gold sativas, creating early hybrids.
1974 – Skunk #1 Emerges
The prototype Skunk #1 appears – a stable hybrid named for its pungent aroma. Wins early harvest festivals in California. Becomes the backbone for indoor breeding.
1982 – Sam the Skunkman
Adopts the alias "Sam the Skunkman." Founds Sacred Seeds, the first commercial seed bank. Stabilizes Haze and Amnesia lines amid California's underground scene.
1985 – Amsterdam Revolution
Arrested in California, Watson flees to Amsterdam with 250,000 seeds (Skunk #1, Original Haze, Afghani #1). Meets Wernard Bruining and Ed Rosenthal. Supplies Dutch coffeeshops, birthing the modern seed industry. 250K Seeds Smuggled
1988 – Cannabis Cup Glory
Skunk #1 wins the inaugural High Times Cannabis Cup. Watson collaborates with Sensi Seeds and Cultivator's Choice, spreading genetics globally. Co-founds International Hemp Association.
1990s – HortaPharm & Research
Found HortaPharm B.V., the first private cannabinoid research firm. Works with Robert C. Clarke on "Hemp Diseases and Pests." Isolates high-THC and CBD lines, influencing pharma breeding.
2025 – Eternal Legacy
David Watson passes at 76. His ashes scattered in growers' soil worldwide. Skunk #1 remains the backbone of 80%+ modern strains – from Cheese to Super Skunk.