Island Sweet Skunk | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects
Also known as: ISS, Sweet Island Skunk
Skunk #1 × Sweet Skunk
Island Sweet Skunk is a sativa strain (Skunk #1 × Sweet Skunk) with THC levels of 16-22%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for energetic and uplifted. Best used during the morning.
THC
16-22%
CBD
0.1-0.3%
Best Time
Primary Effects
Flavor Notes
Grapefruit, Tropical, Sweet, Skunky
Aroma
Sweet grapefruit with tropical notes and underlying skunkiness
Research Sources
24 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
December 2025
What is Island Sweet Skunk?
Island Sweet Skunk is a sativa strain (Skunk #1 × Sweet Skunk) with THC levels of 16-22%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for energetic and uplifted. Best used during the morning.
About Island Sweet Skunk Strain
Island Sweet Skunk is a Canadian sativa that combines Skunk #1 with Sweet Skunk genetics. Known for its tropical, grapefruit flavor and energizing effects, it's become a favorite for daytime use. Originally from Vancouver Island, it delivers clear-headed creativity without anxiety.
Related Reading
Terpene Profile
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
Therapeutic Profile Matches
Based on Island Sweet Skunk's terpene and cannabinoid profile, it may be well-suited for these therapeutic applications:
migraines
- High myrcene content supports migraines & headaches
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
- Best used morning, aligning with condition needs
nausea
- High limonene content supports nausea & appetite loss
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
- Best used morning, aligning with condition needs
Match scores are theoretical
These scores are based on terpene/cannabinoid research and do not guarantee specific effects. Individual responses vary significantly. Always consult a healthcare provider.
- 1
Surendran S, et al. Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021
Comprehensive review: β-myrcene may potentiate the anti-nociceptive properties of cannabinoids.
- 2
Johnson MB, et al. The Effects of β-myrcene on Simulated Driving and Divided Attention: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study Cannabis. 2023
Found myrcene alone did not significantly impair simulated driving performance.
- 3
do Vale TG, et al. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown Phytomedicine. 2002
Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects of myrcene in mice.
- 4
Lorenzetti BB, et al. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991
Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.
- 5
Liktor-Busa E, et al. Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa Pharmacological Reviews. 2021
Comprehensive review of cannabis terpene analgesic effects including myrcene.
- 6
Tagen M, et al. Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2024
Johns Hopkins study showing limonene specifically reduces THC-induced anxiety in humans.
- 7
Vieira AJ, et al. Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease Chemico-Biological Interactions. 2018
Comprehensive review of limonene's anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
- 8
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008
Lemon scent exposure improved mood and reduced norepinephrine.
- 9
Sun J. D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications Alternative Medicine Review. 2007
D-limonene showed gastroprotective effects and clinical safety.
- 10
Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish Journal of the American Chemical Society. 1964. doi:10.1021/ja01062a046
Landmark paper first identifying and synthesizing THC.
- 11
Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA. 2015
Comprehensive review finding moderate evidence for chronic pain.
- 12
Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Efficacy of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Pain Physician. 2017
Systematic review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.
- 13
Lutge EE, et al. The medical use of cannabis for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV/AIDS Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013
Systematic review of cannabis for HIV/AIDS symptoms including appetite.
- 14
Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015
High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.
- 15
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 16
Novotna A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols (Sativex), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011
Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.
- 17
Silvestro S, et al. Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Molecules. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications and molecular targets.
- 18
Thiele EA, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial Lancet. 2018
Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.
- 19
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial Lancet Neurology. 2016
Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.
- 20
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series Permanente Journal. 2019
79.2% of patients reported reduced anxiety within first month.
- 21
Bergamaschi MM, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 22
Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 23
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in this anxiety and sleep study.
- 24
Urits I, et al. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD for chronic pain management.
Research Verification
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Island Sweet Skunk originate?
Island Sweet Skunk was developed on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It was created by Federation Seeds and became popular throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Is Island Sweet Skunk good for anxiety?
ISS can be good for anxiety in moderate doses due to its clear-headed effects. However, being a sativa, those sensitive to stimulating strains should start low.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Sativa
- Genetics
- Skunk #1 × Sweet Skunk
- Breeder
- Federation Seeds
- Best Time of Use
- Morning
- Availability
- moderate
- Grow Difficulty
- moderate
Dominant Terpene
Myrcene
Earthy, musky, clove-like
Want to try Island Sweet Skunk? Get your medical marijuana card today.
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Educational Information
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Strain Variability
Profiles vary between batches, growers, and growing conditions. Always check lab test results for the specific product you're purchasing.
Beyond Indica/Sativa
Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification. Focus on the chemistry, not the label.
Understanding Therapeutic Profiles
Learn how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create each strain's unique effects and therapeutic potential through the entourage effect.
Learn About Therapeutic Profiles