Sam the Skunkman: A Cannabis Legend Has Died

In the 1980s, collaboration between Dutch and American cannabis pioneers led to the emergence of modern cannabis and breeding. Watson aka Sam the Skunkman was among the central figures in that exchange. Traces of the era’s genetics can still be found in today’s strains. 

Sam the Skunkman arrived in the Netherlands in 1985, carrying thousands of cannabis seeds from the Sacred Seed Club, a group from Santa Cruz, California, which united together the very best American breeders. Once in the Netherlands, Sam worked with cannabis pioneers such as Wernard Bruining, the founder of Amsterdam’s first coffeeshop, Mellow Yellow, and Soft Secrets magazine. 

He is credited for bringing the “Haze” variety to Amsterdam, while his moniker “Sam the Skunkman” was coined thanks to the “skunk” strain which he is thought to have created. 

In Amsterdam, Watson also collaborated with other iconic growers such as Nevil Schoenmakers and Ben Dronkers. As he and his spouse became permanent Dutch residents, Sam went on to co-found the Hortilab Seed Bank and launch the infamous Legends of Hashish dinner party/competition together with lifelong friend Robert Connel Clarke. Legends of Hahish took place each November during the Cannabis Cup. 

While many consider him to be one of the best cannabis breeders of all times, others dispute Sam’s legacy, claiming that he did not create all of the legendary strains attributed to his name. He is also suspected of collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), following a raid in the Santa Cruz club. 

Sam the Skunkman Praised for Legendary Skunk #1 and Amnesia Strains

Skunk #1 is a legendary strain that truly galvanized the world of cannabis in the 1980s. The strain is a cross between Afghan, Colombian and Mexican varieties. Skunk #1 stands out for its extra potency and distinctive terpenes. Because of the strain’s strength, Skunk became synonymous with high THC weed in media coverage during the late 80s and 90s. During the same period, Skunk also referred to Dutch weed in general. The strain has seen immense success and is still sold by the Sensi Seeds seed bank. 

In addition, Sam has been credited for another extremely popular strain - Amnesia Haze, or sometimes simply called Amnesia. However, there are at least three different competing stories about the creation of Amnesia Haze. 

Suspected Collaboration with DEA and Life in the Netherlands

David Watson supposedly collaborated with the DEA, the US anti-drug agency. On March 20, 1985, a raid took place at the Sacred Seed Club in Santa Cruz. According to witnesses, Sam the Skunkman was among those arrested. He was released a few days later and flown to Amsterdam. He is believed to have turned in colleagues in exchange for his freedom. 

In the early 1990s, Watson founded the Hortapharm company. At the time, it was the only medical cannabis company approved by the Dutch Ministry of Health. Hortapharm collaborated with GW Pharmaceuticals, which produces the drug Sativex (used for MS symptoms treatment). 

Months before his death, Dutch cartoonist Mossy Giant paid tribute to him in his large-scale fresco on the history of cannabis in the Netherlands. At his request, Sam the Skunkman was represented by a drawing of a skunk. 

As he passed away, numerous industry personalities paid tributes to Sam on social media. 

RIP Sam the Skunkman…