top of page

RIP Sam The Skunk Man

Writer's picture: Bobby BlackBobby Black

Legendary cannabis breeder David Watson, aka "Skunkman Sam," has died.


John Sinclair
Legendary breeder David Watson, aka Skunkman Sam (photo by Todd McCormick)

We at World of Cannabis are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of the cannabis world’s greatest icons, David Watson - better known as Sam the Skunk Man. Sam passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 (the same day that medical marijuana activist Dennis Peron died seven years earlier) at the age of 76. 


Skunkman was, by many accounts, the most influential cannabis breeder in history. Starting in Santa Cruz County in the early 1970s, Sam was the founder of America’s first commercial seed banks (Sacred Seeds and Cultivators Choice) and is the creator of several classic cultivars, including — as his nickname suggests — the legendary Skunk #1, whose genetic fingerprints can be found on most of the popular varieties enjoyed today.


After traveling to Amsterdam in the mid-1980s to trade genetics with legendary growers Nevil Schoenmachers, Wernard Bruining, Ben Dronkers, and others, he and his wife/partner Diana relocated there permanently. From there, Sam went on to co-found the Hortilab Seed Bank and the infamous Legends of Hashish dinner party/competition (held each November during the Cannabis Cup) with his lifelong friend, botanist Robert Connell Clarke.


Despite his revered status in the cannabis community, Sam eschewed all accolades and recognition — preferring to live in the shadows as an ex-pat in Amsterdam and allowing very few photos of himself to be made public. (Thanks to our friend Todd McCormick for allowing us to use his photo). His passing hits especially hard, as he was a close friend of our founder and curator, Jair Velleman.


WOC founder/curator Jair Velleman with Skunkman Sam
WOC founder/curator Jair Velleman with Skunkman Sam

There is much more to Sam’s story, and we will be telling that story — and paying tribute to Sam — in an upcoming edition of Cannthropology … but for the moment, we all need some time to process this incredible loss.


Rest easy, Skunk Man, with the knowledge that your legendary legacy lives on ….

43 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


FB--cover-photo---851x315px---WORLD-OF-C
  • White Facebook Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
  • White YouTube Icon
  • Twitter

® 2020 World of Cannabis and Cannthropology are registered trademarks of Velleman Beheer B.V. All rights reserved.

neon_museum_word_tight.png
neon_woc_words_punched.png
bottom of page