it is actually not difficult to tell the difference between marijuana and skunk excretion. the similarity is only at the top of the smell. marijuana only exists at this top level of the scent, whereas skunk plunges much deeper into a multifaceted odour.

so, i'm tempted to conclude that somebody in the neighbourhood really needs to take a walk, late at night. but, the aroma consistently delves too deep for the cause to actually be marijuana. 

instead, i'm left to conclude that there is somewhat of a struggle going on between cats and skunks, out there.