Durban Poison
SativaSouth African landrace sativa · Bred by Ed Rosenthal (brought to US), refined by various
THC
15–20%
CBD
0.1–0.2%
Type
Sativa
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering
8–9 wks
Height
Tall (5+ ft)
Effects
Durban Poison is a sativa cannabis strain with THC levels of 15–20% and CBD levels of 0.1–0.2%. Its primary effects include energetic, uplifted, creative, as well as focused and happy. The dominant terpenes are Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene, which contribute to its sweet and earthy flavor profile.
Flavors & Terpenes
Flavors
Terpenes
Medical Uses
About Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a pure sativa landrace strain originating from the port city of Durban in South Africa, making it one of the few widely available strains with purely African genetics and no hybridization. Brought to the United States in the 1970s by cannabis activist and author Ed Rosenthal, Durban Poison was later refined and stabilized by Amsterdam breeders while maintaining its pure sativa character. The strain is a genetic parent of Girl Scout Cookies and, by extension, the entire Cookies family of modern hybrids. The aroma is distinctive and complex — sweet earthiness with sharp anise (licorice) notes, pine, and subtle citrus create a unique fragrance among sativas. The flavor follows with sweet, spicy, and earthy notes. Effects are quintessentially sativa: clean, energetic, and uplifting with a stimulating creativity and focus that makes it ideal for daytime use and productivity. THC levels range from 15-20%, moderate but delivered with a clarity and purpose that many higher-THC strains cannot match. Medicinally, Durban Poison is highly valued for depression, fatigue, and ADHD symptoms. Growing Durban Poison is surprisingly easy for a sativa — the African genetics contribute natural vigor, pest resistance, and relatively short flowering time for a pure sativa.
Growing Guide
Indoor Yield
350-450g/m²
Outdoor Yield
450-600g/plant
Cultivation Tips
- •One of the easiest pure sativas to grow — natural vigor and pest resistance
- •Relatively short flowering time for a sativa — 8-9 weeks is unusually fast
- •Tall plants benefit from topping but thrive even without extensive training
- •Produces copious resin — excellent for hash and concentrate production
- •Outdoor grows in warm climates produce the most authentic expression
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Awards
Related Strains
Durban Poison FAQ
What are the effects of Durban Poison?
Durban Poison is known for producing energetic, uplifted, creative effects. As a sativa strain with THC levels of 15–20%, it delivers energizing, cerebral effects. Users also report feeling focused and happy. The dominant terpenes — Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene — contribute to its sweet and earthy flavor profile.
Is Durban Poison good for beginners to grow?
Durban Poison has a easy grow difficulty rating. This makes it an excellent choice for beginner growers. It flowers in 8–9 weeks, reaches a tall height, and yields approximately 350-450g/m² indoors or 450-600g/plant outdoors.
What does Durban Poison taste and smell like?
Durban Poison features a distinctive flavor profile with notes of sweet, earthy, pine, anise, citrus. These flavors come from its terpene profile, which includes Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene. The genetics (South African landrace sativa) contribute to this unique combination of aromas and tastes.
What medical conditions can Durban Poison help with?
Durban Poison is commonly used by medical cannabis patients for depression, fatigue, stress, pain, adhd. With a THC range of 15–20% and CBD range of 0.1–0.2%, it provides mood-boosting and focus-enhancing benefits. Always consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.
What is the THC content of Durban Poison?
Durban Poison typically contains 15–20% THC and 0.1–0.2% CBD. Actual potency varies depending on growing conditions, phenotype, and harvest timing. This is a moderately potent strain suitable for regular consumers.
How hard is it to grow Durban Poison?
Durban Poison is rated as easy to grow. This strain is forgiving of common beginner mistakes such as overwatering and inconsistent lighting, making it an excellent choice for first-time growers. Durban Poison flowers in 8–9 weeks and reaches a tall height (Tall (5+ ft)). Expected yields are approximately 350-450g/m² indoors and 450-600g/plant outdoors. Key cultivation tips include: One of the easiest pure sativas to grow — natural vigor and pest resistance; Relatively short flowering time for a sativa — 8-9 weeks is unusually fast.
What strains are similar to Durban Poison?
Strains similar to Durban Poison include Girl Scout Cookies, Jack Herer, Maui Wowie, Trainwreck. These strains share similar genetics, effects, or terpene profiles. Durban Poison is a sativa strain bred from South African landrace sativa, so strains that share parent genetics or similar terpene profiles (Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene) will likely produce comparable effects. Use Cannabismarketcap's strain comparison tool to compare Durban Poison side-by-side with any other strain on effects, THC content, flavors, and growing characteristics.
Where can I find Durban Poison seeds or flower?
Durban Poison was originally bred by Ed Rosenthal (brought to US), refined by various and comes from South African landrace sativa genetics. Seeds and clones may be available from licensed seed banks and dispensaries in states and countries where cannabis is legal. Availability varies by region and season — popular strains like Durban Poison are typically stocked by major seed banks. Always purchase from licensed, reputable sources to ensure genetic authenticity. In the United States, seed availability depends on your state's cannabis laws; check Cannabismarketcap's state guides for your local regulations on home cultivation and seed purchases.
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Disclaimer: Strain information is provided for educational purposes only. THC/CBD percentages are approximate ranges and vary by phenotype, growing conditions, and lab testing methodology. Effects are subjective and may differ from person to person. Medical information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always comply with your local laws regarding cannabis possession and cultivation.