Durban Poison, sometimes referred to as just Durban, is an internationally acclaimed African landrace strain that has influenced the creation of many modern day cultivars. This strain gets its name from the port city of Durban in South Africa, where it naturally originated. This pure sativa cultivar is known worldwide for its invigorating experience, distinct aroma, and remarkable resilience during growth. 

As one of the only pure Sativas available on the market, this cultivar is sometimes nicknamed the "coffee" or "espresso" of cannabis, referencing its uniquely energetic effects. Winning numerous awards, Durban Poison's energizing properties and uplifting experience have made it a well-respected staple in the cannabis community. In this article, we delve into the origins, effects, and cultural significance of Durban Poison, exploring what makes this strain so legendary.

Origins and Genetics

The Durban Poison marijuana strain is one of the most popular and highly coveted landrace cannabis strains in the world. Typically, Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain, meaning its makeup is 100% sativa with no Indica genetics. As a landrace, Durban Poison has only a single parent strain and can be found growing naturally in the area surrounding the South African port city of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province. 

Durban Poison has remained practically unchanged for centuries and has spread from South Africa to various continents across the world. This strain originated in Africa and was first imported to the United States of America in the late 1970s by one of America's most respected international strain hunters, Ed Rosenthal. This importation led to the ultimate popularization and proliferation of Durban Poison across the cannabis community.

What is a Landrace cannabis strain?

Landraces, such as Durban Poison, are the original cannabis strains - the ancestors of all modern day marijuana strains in existence. A landrace cannabis strain, also called a "source strain", refers to a genetically distinct variety of cannabis that has evolved over centuries in a specific geographic region, adapting to the unique environmental conditions of its native area. Unlike hybrid strains, which are created by humans through intentional crossbreeding, landraces are the result of natural selection and isolation. Therefore, landrace strains act as the building blocks for every single variety of marijuana available on the market today.

What Are the Effects of the Durban Poison Strain?

Durban Poison is a sativa strain which provides an energetic and clear-headed smoking experience. After smoking or vaporizing Durban Poison, consumers often feel a sense of increased focus, creativity, and sociability. Some consumers describe this experience as similar to coffee or espresso, with a jolt of energy and euphoria. The strain causes cerebral effects and elevates mood without causing sedation, allowing for an active and focused high. Overall, this unique landrace cultivar offers a potent, joyful "head high" and is a great strain for productive daytime use.

Some medical cannabis patients have reported that the strain's energizing and mood-enhancing effects may be helpful for managing symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Additionally, its reported ability to stimulate creativity and focus, have anti-inflammatory properties and could be of interest to those with attention-related disorders.

What Is the THC Level of Durban Poison Cannabis Strain?

Durban Poison reliably presents a THC content ranging from 15% to 25%, with some variations producing lower percentages around 14-16%, while more potent phenotypes may reach levels up to 30%. 

This potency is integral to the cultivar's capacity to provide a powerful and enduring uplifting high, making it a strong strain valued for its energetic sativa effects. It's advisable to check the packaging for accurate THC information, as potency can vary between batches.

Does Durban Poison have high levels of THCV?

Durban Poison contains exceptionally high levels of THCV, as strains with high levels of THCV tend to share a genetic lineage with landrace Sativas. Durban Poison typically exhibits a natural concentration of THCV close to 1%, making it one of the highest THCV cultivars on the market. Durban Poison is reported by some consumers to offer the productive and energizing effects often associated with higher-THCV cultivars.

What are the Dominant Terpenes in Durban Poison?

Durban Poison is characterized by a distinct terpene profile that contributes to its unique uplifting effects, aroma and taste. The dominant terpenes in Durban Poison include:

1. Terpinolene: Typically the dominant terpene in Durban is Terpinolene, which contributes to the strain's floral and herbal smell. Terpinolene is associated with cerebral, uplifting sativa-dominant strains.
2. Myrcene: Often the second-most abundant terpene, Myrcene contributes to the strains earthy, fruity and herbal smell. Myrcene is one of the most commonly found terpenes across all cannabis strains.
3. Limonene: Limonene adds a citrusy and zesty scent to the Durban Poison strain. This terpene is believed to have uplifting, mood-enhancing and anti-anxiety properties.

What is the Flavor and Aroma of Durban Poison?

Durban Poison delivers a refreshing herbal taste with a subtle undertone of sweetness, providing a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile. The aromatic experience of Durban Poison is characterized by a sweet licorice and pungent blend, featuring hints of pine and citrus.

 This interplay of earthy and citrusy scents contributes to Durban Poison's unmistakable and appealing fragrance. The strain's olfactory profile extends further into a complex tapestry of herbal and spicy notes, leading to that classic Durban Poison smell.

Durban Poison Growing Characteristics

What Does the Durban Poison strain look like while growing?

When growing Durban Poison, the plant reaches massive heights up to 8 feet; although heights of about 6 or 7 feet are more common. Unlike other Sativas and landrace sativa strains, Durban Poison plants can grow to be very bushy, lacking the skinny, scraggly appearance that is often found in other Sativas.

Durban Poison Seeds

Durban Poison seeds are available to those looking to grow their own cannabis flower. Available in various quantities, these seeds offer the potential to cultivate a batch of Durban Poison landrace plants, each carrying the promise of energizing and potent buds. For a seamless growing experience, it is suggested to buy feminized seeds when growing the Durban Poison strain.

Durban Poison Strain Yield

Generally, Durban Poison is known to be a high-yielding strain for a sativa when grown under optimal conditions. In an indoor setting, it can produce around 350 to 450 grams per square meter (g/m²). When grown outdoors, the yield can be even higher, ranging from 400 to 600 grams per plant.

Durban Poison Flowering Time

Durban Poison typically has a relatively short flowering time compared to many other cannabis strains and landrace Sativas. When cultivated indoors, the flowering period for Durban Poison is usually around 8 to 9 weeks to optimize resin content. Outdoors, in an optimal climate with a warm and sunny environment, the strain tends to be ready for harvest in late September to early October.

Durban Poison Appearance

Most landrace sativa strains feature airy, scraggly, spindly buds. However, Durban Poison bucks this trend, typically offering dense, tightly-packed compact buds that boast a vibrant and diverse color palette. These round and chunky buds often showcase a combination of lighter and deep greens accentuated by fiery orange hairs. When grown correctly, the strain's buds are extremely resinous and sticky to the touch.

What Are Some Similar Strains to Durban Poison?

Durban Poison is a unique and distinguished popular strain among cannabis enthusiasts. However, if you're unable to acquire this particular strain, there are several other 100% landrace sativa cultivars that offer similar effects and flavor profiles. Strains such as Thai Sativa, Malawi Gold, Panama Red, Congolese, Lamb's Bread, and Colombian Gold are often considered comparable to Durban Poison due to their shared landrace sativa origins.

• Thai Sativa: Originating from Thailand, Thai Sativa provides an energetic and euphoric experience, often accompanied by a sweet and fruity flavor profile.
• Malawi Gold: Native to Malawi in southeastern Africa, Malawi Gold is celebrated for its potent, energetic effects and sweet, earthy taste.
• Panama Red: Originating in Panama, this strain gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. It is recognized for its stimulating and clear-headed effects.
• Congolese: Hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congolese is praised for its invigorating effects and citrusy, spicy flavor.
• Lamb's Bread: Originating from Jamaica, Lamb's Bread is known for its uplifting and creative effects, often accompanied by a sweet and earthy flavor.
• Colombian Gold: From the mountainous regions of Colombia, Colombian Gold is celebrated for its cerebral and uplifting effects, often accompanied by a sweet, citrusy flavor.

What are some Durban Poison hybrids and crossbreeds?

As a legendary landrace strain, Durban Poison is the original parent strain for a number of modern day exciting cultivars. This pure sativa has been incorporated into various hybrids and crossbreeds, yielding novel strains with unique characteristics. Some examples of other Durban strains include:

• Durban Glue (Durban Poison x Gorilla Glue #4)
• Pineapple Poison (Durban Poison x Pineapple Express)
• Blue Durban (Afghani 76 x Lavender x Durban Poison)
• Durban Cookies (Durban Poison x Girl Scout Cookies)
• White Durban (Durban Poison x White Fire OG)

These hybrid combine the energizing and uplifting effects of Durban with the distinct qualities of other strains, resulting in a diverse range of flavors, aromas, and experiences.

STIIIZY White Durban Cannabis Derived Terpene Pods

STIIIZY offers premium quality cannabis derived terpene 1g vape pods that are derived from White Durban, a potent hybrid of White Fire OG x Durban Poison.

Derived directly from locally sourced individual cannabis plants, STIIIZY's Cannabis-Derived Terpene pods maintain the inherent terpene profile of each unique flower strain, ensuring an optimal balance of flavor and potency synergy. Experience the energizing, happy and uplifting high that White Durban offers with STIIIZY.

Find STIIIZY's premium product line-up including White Durban in regulated cannabis dispensaries across California, Washington, Nevada, Michigan and Arizona. Be sure to shop at legal and regulated dispensaries and delivery services like STIIIZY.

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