Durban Poison Cannabis Seeds
Racy and stimulating, Durban Poison is an almost pure Sativa originating from the portside city of Durban, South Africa. Surprise!
It is believed to be a landrace strain that was brought to the US in the 1970s by legendary cultivator and writer Ed Rosenthal during one of his many trips abroad to discover new genetics. Attracted by the fast flowering time and easy cultivation, Ed shared his Durban Poison seeds with others, and soon, the strain found its way into many Dutch seed banks and coffee shops.
Today, Durban Poison is hugely popular with Sativa users, as its stimulating, energizing high leaves you clearheaded and focused, with none of that numbing or couch-lock effect that potent Indicas have. Sativa enthusiasts frequently partake in a toke before going about their active days which can include biking, running, studying, creative pursuits, or socializing.
Being a Sativa, Jack Herer plants grow slender and lanky, which you might want to keep in mind if you are cultivating indoors. You might need some training techniques to keep the plants at a manageable height. They are resilient to hot and dry conditions, which is great for our Aussie climate, but you’ll need to maintain optimal humidity and temperature to keep your plants happy and healthy.
This is a relatively easy strain to grow and will flower in 9 to 10 weeks, rewarding you with a moderate to high yield. If you want a shorter growing season, grab the autoflower variety that can flower as soon as 8 weeks.
Flavor & Aroma
Durban Poison has a distinctive aroma, which is a blend of sweet licorice and anise with earthy undertones. The plants get the unique aroma from their terpene profiles in which terpinolene, myrcene, and pinene dominate.
When you break the buds, you might get hints of fresh pine and crisp citrus. The sweet, spicy flavours mimic the aroma and some users taste subtle hints of mint and pepper on the exhale.
Effects & Experience
Pure Sativas are rare, and Durban Poison is the epitome of what a top-notch Sativa should be. With up to 20% THC levels, the initial rush is akin to intravenously injecting a dose of energy and creativity right into your brain.
This strain isn’t what you’ll want to use just before bed, as it induces a sharp cerebral high, heightening your alertness and focus. Sativa fans love using it during social gatherings, pursuing outdoor activities, or simply adding a new spin on things while going about the day.
Cultivation Tips
Like all Sativa plants, Durban Poison will grow tall, slender, and willowy, which you might want to keep in mind, especially if you are growing in a limited space. Outdoor plants have been known to grow up to 3 to 4 meters, so you can think about some training techniques like topping, fimming, or LST to keep their height in check.
It is a relatively easy plant to cultivate and thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-draining soil. Temperature should be kept between 21 and 27 C with humidity at a maximum of 50% during the vegetative stage and 40% during flowering.
It also takes a wee bit longer to flower compared to Indicas. Photoperiods flower in 8 to 10 weeks, while autoflowers can flip as quickly as 8 weeks. Happy indoor plants can yield 450 and 650 grams per m², while outdoor ones can yield 450 to 550 grams per plant.
Terpene & Cannabinoid Profile
Durban Poison has 15 to 20% THC levels, but certain modern varieties have been known to measure up to 25%. The dominant terpenes which give the plants their distinctive aroma are terpinolene, myrcene, and pinene.
Known Medical Benefits
The energizing effects of Durban Poison are frequently used to treat chronic fatigue and lethargy, while the mood-enhancing properties have helped with mental disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress. Some patients with ADHD have also reported much success in using Durban Poison to improve focus and concentration.
Because of its perky and elevating effects, this strain is not suitable for treating insomnia or sleep disorders.
Did You Know?
Durban Poison is one of the many landrace strains around, which means that its genetics have not been altered since its creation on day one. Landraces have consistent, distinct attributes, that date back to the earliest days of civilization.
Ed Rosenthal visited Durban in the 1970s and brought Durban Poison seeds back to other growers such as botanist and author Mel Frank and legendary grower, Sam the Skunkman, aka David Watson. The rest is history, as Durban Poison exploded in popularity in the Netherlands and instantly found its way to numerous seed banks and coffee shops.
Today, Durban Poison is the recipient of countless prestigious awards including the Emerald Cup. It remains true to its landrace origins and has firmly cemented its position as one of the best Sativa strains of all time.
