| Strain | Look | Smell & Flavor | Primary Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durban Poison | Round, chunky, resin-coated | Sweet anise, earthy, pine | Alert, productive, creative |
Durban Poison (The African Sativa) - Durban Poison is a pure sativa landrace strain that originates from the port city of Durban in South Africa. Unlike most modern strains that are hybrids, Durban Poison represents pure, unadulterated sativa genetics that have been cultivated for hundreds of years. The strain was brought to the United States in the 1970s and has since become one of the most important sativa genetics in modern breeding, serving as a parent strain to famous varieties like Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie. Known for its sweet smell reminiscent of anise and licorice, combined with earthy pine undertones, Durban Poison is the perfect strain for staying productive and creative throughout the day.
Durban Poison delivers pure sativa effects that are energizing, clear-headed, and creativity-enhancing without any indica influence to muddy the experience. Users report feeling immediately alert and focused, with a boost of mental energy that's perfect for tackling creative projects, physical activities, or social situations. The high is characterized by enhanced sensory perception, improved focus, and a positive, uplifted mood without anxiety or paranoia. Many users describe Durban Poison as "functional"—providing noticeable effects while allowing full productivity and mental clarity. It's particularly popular among artists, writers, and professionals who need to stay creative and motivated. The effects are long-lasting, typically providing several hours of sustained energy and focus.
Durban Poison buds are round and chunky with a distinctive structure that's more compact than most pure sativas. The calyxes are swollen and densely packed, creating substantial nuggets despite the sativa genetics. The coloring is typically bright green with occasional light purple hues. A heavy coating of resin covers the entire surface—Durban Poison is famous for its exceptional trichome production, which has made it a favorite for hash and concentrate makers. Bright orange pistils are abundant, often covering a significant portion of the bud's surface. The overall appearance is frosty, sticky, and appealing.
Growing Durban Poison is straightforward, making it accessible to growers with moderate experience. The plant exhibits tall, vigorous growth typical of pure sativas but remains more manageable than many other landraces. It adapts well to various climates and is particularly resilient and resistant to mold and pests—traits developed through centuries of natural selection. Flowering time is relatively fast for a pure sativa at 8-9 weeks, and yields are generous. Durban Poison performs exceptionally well outdoors, especially in warm, sunny climates where it can reach impressive heights and produce massive yields. The resin production is phenomenal, making it ideal for hash and concentrate production.
Key Growing Notes:
| Strain | Cross | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Girl Scout Cookies | Durban Poison × OG Kush | World-famous hybrid; sweet and powerful with balanced effects. |
| Cherry Pie | Durban Poison × Granddaddy Purple | Sour cherry and pastry; fast-acting giggles and stress relief. |
| Durban Cookies | Durban Poison × GSC | Enhanced sativa effects; sweet cookie flavor with pure energy. |
| Durban Dream | Durban Poison × Blue Dream | Double sativa power; extremely uplifting and creative. |
| Durban Diesel | Durban Poison × Sour Diesel | Pure sativa rocket fuel; intense energy and focus. |
| Durban Haze | Durban Poison × Haze | Ultimate sativa blend; long-lasting cerebral effects. |