Amazing
High Times Strain Profile
Durban Poison
Pure Sativa Energy From One of Cannabis' Most Legendary Landrace Lines
Durban Poison is an iconic sativa known for its energetic high, sweet-spiced aroma, and deep South African roots. A favorite for daytime smokers, creatives, growers, and classic strain hunters for decades.
Overview
Durban Poison is a pure sativa landrace that originated near the port city of Durban in South Africa. Prized for decades by breeders for its early flowering and heavy resin production, it has become one of the foundational genetics behind countless modern hybrids.
The strain is known for a clear-headed, energetic high that favors focus and creativity over sedation. Its aroma leans sweet and earthy with a distinctive anise or licorice note that sets it apart from other sativas.
Because it finishes relatively early and tolerates a range of conditions, Durban Poison remains a popular choice for outdoor growers in temperate and warm climates.
Flavor, Aroma & Terpenes
Aroma & Flavor
Top Terpenes
Terpinolene
Bright, herbal, floral, energetic
Myrcene
Earthy depth and body
Ocimene
Sweet, green, slightly tropical
Effects
Energetic
Uplifted
Focused
For Growers
Growing Durban Poison
Genetics & Origin
Durban Poison traces back to South African sativa genetics, making it one of the better-known landrace-linked strains in the modern cannabis world.
While many versions of Durban Poison have been stabilized, selected, and reproduced by different breeders over the years, the strain’s core identity remains tied to its African sativa heritage: tall growth, energetic effects, long-standing cultural relevance, and a terpene profile that cuts through a room.
Known for:
- South African landrace roots
- Classic sativa structure
- Energetic daytime effects
- Distinct sweet-spiced aroma
- Influence on modern hybrids and Cookies-family genetics
- Breeder / Origin
- South African landrace
- Parent Strains
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- Pure South African Sativa Landrace
Grower Notes
| Flowering Time | 8–10 weeks |
|---|---|
| Indoor / Outdoor | Both (outdoor thrives in sun) |
| Yield | Medium – High |
| Plant Structure | Tall, vigorous, sativa-leaning |
| Grow Difficulty | Moderate |
| Climate | Warm, sunny |
| Watch For | Stretch, height management, phenotype variation |
| Grow Style | Training, topping, trellising, airflow management |
Common Grow Tips
- Plan for vertical stretch.
- Use training early if growing indoors.
- Maintain airflow through the canopy.
- Watch flowering time by phenotype.
- Preserve terpene quality with careful dry and cure.
Growing Durban Poison?
Ask Grobot what your plants need next. Grobot is the High Times AI grow assistant — get strain-specific answers on lighting, feeding, training, and harvest timing.
Ask Grobot About Durban PoisonPopular questions:
- How should I grow Durban Poison indoors?
- Why is my Durban Poison stretching so much?
- What environment does Durban Poison like in flower?
- How do I improve terpene production on Durban Poison?
Buy Durban Poison Seeds
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Community Reports
Real grow & smoke experiences from the High Times community.
Great seeds lead to excellent growth! Mine had to endure a WET Montana spring, kicking overnight into 90+ degree weather. I was worried, but no issues! It’s a bit smaller plant than I wanted, but who can control the weather? It’s still a solid 3 feet tall with major flower and bud growth. If it’s still as uplifting as claimed, my only issue is “I need more! “ early in the flowering stage, all systems are go!
Can’t wait to cure and smoke. Life is good!!
Ended up finding a bag seed from a half pound of Durban I bought from a friend in Mendocino county. Sprouted the seed and grew to her teens indoors but ran out of room and placed her outside. Unfortunately it was too early in the season and she flowered but I was able to re-veg her. Happy to say she is now over 6’ tall 5’ diameter with a massive trunk. Grown organically
She is my wake and bake co-pilot! I used my Levo to infuse some avocado oil and 🤯🤯🤯 she will be one that I will need to grow
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