Durban Poison is a sativa cannabis strain derived from a South African landrace from the port city of Durban, known for an energetic, uplifting and clear-headed high. Leafly lists a single African parent, and AllBud calls it a descendant of an inbred South African sativa. Typical THC runs from about 19% to 24%, with very little CBD.
Durban Poison Strain at a Glance
| Type | Pure sativa landrace-derived |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Durban |
| Lineage | African landrace sativa |
| Breeder / origin | Not documented; traces to Durban, South Africa |
| THC | 19–24% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene |
| Aroma and flavor | sweet, pine, earthy, sage, citrus |
| Reported effects | energetic, focused, uplifted, creative |
| Best for | daytime use, creative work, active afternoons |
| Flowering time | 7–9 weeks |
Where Durban Poison Comes From
Durban Poison takes its name from Durban, South Africa, where the original sativa grew. Leafly lists a single parent, an African line, and no named breeder. AllBud credits cannabis activist Ed Rosenthal with discovering the original strain and bringing it to the United States in the 1970s. Leafly says only that reviewers make a similar claim and does not verify it, so treat the exact story with some care.
What both sources agree on is that it is considered a pure sativa that has been kept largely true to its roots. That stable genetics is a big part of why it remains a reference point for energetic daytime cannabis. Leafly lists Platinum Cookies and Key Lime Pie as offspring.
Durban Poison Effects: What It Feels Like
Durban Poison has a reputation as one of the more stimulating strains. Leafly’s reader tags are focused, energetic and uplifted, and AllBud’s are creative, euphoric, focused and happy. Both describe it as a daytime strain, and AllBud says it suits daytime activities.
The effects are mostly in the head. People report a clear, motivated feeling that fits creative projects, chores, exercise or a long walk. Because it is stimulating, it is a poor pick for bedtime, and people prone to anxiety may find large doses too racy. The old text on our site said it is best for experienced users; the more cautious advice is simply to start with a small amount.
Durban Poison Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
Leafly describes the smell as sweet, with pine, earthy and sage notes. AllBud agrees on earthy, sweet and a subtle pine, and adds citrus and herbal flavors, and a spicy, pungent aroma.
Terpinolene is the most abundant terpene on Leafly, followed by myrcene and ocimene. Terpinolene is associated with a fresh, piney, slightly floral scent, which matches the notes people report. The buds are round and chunky with a heavy coat of trichomes, and the resin glands are large, which is why Leafly says growers and extractors like it for concentrates.
- Terpinolene: fruity, piney and herbal, common in classic sativas
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Ocimene: sweet, herbal and woody, also found in mint and basil
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Durban Poison
Dry mouth and dry eyes are the typical complaints. Leafly readers also list anxiety, and AllBud lists paranoia, which makes sense for a strain with a stimulating head high. Keep the dose small, drink water, and avoid it late at night.
How strong Durban Poison feels depends on the batch, your tolerance and how you consume it. Start low, go slow, and read our guide to dosing cannabis.
Do People Use Durban Poison for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often say they use Durban Poison for stress, depression and anxiety. AllBud lists a long set of uses including fatigue, headaches and ADHD. These are self-reports from users and listing sites, not medical claims.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Durban Poison
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flowering: 7–9 weeks
- Yield: High
- Height: Tall, especially in soil
Leafly rates Durban Poison as easy to grow, with high yields, tall plants and a flowering time of 7 to 9 weeks. Autoflower versions are reported to finish in 7 to 9 weeks from seed. Its height means indoor growers will want to top and train it.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Durban Poison
- Durban: the same landrace line
- Durban Cheese: a Durban cross with a funkier aroma
- Jack Herer: another clear, uplifting sativa
- Sour Diesel: a stimulating daytime classic
- Lemon Haze: an energetic citrus sativa
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Dutch Treat Haze · ECSD · Elephant · Durban Cookies · Dream Queen · Dominator · All sativa strains
Where to Buy Durban Poison
Dispensary menus change every week, and Durban Poison may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like BLOC Dispensary Kedzie and Prairie Cannabis – South Loop. In Lansing, browse Lansing dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Boogiez Arcanna and Skymint. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Durban Poison FAQ
Is Durban Poison indica or sativa?
It is a pure sativa descended from a South African landrace.
Where does Durban Poison come from?
Durban, South Africa. AllBud says Ed Rosenthal brought it to the United States in the 1970s.
How strong is Durban Poison?
Typically 19% to 24% THC, depending on the source and batch.
What does Durban Poison taste like?
Sweet and earthy with pine, plus citrus and herbal notes.
Is Durban Poison good for daytime use?
Yes. Both Leafly and AllBud describe energizing, focused effects that suit daytime.
Is Durban Poison easy to grow?
Leafly rates it easy, with high yields and a 7 to 9 week flowering time. It grows tall, so it needs training indoors.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.