Durban Poison

Also known as: Durban, DP

Breeder: Landrace origin from Durban, South Africa. Seeds obtained by Ed Rosenthal from the Transvaal coffee shop in Amsterdam (late 1970s), refined by Mel Frank, and stabilized by Skunkman Sam (David Watson).

Lineage & Genetics

Cross: South African landrace sativa from the hills surrounding the port city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

South African landrace from the hills surrounding Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, believed to have originated specifically in the Pinetown area roughly 10 miles into the mountains west of Durban. Durban sits at approximately 29.9 degrees south latitude — farther from the equator than most cannabis-producing regions. The plant evolved under seasonal photoperiods similar to the continental US (unlike equatorial sativas), which is why it flowers in a relatively short 8-9 weeks. The subtropical climate of KwaZulu-Natal — warm days, significant rainfall, and humidity — selected for mold resistance and vigorous growth traits that persist in modern cultivated Durban Poison.

Terpene Profile

Aroma: Sweet and spicy with dominant fresh pine, ripe citrus, and earthy undertones. A distinctive anise/licorice note is a hallmark of the strain. An underlying chemical/fuel note is sometimes present. The smell intensifies dramatically in late flower.

Flavor: Inhale is bright lemon-citrus and sweet pine, often compared to sweet anise candy with herbal complexity. Exhale is earthy, spicy, with lingering licorice and clove notes. Well-cured Durban Poison has an almost confectionery sweetness that explains its role in the Cookies genetic line.

Effects & Experience

Onset: Rapid — effects felt within minutes when smoked/vaped. Energetic, cerebral, focused, and clear-headed, frequently described as espresso-like.

Primary effects are energetic, cerebral, focused, and clear-headed with creative, euphoric, uplifting, and social qualities. Physical energy is available, not depleted. Notably SUPPRESSES appetite rather than stimulating it (opposite of most THC-dominant strains), attributed to THCV content acting as a CB1 receptor antagonist. Best use case is morning/daytime for professionals and creatives who want to maintain productivity. Duration is shorter than typical THC strains (2-4 hours), likely due to THCV contribution.

Duration: 2-4 hours (shorter than typical THC strains due to THCV contribution)

Growing Characteristics

Grow Tips: HEIGHT MANAGEMENT is THE critical indoor challenge. The plant often DOUBLES or TRIPLES in height after the 12/12 flip. Dutch Passion warns to use a shorter veg period compared to most indicas/hybrids. Shorten veg to 3-4 weeks if growing without training (substantially shorter than the 5-6 week veg typical of indica/hybrid grows). Top above the 4th-5th node to break apical dominance. SCROG is the gold-standard technique — weave branches through a horizontal trellis during veg to create flat even canopy. LST starting early in veg works well — Durban Poison has tough durable stems that can be manipulated without breaking. Supercropping for aggressive height control is well tolerated. Stop intensive training after week 2-3 of flower. FEEDING: sativa that generally needs LESS feeding than indica-dominant strains. Overfeeding is more common than underfeeding. Start at half manufacturer's recommended strength. Supplement Cal-Mag especially under LED lighting. Shift to higher phosphorus and potassium in bloom with additional potassium supplementation to enhance terpene production. Silica supplements help strengthen tall lanky stems. Flush 1-2 weeks before harvest with plain pH-balanced water. MOLD RESISTANCE: one of the most mold-resistant strains available — South African landrace genetics evolved under humid subtropical conditions. Dutch Passion lists it among recommended mold-resistant strains. But still monitor for botrytis in late flower if humidity is high. Check caterpillar eggs outdoors (BT spray effective). HARVEST TIMING IS CRITICAL for THCV:THC ratio: mostly cloudy with 10-20% amber = peak THC, preserved THCV, maximum energetic/cerebral effect (recommended harvest point). Harvesting earlier maximizes THCV expression for energizing appetite-suppressing effects. Harvesting later converts more THC to CBN producing sedative couch-lock which defeats the purpose of growing a pure sativa. Tip: harvest at end of dark cycle for best terpene preservation. Check trichomes on BUDS not leaves (leaf trichomes mature faster giving misleading read). DRYING: 60-70F, 45-55% RH, 7-14 days until stems snap. Keep dark — UV degrades cannabinoids. CURING: glass jars filled 70-75%, 65-70F, 58-62% RH with Boveda 62% packs, burp daily 10-15 min for first 2 weeks then every few days, minimum 3-4 weeks, optimal 2-6 months for best expression of the complex terpene profile. Common mistakes: not managing height before flip (the #1 mistake), overfeeding (start at half strength), overwatering (let top inch dry between waterings), harvesting too late (more amber = more sedation = defeats the purpose), insufficient light (PPFD 600-1000 needed, sativa is a light hog), ignoring airflow despite strong mold resistance, not providing enough root space (Dutch Passion recommends ample root space — 3-5 gallon fabric pots minimum), and skipping the flush.

History & Origin

Cannabis evolved naturally in the hills surrounding Durban, South Africa over centuries. Indigenous Zulu communities cultivated the sativa for its euphoric effects. In the late 1970s Ed Rosenthal obtained seeds at the Transvaal coffee shop in Amsterdam run by South African expats. He shared them with Mel Frank who selectively bred the genetics creating A and B lines. Mel Frank passed seeds to Skunkman Sam who spent several seasons in California breeding out hermaphrodite traits. In the mid-1980s Skunkman Sam relocated to Amsterdam and shared the stabilized genetics with Nevil Schoenmakers (creator of the first cannabis seed bank). Through Dutch seed banks Durban Poison became internationally known. In the 2000s it was crossed with OG Kush to create Girl Scout Cookies and with Granddaddy Purple to create Cherry Pie, launching its genetics into the modern hybrid era.

Notable Crosses

Strains bred using Durban Poison as a parent: