Strain Review: Durban Poison

Offering an uplifting, clear function effect that stimulates creativity, social ability and your mood in general, Durban Poison is a popular strain for daytime activities. Energetic & racy, yet toned down as to not overdo it. A few of Durban Poison's most notable benefits include an increase in energy, focus, migraine relief and anti-nausea.

Durban Poison: A Brief History

Originating in the port city of Durban, South Africa, this epic landrace strain has been consistently been gaining notoriety across the world since the late 1970s. According to legend, High Times columnist and prominent cannabis activist Ed Rosenthal first discovered Durban Poison. Rosenthal was in South Africa seeking new cannabis genetics and found some local seeds in Durban that had a FAST flowering time -- about 60 days.

Durban Poison: Strain Genetics

Being an original “landrace strain” is what REALLY makes Durban Poison stand out. (A landrace strain simply means it doesn’t have a complicated history of cross-breeding and mixing and matching with other strains.) Durban Poison is special because its genetics stretch back in time where strains were closer to nature and had little human tampering. The more growers are cross-breeding, the less of our original strains we’ll have left. Let's hope there’s a master grower out there who are looking into the future and has secured, in a safe facility, as many original seed strains as one can reasonably acquire.

Durban is sweet to the smell with an earthy undertone with a touch of pine. This smell is produced by the dominant aroma and taste producing terpene D-Limonene. Limonene is a terpene that is commonly found in citrus fruits, which is what causes the dominant sweeter smells. A "pure" Sativa, Durban Poison's THC content averages between 16-25%. CBD content, however, is notably low, rarely exceeding 0.02%. Durban Poison is also one of the most popular strains for crossbreeding and creating new strains.

Durban Poison: Effects & High

A practical nickname could accurately label Durban Poison as the "Productive Poison." Once the near instant effects kick in, your mind “clicks” into overdrive causing your body to TRIGGER into useful action. Your mind clears, you WAKE up with bright energy and you’re ready to intelligently navigate your day with LIVELY ease. Having a brain full of this Sativa, Durban Poison fans report this strain uplifts their mood, makes them happy, euphoric and focused.

"One of the rare unadulterated sativas on the market, Durban Poison provides a big energy boost, which makes it a go-to strain for daytime." - Sohum Shah, The Cannabist

Also known as the “coffee” of cannabis, this particular strain is one of the “raciest” Sativas on the market. It produces a stimulating and crystal clear head-high without causing a blurry stoney brain fog. Nothing but sweet uplifting vibrations giving you TONS of energy to make SEIZING THE DAY an easy breeze.

Long story short. If you have important things to do & you ALSO want to get stoned, Durban Poison makes the most practical sense. Have a productive day while using your mind to do smart stuff or your body to do hard physical labor. Nothing wakes you up and puts you in the zone quite like a bowl of Durban Poison.

Many loyal Durban Poison users claim the strain offers relief from stress, depression, pain, fatigue, and headaches. The most commonly reported side effects are generally mild, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and anxiousness. Some find Durban Poison users claim the strain alleviates headaches, while others have reported experiencing a headache. Of course, everyone reacts differently, and moderation is the key to finding the appropriate balance.

What Are Landrace Strains and Why Are Some So Rare?

No doubt, you’ve heard of Kilimanjaro or Afghan Kush, but did you know they are considered Landrace strains? Have you ever wondered what exactly a Landrace strain is, where they came from, and why they are so rare?

Man’s kinship with cannabis is documented as far back as 2900 B.C. In biblical days, cannabis grew wild in its native habitat where growers weren’t doing a lot of crossbreeding. Cannabis strains tended to be what today we call Landrace strains. Broadly speaking, a Landrace is a pure cannabis strain cultivated in its natural environment which has never been crossbred with another variety.

Landrace strains, having grown wild and indigenously over the years throughout various regions in the world with virtually no variations from one plant to another, these strains maintain remarkable consistency. You won’t find hybrid ‘landrace’ strains — generally, they are either 100% Indica or Sativa.

Where Do Landrace Strains Get Their Names?

Landrace strains are usually named after their country or region of origin. For example, Acapulco Gold and Panama Red are sativas from Mexico and South America respectively; Hindu Kush and Pure Afghan are indicas from the Afghanistan/Pakistan region.

According to lore, Landrace strains find their origins in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where they eventually spread to Asia, Africa, Jamaica, South America, and remarkably, Russia.

A Landrace Renaissance

In recent years, the resurgence in popularity of genetically unadulterated Landrace cannabis strains may seem to run counter to the desire of so many consumers to seek out the latest and greatest, most innovative crossbred strains. However, many consumers have sought a return to our cannabis roots.

Rick Pfrommer, Director of Education at the famous Harborside Health Center, observed:

“Original landrace and other heirloom strains are often lost in today’s hyperkinetic world of breeding. Our constant desire for new strains leads breeders to continually cross and re-cross existing strains looking for the next big thing. There is, however, a small but growing contingent of cultivators who are returning to our cannabis roots and propagating old landrace and heirloom strains.” — Rick Pfrommer

What Makes Landrace Strains So Unique?

Because Landraces are pure strains, their flavor and effects are unique and distinct from newer hybrid strains. These special plants maintain consistent and distinct characteristics. While many of these strains appeal to connoisseurs, simply because a strand is considered a Landrace doesn’t mean every Landrace’ strain represents the pinnacle of quality. Landrace is simply a designation to describe its genetic purity and indigenous upbringing.

The properties of Landrace strains vary by region, and because over their history they never experienced the sudden introduction of new genetics through hybridization, they adopt the qualities that are most ideally suited for the region they were grown. So, while these conditions don’t mean they are by definition superior, their characteristics are certainly unique.

Nevertheless, for many veteran cannabis users, lighting up a vintage strain such as Acapulco Gold can be an exciting trip down memory lane, evoking memories from an earlier era. And, in fact, many adventurous travelers have been so inspired to make the journey to the now infamous “Hippie Trail,” also known as the “Hashish Trail” (which spans Turkey to India).

Why Are Landrace Strains So Rare?

While experiencing a resurgence in consumer interest, true landrace strains have become increasingly difficult to find. Why? Think about it. If you take a Pure Afghan out of its native environment, then try to grow it in Humboldt, inevitably under a different climate and growing conditions, some of the characteristics that made it so unique will be lost.

It’s rare to see [Hindu Kush] flowers around much these days, although her family still ranks among cannabis royalty..”— High Times

Out of their indigenous environment, they must now learn to mature under an entirely different set of growing conditions. In response, the plant will take on new characteristics that not until many generations will it then stabilize and find an equilibrium. No longer will that strain perfectly resemble the original strain, but instead will now be a phenotype instead of a true Landrace.

Because historically true Landrace strains have been difficult to come by, in a quest to experience authentic Landrace strains, some Western cannabis connoisseurs have made the journey to the “Hippie Trail,” returning from home with seeds from their favorite strains.

A few of the most popular varieties include Afghanistan/Pakistan's Hindu Kush and Pure Afghan; Jamaica's Lamb's Bread; Mexico's Acapulco Gold; Africa's Durban Poison and Malawi; and Panama Red from Central America.

Want to learn more? Post your questions in the comment section below.

 

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