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5 min read

Digging into Durban Poison

Published on
January 27, 2025

For Christmas I got my family the coffee table book “Higher” by Dan Michaels.  It is a well-written wide scope view of the history of cannabis, with a focus and gorgeous pictures on some of the most popular strains out there.  Some days, I sit and read the fascinating backstory, but on some days, I like to go right to my favorite strains and get the scoop on why and how they came to be.

This week, I wanted to share a bit about Durban Poison, one of my favorite sativas we have in the store right now.  Here’s what Dan Michaels had to say about this strain in an excerpt from his book “Higher”:

Breeder: Landrace

Lineage: South African

Type: Sativa

THC: 15-26%

Terpenes: terpinolene, caryophyllene, humulene

Sensory: Sweet, citrus, herbal, pine, earthy, dank, spicy

Common effects: Energetic, uplifted, upbeat, focused, creative

This ominously named pure sativa landrace had been growing indigenously in South Africa when, legend has it, cannabis cultivation icon Ed Rosenthal recognized its breeding value and introduced it to the United States in the late 70’s.  Another breeder, Mel Frank, would then go on to perfect two phenotypes: one became Durban Poison, the other was given to breeding pioneer “Sam the Skunkman” to make its rounds in Dutch coffee shops.

Named after South Africa’s coastal city of Durban, Durban Poison is quite pleasant.  It offers a complex smoke highlighted by sweet earthy notes that reveal mild spice and splintered pine.  Many consider this pure sativa their coffee replacement because it’s a reliable pick-me-up that leaves them happy, energetic, focused, and creative- you know, a better person.  Needless to say, this makes Poison the perfect morning supplement for bringing the correct energy to your day.

We have Durban Poison prerolls in the store right now for a special price of $8. It's agreat way to test out a new strain to see if you like it. Hope to see you soon!!