Durban Poison

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DURBAN POISON STRAIN INFORMATION

General Information

Type:  Sativa

Genetics:  Landrace South African variety, at times crossed with Skunk for stability

Geographic Origin:  South Africa

Seed Company/Clone: Many versions available in seed form — African Seeds, Dutch Passion, Afropips, Nirvana, and Sensi Seeds all have versions of it.

Description: A landrace Sativa variety from South Africa, Durban Poison is known for its spicy/sweet anise-like smell and taste and it’s clear-headed cerebral effect.  Though it’s a (normally) pure Sativa, most versions finish fairly quickly and don’t stretch like crazy.  Many claim the real South African Durban Poison is very racy and finishes as long as 120 days, but that’s not the case for the versions available in seed form (Afropips and African Seeds seems to be the longest to finish).

History

Story: Sam the Skunkman, speaking on the version he is responsible for:

“South African Durban Poison was first introduced by me.  I got maybe 100 seeds from South Africa and grew them in California in the late 70′s.  Most were hermaphrodite, small calyxs, as well as not so great buds.  But I saw the potential for an early Sativa so I worked with it for a few years to clean it up.  I finally eliminated most of all the bad traits, and introduced it in the early 80′s.  When I took it to Amsterdam it was an immediate hit, one of the few Sativa strains that can be grown outdoors in Holland most years if the weather is OK at harvest time.  Every seed merchant in Holland bought some and made copies as well as Hybrids; all of the Durban Poison genetics being passed around were originally from my work until Afro-Seeds popped up a few years ago.  My Durban Poison is Sativa, pure IBL Landrace created from seed lines, maintained with clones, Male and Female.  There is no change in the genepool now as any seeds are produced from selected clones 20 years old.  The plants had a strong licorice/anise smell and taste, as well as being quite early in maturation.  The strength was med-strong, vigor strong, yield quite good, very consistant.  To be honest I considered it a daytime smoke.”

Awards:

Growing Information

Flowering Time: Depends on the version, most floating around or from Dutch companies are between 8 and 10 weeks, while the African seed companies tend to be longer, going as long as 120.

Preferred Growing Medium: Durban was known and loved in Holland because it was one of the few Sativas that could finish outdoors — the short-flowering versions are suitable for Northern climates.  Grows very tall outdoors, but most varieties are totally manageable indoors, especially with training such as SCROG.

Patient Expectations

Scent: Very distinct blend of sweet and spicy smells — fennel, anise, orange, lemons…

Flavor: Very much like the smell, it can have a spicy bite or be on the sweeter side, but normally has that anise/fennel twang to it.

Effects: Durban is a fabulous daytime strain, with a clear, functional effects package that stimulates creativity, sociability, and overall mood.  Energetic and bordering on racy/anxious at times…  The primary medicinal benefits are appetite stimulation, migraine relief, and anti-nausea.

KindReviews:

Durban Poison – Green Dream Health Services – November 2010

Durban Poison – Advanced Medical Alternatives – September 2010

Durban Poison – Nedicate – July 2010

Durban Poison – Green Belly Community Garden – July 2010

Durban Poison – Natural Remedies – June 2010

Durban Poison – Verde – May 2010

Durban Poison – Cherry Creek Health – April 2010