Durban Poison | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects
Also known as: Durban
South African Landrace
Durban Poison is a sativa strain (South African Landrace) with THC levels of 17-24%. It features a Terpinolene-dominant terpene profile and is known for energy and creativity. Best used during the morning.
THC
17-24%
THCV
0.2-1%
CBD
0-0.1%
Best Time
Primary Effects
Flavor Notes
Sweet, Licorice, Pine, Citrus
Aroma
Sweet anise and licorice with fresh pine and citrus
Research Sources
27 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
December 2025
What is Durban Poison?
Durban Poison is a sativa strain (South African Landrace) with THC levels of 17-24%. It features a Terpinolene-dominant terpene profile and is known for energy and creativity. Best used during the morning.
About Durban Poison Strain
Durban Poison is a pure sativa landrace from the port city of Durban, South Africa. It's famous for its energizing, clear-headed effects and is one of the few strains with notable THCV content, which may contribute to its appetite-suppressing and energizing properties. The terpinolene-dominant profile creates uniquely uplifting effects unlike typical THC-dominant strains.
Related Reading
Terpene Profile
Primary research: Sedative (in isolation)
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
- 1
Ito K, Ito M. The sedative effect of inhaled terpinolene in mice and its structure-activity relationships Journal of Natural Medicines. 2013
Terpinolene prolonged sleep time in mice.
- 2
Grassmann J, et al. The monoterpene terpinolene from the oil of Pinus mugo L. in concert with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene effectively prevents oxidation of LDL Phytomedicine. 2005
Terpinolene showed strong antioxidant activity.
- 3
Surendran S, et al. Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021
Comprehensive review: β-myrcene may potentiate the anti-nociceptive properties of cannabinoids.
- 4
Johnson MB, et al. The Effects of β-myrcene on Simulated Driving and Divided Attention: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study Cannabis. 2023
Found myrcene alone did not significantly impair simulated driving performance.
- 5
do Vale TG, et al. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown Phytomedicine. 2002
Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects of myrcene in mice.
- 6
Lorenzetti BB, et al. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991
Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.
- 7
Liktor-Busa E, et al. Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa Pharmacological Reviews. 2021
Comprehensive review of cannabis terpene analgesic effects including myrcene.
- 8
Tampieri MP, et al. The inhibition of Candida albicans by selected essential oils and their major components Mycopathologia. 2005
Essential oils showed activity against Candida species.
- 9
Gonçalves ECD, et al. Anti-inflammatory properties of ocimene Natural Product Communications. 2018
Ocimene reduced inflammatory markers in vivo.
- 10
Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish Journal of the American Chemical Society. 1964. doi:10.1021/ja01062a046
Landmark paper first identifying and synthesizing THC.
- 11
Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA. 2015
Comprehensive review finding moderate evidence for chronic pain.
- 12
Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Efficacy of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Pain Physician. 2017
Systematic review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.
- 13
Lutge EE, et al. The medical use of cannabis for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV/AIDS Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013
Systematic review of cannabis for HIV/AIDS symptoms including appetite.
- 14
Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015
High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.
- 15
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 16
Novotna A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols (Sativex), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011
Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.
- 17
Wargent ET, et al. The cannabinoid Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) ameliorates insulin sensitivity in two mouse models of obesity Nutrition & Diabetes. 2013
THCV improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese mice.
- 18
Silvestro S, et al. Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Molecules. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications and molecular targets.
- 19
Thiele EA, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial Lancet. 2018
Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.
- 20
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial Lancet Neurology. 2016
Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.
- 21
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series Permanente Journal. 2019
79.2% of patients reported reduced anxiety within first month.
- 22
Bergamaschi MM, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 23
Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 24
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in this anxiety and sleep study.
- 25
Urits I, et al. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD for chronic pain management.
Research Verification
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Durban Poison so energizing?
Durban Poison's energy comes from its pure sativa genetics, terpinolene-dominant profile, and notable THCV content. THCV is known for energizing effects and may even suppress appetite, unlike typical THC strains.
Is Durban Poison good for focus?
Yes, Durban Poison is often praised for focus and productivity. Its clear-headed effects without heavy sedation make it popular for daytime activities and creative work.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Sativa
- Genetics
- South African Landrace
- Breeder
- Ed Rosenthal (introduced to USA)
- Genetic Family
- Landrace Foundations
- Best Time of Use
- Morning
- Availability
- common
- Grow Difficulty
- moderate
Dominant Terpene
Terpinolene
Fresh, piney, floral, with citrus and herbal notes
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Educational Information
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Strain Variability
Profiles vary between batches, growers, and growing conditions. Always check lab test results for the specific product you're purchasing.
Beyond Indica/Sativa
Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification. Focus on the chemistry, not the label.
Understanding Therapeutic Profiles
Learn how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create each strain's unique effects and therapeutic potential through the entourage effect.
Learn About Therapeutic Profiles