What is the main difference between Critical Mass and Durban Poison?

Critical Mass is a Indica strain (80% Indica / 20% Sativa) with THC levels of 19–22%, while Durban Poison is a Sativa strain (0% Indica / 100% Sativa) with THC levels of 22–26%.

Which strain has higher THC — Critical Mass or Durban Poison?

Durban Poison has higher THC at 22–26%, compared to Critical Mass at 19–22%.

Is Critical Mass or Durban Poison easier to grow?

Critical Mass has easy growing difficulty with a 6-8-week flowering period, while Durban Poison has moderate difficulty with a 8-9-week flowering period. Critical Mass is a great choice for beginners.

What effects does Critical Mass have compared to Durban Poison?

Critical Mass produces relaxing, sleepy, tingling, euphoric, happy effects, ideal for evening use. Durban Poison produces focused, energetic, uplifting, creative, euphoric effects, best for morning use.

What terpenes are in Critical Mass and Durban Poison?

Critical Mass features Myrcene, giving it citrus, honey, skunk flavors. Durban Poison features Terpinolene, with citrus, herbal, pine flavors.

Which medical conditions can Critical Mass and Durban Poison help with?

Critical Mass may help with add/adhd, arthritis, chronic pain, depression, fatigue, fibromyalgia, inflammation, insomnia, nausea, stress, pain, anxiety. Durban Poison may help with add/adhd, anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, depression, fatigue, headaches, migraines, nausea, stress. Consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.

Strain Encyclopedia

Critical Mass

Indica — THC 22%

Durban Poison

Sativa — THC 26%

Potency, effects, terpenes, flavors, growing difficulty, and medical uses — compared side by side.

Home/Strain Comparisons/Critical Mass vs Durban Poison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

⚡

Potency

Durban Poison

🏥

Medical

Critical Mass

🌱

Growing

Critical Mass

🍋

Flavor

Durban Poison

Strain Profile Comparison

Six-axis profile overlay — see where each strain excels

Critical Mass

Durban Poison

Effect Matchup

Side-by-side effect intensity — bars show relative prominence

Critical Mass

Effect

Durban Poison

53%

Uplifting

77%

68%

Euphoric

60%

Happy

46%

100%

Relaxing

88%

Sleepy

77%

Tingling

46%

Body-buzz

Focused

100%

Energetic

88%

Creative

68%

Focus

53%

3 shared effects highlighted

Critical Mass — Potency

THC0%

CBD0%

Potency LevelStrong

Durban Poison — Potency

THC0%

CBD0%

Potency LevelStrong

Afghani x Skunk #1Critical Mass

Indica 80%Sativa 20%

South African LandraceDurban Poison

Indica 0%Sativa 100%

Side-by-Side Specs

Green highlight indicates the superior value

Critical Mass

Profile Comparison

Shared (3)

EuphoricHappyUplifting

Only Critical Mass (4)

RelaxingSleepyTinglingBody-buzz

Only Durban Poison (4)

FocusedEnergeticCreativeFocus

Possible Side Effects

Shared

Dry mouthDry eyesAnxious

Growing Guide Comparison

Critical Mass

DifficultyEasy

Flowering6-8 weeks

HarvestSeptember Yield

Indoor Yield750g/m² (2.5oz/ft²)

Outdoor Yield600g/plant (21.2oz/plant)

Indoor HeightMedium

Outdoor HeightMedium

Plant StructureBushy

PhotoperiodPhotoperiod

Growing MethodIndoor, Outdoor

Durban Poison

DifficultyModerate

Flowering8-9 weeks

HarvestOctober Yield

Indoor YieldMedium

Outdoor YieldMedium

Indoor HeightMedium

Outdoor Height200–300cm (79–118in)

Plant StructureTall and Stretchy

PhotoperiodPhotoperiod

Growing MethodIndoor, Outdoor

About These Strains

Critical Mass

Indica 80/20 — THC 19–22% — CBD 5–5%

Critical Mass is an indica dominant hybrid (80% indica/20% sativa) strain that's a cross between the iconic Afghani X Skunk #1 strains. This bud gets its name from the tendency of branches to break under the weight of the insanely dense buds.

It's not uncommon for growers to find branches of their Critical Mass plants littering the floors of their greenhouses.

Durban Poison

Sativa 0/100 — THC 22–26% — CBD 1–1%

Expect a major blow to the head from this super-potent strain. A pure sativa, Durban Poison is the beloved inbred descendant of a sativa strain grown in South Africa.

Ed Rosenthal, an American cannabis activist, discovered the original strain and brought in back to the United States in the 1970s.

Which One Is Right for You?

Critical Mass and Durban Poison are both excellent strains with distinct characteristics. Critical Mass is a Indica with 19–22% THC, while Durban Poison is a Sativa with 22–26% THC. Your choice depends on your preference for effects, growing difficulty, and intended use.

Choose Critical Mass

Choose Critical Mass if you want easier growing, deeper body relaxation, higher CBD for medical use. Critical Mass is an indica dominant hybrid (80% indica/20% sativa) strain that's a cross between the iconic Afghani X Skunk #1 strains.

Choose Durban Poison

Choose Durban Poison if you want higher THC potency, more cerebral/uplifting effects. Expect a major blow to the head from this super-potent strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Critical Mass vs Durban Poison

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for any medical condition. Effects, potency, and medical benefits may vary. Do not use cannabis if pregnant, nursing, or under the legal age in your jurisdiction.

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