Lowryder 2: The Strain That Saved Autoflowers
Lowryder 2: The Strain That Saved Autoflowers
Strain Overview
Type: Autoflowering Hybrid (Indica/Sativa/Ruderalis)
Breeder: The Joint Doctor
Lineage: Lowryder (Original) x Santa Maria (Brazilian Landrace)
Historical Significance: The first commercially viable Autoflower; the grandfather of the modern Auto market.
THC Content: 12% – 16% (Modest by modern standards, revolutionary for its time)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Balanced Relaxation, Mild Euphoria, Functional "Daytime" High, Stress Relief
If the original Lowryder was the prototype, Lowryder 2 was the production model that changed the world.
When the original Lowryder was released by The Joint Doctor, it was a botanical curiosity. It was the first strain to flower automatically (thanks to Cannabis Ruderalis genetics), but it was tiny, low-yielding, and frankly, not very potent. Critics dismissed autoflowers as "ditch weed."
Lowryder 2 silenced the critics.
By crossing the original dwarf plant with a high-potency Brazilian Sativa, The Joint Doctor created a plant that grew faster than a photoperiod, stayed small enough for a closet, but actually got you high. Every modern autoflower—from Mephisto Genetics to Fast Buds—owes its existence to the genetic breakthrough of Lowryder 2.
History and Lineage: The Brazilian Upgrade
The genius of Lowryder 2 lies in the specific strain chosen to upgrade the original genetics.
The Mother (Lowryder #1): A cross of Mexican Ruderalis x Northern Lights #2 x William’s Wonder. It provided the "Autoflowering" trait—the internal clock that forces the plant to flower regardless of light cycles.
The Father (Santa Maria): This is the magic ingredient. Santa Maria (also known as Planalto de Brasil) is a legendary Brazilian landrace variety that was reportedly used in religious ceremonies. It is known for a soaring, spiritual high and high resin production.
The Legacy: The Santa Maria injected potency, yield, and flavor into the Ruderalis lineage. It took the "dwarf" genetics and gave them Sativa vigor. The result was a plant that finished in 9 weeks from seed but produced buds that looked and smelled like "real" cannabis.
Terpene Profile: Sandalwood and Musk
Lowryder 2 has a very distinct "Old School Auto" smell. It lacks the candy sweetness of modern hybrids, leaning instead into exotic spices and earth.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Musk): The dominant note. It provides an earthy, herbal base that grounds the high.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Inherited from the Ruderalis ancestors, this gives the strain a spicy, pepper-like kick.
Pinene (The Wood): Adds a scent of fresh timber and resin.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is surprisingly pungent for a small plant. It smells of sandalwood, wet earth, and ripe fruit. There is a funky, "fermented" quality to it.
The Smoke: It can be slightly harsh due to the Ruderalis genetics, but the flavor is pleasant—spicy wood, coffee, and a hint of sweet citrus from the Santa Maria.
Strain Effects: The Functional Buzz
By 2024 standards, Lowryder 2 is not a "heavy hitter." It won't glue you to the couch. And that is exactly why people still love it.
The Experience
The Onset: It is a gentle climber. You won't feel a "smack" to the face. Instead, a mild mood boost sets in.
The Middle: A balanced hybrid effect takes over. You feel relaxed physically but mentally clear. The Santa Maria genetics provide a nice cerebral spark that keeps you awake.
The Utility: This is the ultimate "Chore Weed." You can smoke a joint of Lowryder 2 and still clean the house, go grocery shopping, or finish a work project.
The Comedown: There is no heavy crash. The high simply fades away, leaving you sober and hungry.
Best For: Novice smokers, daytime use, gardening, and quick stress relief without intoxication.
Medical Benefits
Lowryder 2 is excellent for patients who are sensitive to the anxiety-inducing THC levels of modern strains (often 30%+).
Anxiety: Because the THC is moderate (12-15%), it rarely triggers paranoia. It is a "safe" strain for anxious users.
Mild Pain: It helps with stiffness and aches, though it may not touch severe neuropathic pain.
Nausea: The earthy, spicy profile settles the stomach effectively.
Mood Stability: It provides a gentle lift for depression without the manic energy of a pure Haze.
Growing Lowryder 2: The Stealth Specialist
This is the strain that invented "Micro-Growing."
Growth Structure
The Speed: This is the selling point. It goes from seed to harvest in 8 to 9 weeks. It is incredibly fast.
The Size: It stays tiny. Most plants finish between 12 to 20 inches tall. You can grow it in a PC tower, a bucket, or a kitchen cabinet.
The Ease: It requires no change in light cycles. You can run your lights 18/6 or 24/0 the entire time. It is resilient to cold and light leaks.
The Yield: Low to Moderate. Expect 15-30 grams per plant. It is about speed and stealth, not volume.
Grower’s Tip: Do not transplant autoflowers. Start the seed in its final pot (3-gallon is perfect). Transplanting causes stress that can stunt the plant, and since its life cycle is so short, it doesn't have time to recover.
Final Verdict: The Godfather of Autos
Lowryder 2 is a Hall of Fame strain. While it has been surpassed in potency and yield by modern "Super Autos" (like Gorilla Glue Auto or Girl Scout Cookies Auto), it remains a vital piece of history. It was the proof of concept that launched a revolution. It is the perfect strain for the beginner grower, the stealth smoker, or the historian who wants to experience the plant that bridged the gap between the wild Ruderalis and the high-grade cannabis we enjoy today.
You should choose Lowryder 2 if:
You are a first-time grower with limited space.
You need a stealth plant that stays under 2 feet tall.
You prefer a moderate, functional high over getting "wasted."
You want to grow a piece of cannabis history.
Score: 8.5/10 (The Strain That Saved Autoflowers)