Santa Maria: The Amazonian Sacrament
Santa Maria: The Amazonian Sacrament
Strain Overview
Alternate Names: Planalto, Holy Weed, St. Maria
Type: Sativa Landrace (IBL - Inbred Line)
Origin: The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Lineage: Indigenous Landrace (Pure Brazilian Sativa)
Famous Offspring: The genetic mother of Lowryder 2 (The strain that modernized autoflowers)
THC Content: 18% – 20% (Surprisingly high for a landrace)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Linalool, Ocimene, Terpinolene
Key Effects: Spiritual Euphoria, Intense Energy, Aphrodisiac Qualities, "Inner Peace"
In the history of cannabis, few strains possess a resume as diverse as Santa Maria. To the indigenous peoples and spiritual sects of Brazil, it is a sacrament—a conduit to the divine used in religious ceremonies. To the modern cannabis grower, it is the savior of the Autoflower genre.
Santa Maria (specifically the "Planalto" cut) is a legendary Brazilian landrace that made its way to the Netherlands in the 1990s. While most landraces are wild and untamable, Santa Maria was unique: it was incredibly potent, it flowered faster than other Sativas, and it had a profound, clear-headed high.
This is the strain that The Joint Doctor selected to cross with the original Lowryder. Why? Because the original Lowryder was weak. Santa Maria injected the potency, flavor, and vigor needed to create Lowryder 2, effectively birthing the modern autoflower industry.
History and Origin: The Holy Weed
The story of Santa Maria is steeped in mysticism.
The Spiritual Roots: In Brazil, this strain is associated with spiritual groups (like the Santo Daime) who use it as a companion to Ayahuasca or as a standalone sacrament during "Santa Maria" ceremonies. It is revered not just for getting high, but for inducing a state of meditative trances and spiritual connection.
The Dutch Connection: In the late 90s, a specific clone of this landrace—known as the "Planalto Cut"—was smuggled into Holland. Unlike the spindly, low-THC Sativas often found in the wild, this cut was a genetic anomaly: it grew rock-hard buds and tested high for THC.
The Breeding Revolution: When The Joint Doctor realized his original Lowryder lacked punch, he didn't turn to a Dutch Haze or an American OG. He turned to Santa Maria. He needed a strain that was potent but didn't have a 16-week flowering time. Santa Maria was the perfect match.
Terpene Profile: The Jungle Floral
Santa Maria smells unlike any modern hybrid. It lacks the "fuel" of an OG or the "candy" of a Runtz. It smells alive.
Dominant Terpenes
Linalool (The Floral): Rare to see as a dominant terpene, Linalool gives Santa Maria a distinct lavender and floral aroma. This contributes to its calming, spiritual effects despite being a Sativa.
Terpinolene (The Fruit): Provides a complex bouquet of apples, nutmeg, and tropical flowers.
Ocimene (The Herb): Adds a sweet, woody, and herbaceous undertone that smells like crushed jungle leaves.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: A stunning mix of lavender, exotic spices, fresh melon, and sandalwood. It smells like expensive incense.
The Smoke: incredibly smooth and floral. The exhale leaves a taste of sweet fruit and soapy lavender on the palate.
Strain Effects: The Spiritual Aphrodisiac
Santa Maria is famous for two specific effects: The Spiritual and The Physical.
The Experience
The Ascension: The high is immediate but not racy. It feels like a "lifting" of the spirit. Anxiety and negative thoughts dissolve, replaced by a state of zen-like clarity.
The Energy: Unlike a heavy Indica, this strain makes you want to move, dance, or create. It is pure Sativa fuel without the paranoia.
The Connection: Historically used in group ceremonies, it promotes empathy and social connection. You feel connected to the people around you.
The "Viagra" Effect: It is an open secret among old-school growers that Santa Maria is a potent aphrodisiac. It enhances tactile sensation and physical intimacy, likely due to the unique combination of high THC and relaxing Linalool.
Best For: Meditation, yoga, creative writing, intimate nights with a partner, and nature walks.
Medical Benefits
This strain is distinct because it heals the "Spirit" as much as the body.
Depression & PTSD: The euphoria is profound. It provides a sense of hope and well-being that is highly effective for mood disorders.
Fatigue: It provides long-lasting, clean energy without the caffeine-like jitters of a Haze.
Pain (Psychosomatic): While not a body numbere, it helps patients disconnect from the stress of their pain.
Libido Support: Frequently used to treat low libido or sexual dysfunction.
Growing Santa Maria: The Fast Sativa
For a pure landrace Sativa, Santa Maria is shockingly easy to manage. This is why it was chosen for breeding.
Growth Structure
The Speed: Most landrace Sativas take 14 weeks to flower. Santa Maria finishes in 8 to 9 weeks. This "fast flowering" trait is genetic gold.
The Shape: It grows tall and Christmas-tree shaped, with long internodal spacing. However, the buds fill in surprisingly dense for a Sativa.
The Resilience: Evolved in the Amazon, it is practically immune to high humidity and mold. It thrives in hot, wet environments.
The Yield: Moderate to High. It produces long, silver-white colas.
Grower’s Tip: This plant doesn't like high doses of Nitrogen. It prefers a "light feed." If you blast it with commercial nutrients, it may burn. Treat it gently, like the wild plant it is.
Final Verdict: The Mother of Modern Autos
Santa Maria is more than just a strain; it is a genetic keystone. Without this Brazilian landrace, the autoflower revolution might have stalled out with the weak original Lowryder. It brought the Soul, the Potency, and the Flavor that turned autoflowers from a novelty into a serious cultivation option.
Whether you are seeking a spiritual aid, a natural aphrodisiac, or simply want to experience the "Mother" of the Lowryder 2, Santa Maria is a bucket-list strain that offers a window into the indigenous history of cannabis.
You should choose Santa Maria if:
You are looking for a spiritual or meditative high.
You want a natural aphrodisiac strain.
You are a fan of Lowryder 2 and want to try its parent.
You love floral and exotic terpene profiles.
Score: 9.5/10 (The Amazonian Queen)