Written by Ad OpsIntroduction and Overview
Mike Larry V2 is a contemporary hybrid with a reputation for precision breeding, strong bag appeal, and a terpene-forward experience that satisfies both connoisseurs and cultivators. Bred by Skunk House Genetics, the V2 designation signals a refined remake or second-generation selection of the original Mike Larry, aiming to lock in consistency and elevate desirable traits. With an indica/sativa heritage that feels truly balanced in well-grown examples, the strain presents a polished fusion of OG gas and creamy dessert notes.
Across competitive markets, Mike Larry V2 has become a favorite for its high resin production and dense, trichome-caked flowers. Consumers often describe the effects as clear yet potent, with a pronounced body presence that never fully dulls mental focus at moderate doses. For growers, the cultivar’s structure rewards careful training, while its moderate flowering time and strong yields make it viable in both hobby and commercial settings.
While official public lab aggregates for Mike Larry V2 are still limited, data from comparable OG x Gelato lineages help triangulate expectations. In well-optimized indoor grows, total cannabinoids commonly test in the mid-20s by percentage, with THC frequently in the 20–27% range and CBD typically below 1%. Total terpene content often falls between 1.5–3.5% by dry weight, and some elite runs can break above 4%, a threshold associated with notably rich aroma and flavor.
The strain’s popularity has been bolstered by its versatility across consumption formats. Flower, rosin, and hydrocarbon concentrates each showcase different facets of its profile, from lemon-pine gas to sweet cream and vanilla frosting. These multiple dimensions, combined with a modern potency ceiling and a familiar OG backbone, explain why Mike Larry V2 earns repeat purchases among discerning buyers.
History and Breeding Background
Skunk House Genetics, known for stacking elite clones and stabilizing boutique crosses, created Mike Larry as a mashup of iconic West Coast pedigrees. The original Mike Larry is widely reported by growers and vendors to descend from Gelato #45 and Larry OG (also called Lemon Larry), uniting dessert-forward cookie genetics with the citrus-diesel backbone of a classic OG. Mike Larry V2 represents a second iteration, selected to further refine structure, terpene density, and resin output while maintaining the strain’s balanced indica/sativa feel.
In practice, a V2 in modern cannabis breeding can signify several strategies, including a new filial generation (F2), a backcross to one parent to emphasize specific traits, or a rework using different but related parental stock. Skunk House Genetics is known for in-depth phenotype hunts that identify exceptional keepers for both commercial performance and connoisseur quality. Reports from growers suggest that V2 phenos tend to display more uniform bud structure and an intensified gelato-cream layering atop OG gas.
Larry OG contributes the hallmark lemon-pine-fuel aroma and a familiar OG stretch, while Gelato #45 brings a creamy, dessert-like sweetness, rich anthocyanin potential, and an often-smoother finish. Gelato #45 itself descends from Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint GSC, and it is known for dense trichome coverage and robust bag appeal. Putting these lineages together creates a flavor-first hybrid with a strong resin ceiling—a key reason why the cultivar shines in solventless extractions.
As the legal cannabis market increasingly rewards reliable, repeatable results, cultivars like Mike Larry V2 have surged because they hit both production and retail marks. Anecdotal notes from competitive growers indicate higher keeper rates from V2 seed hunts than from the earliest Mike Larry runs, suggesting improved stability. The end product mirrors the trend: polished flavor expression, attractive morphology, and a potency lane that places it among modern heavy-hitters.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotype Variation
The prevailing consensus is that Mike Larry V2 descends from Gelato #45 and Larry OG, two proven, market-validated parents. Larry OG, a descendant of OG Kush lines, brings classic fuel, lemon, and pine, along with the archetypal OG bud structure and a comfortable, grounded potency. Gelato #45 contributes thick resin heads, color potential, and the sweet-vanilla dessert profile that modern consumers often prioritize.
In a V2 remake, breeders typically prioritize consistency, targeting uniform internode spacing, more predictable stretch, and a higher proportion of plants that hit the intended terpene profile. Growers who have run V2 report that phenotypes frequently fall into two dominant camps. One leans OG with spear-shaped colas, heavier citrus-gas, and a slightly looser node stack; the other leans Gelato with rounder, denser flowers and a more pronounced cream-vanilla sweetness.
Even within an improved line, real-world phenotype variation is natural, especially from seed, and environment exerts a measurable influence on expression. Cooler night temperatures in the last two to three weeks of flower—often 60–68°F—can pull purple coloration from Gelato-leaning plants without compromising vigor. Meanwhile, warmer, drier late flower with a VPD in the 1.2–1.5 kPa range tends to intensify fuel-forward aromatics, a classic OG trait.
From a chemotype perspective, most phenotypes produce THC-dominant profiles with low CBD and minor cannabinoids such as CBG typically in the 0.1–0.8% range. Terpene dominance commonly oscillates between limonene-caryophyllene forward and linalool-myrcene forward, each shaping the experiential character. The result is a cultivar that can be tuned through selection and environmental steering to hit a target flavor and effect set with a high probability of success.
Appearance and Visual Traits
Visually, Mike Larry V2 is a showpiece cultivar with heavy trichome coverage that gives mature buds a frosted, almost sugared appearance. The flowers often present as medium-density clusters that consolidate into large terminal colas under trellis support. Expect calyx-forward morphology with limited leaf intrusion, making for cleaner trim and a premium bag appeal even before curing.
Coloration ranges from lime and forest green to deeper olive, often accented by streaks of lavender or royal purple in cooler rooms. Healthy pistils mature from tangerine to amber, weaving through the dense calyxes and highlighting the strain’s high resin density. Under strong LED spectrums heavy in red and far-red during late bloom, the resin layer can look almost lacquered, an indicator of extraction-friendly material.
Larry-leaning phenotypes exhibit more spear-like colas and slightly more stretch, while Gelato-leaning phenos tend toward chunkier, golf-ball nodes that stack into columnar tops. In both expressions, the uniformity of resin head size and coverage distinguishes the cultivar from average hybrids. Growers commonly note that a proper flush and gradual dry reveal a glassy, diamond-dusted finish.
When properly dried and cured, the buds maintain their structure rather than collapsing, suggesting a strong calyx ratio and limited moisture trapped in sugar leaves. This trait improves long-term stability and reduces the risk of terpene loss due to over-drying. The overall look—dense, shining buds with pops of color—checks nearly every box for modern retail presentation.
Aroma and Sensory Complexity
Mike Larry V2 exhibits a layered bouquet blending OG gas and citrus with a creamy gelato sweetness and faint vanilla. On first crack of a cured jar, many note lemon zest, pine resin, and a high-octane fuel edge that announces the Larry OG side. A softer undercurrent of sweet cream, pastry dough, and light berry follows, especially in Gelato-leaning expressions.
Grinding the flower releases a more assertive funk that can drift into skunk and diesel territory, with some phenos adding a peppery kick. Regardless of lean, limonene-caryophyllene interplay tends to set the aromatic scaffold, while linalool and myrcene round off the sharper notes. A clean, controlled cure will preserve this top-note delicacy and keep the finish from turning grassy.
As the flower breathes, secondary notes of vanilla frosting, marshmallow, and faint cocoa can emerge, a hallmark of Gelato #45 influence. For OG-forward phenotypes, the pine-sol essence intensifies, with bright citrus peels and an almost eucalyptus lift. Both camps typically share a unifying “sweet gas” impression that’s easy to recognize on repeat exposure.
Room fill is notable during grinding and rolling, which is useful in sensory testing but requires discretion in non-permissive settings. Total terpene content in the 2–3% range by dry weight is common for well-grown runs, enough to project across a small room. At that density, minor storage mistakes can cause rapid terpenoid volatilization, reinforcing the importance of post-harvest control.
Flavor and Consumption Notes
The flavor profile mirrors the aroma, opening with zesty lemon and pine over a creamy, sweet base that reads as vanilla gelato. On the inhale, the gas-forward note is often dominant, while the exhale leaves a smoother dessert finish with a light peppery tingle. If rolled in papers, the sweetness tends to present more clearly in the latter half of the joint.
Glass and clean convection vaporizers reveal nuance, especially at lower temperatures. At 350–370°F on a dry herb vape, expect brighter citrus, creamy pastry tones, and less harshness; stepping up to 390–410°F adds diesel, pepper, and a denser mouthfeel. Concentrates made from Mike Larry V2, particularly solventless rosin, typically push the cream-vanilla side while retaining a pop of OG zing.
Pairs and palate cleansers can elevate the experience. Citrus seltzer, green apple slices, or unsalted crackers can reset taste buds between draws, making the sweeter elements stand out. Chocolate with higher cacao percentages can amplify the cocoa-vanilla undertone for Gelato-leaning phenotypes.
Combustion and heat management are critical for terp preservation. Avoid scorching the first third of a joint or over-torching a dab; terpene loss accelerates above ~392°F for certain monoterpenes, which can dull complexity. Gentle heat ramps maintain flavor fidelity and help prevent throat irritation.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Although strain-specific public datasets remain limited, reports from reputable cultivators and analogous lineage testing suggest Mike Larry V2 expresses a THC-dominant profile. Indoor, dialed runs commonly land between 20–27% THC, with outliers above 28% in high-PPFD, CO2-enriched rooms. CBD is typically trace to low, usually under 1%, while total cannabinoids can register in the 22–30% range.
Minor cannabinoids in Gelato- and OG-derived lines often include CBG in the 0.1–0.8% range and CBC below 0.5%. THCV is generally trace but can appear above 0.2% in rare phenotypes. These minor constituents, while small in percentage, can subtly modulate effect character alongside the terpene ensemble.
The potency experience tends to be front-loaded with a fast onset for inhaled routes. Inhalation typically produces subjective effects within 2–5 minutes, peak intensity around 30–45 minutes, and a taper lasting 2–3 hours for most consumers. For edibles or tinctures made with Mike Larry V2, onset usually arrives after 30–90 minutes, with effects often lasting 4–6 hours, consistent with oral THC pharmacokinetics.
Dose calibration is recommended for potency-sensitive users because higher THC products correlate with increased likelihood of adverse effects like anxiety and dizziness. Surveys indicate dry mouth and dry eyes remain the most common side effects, affecting an estimated 30–60% of users depending on dose and hydration. As always, set and setting, prior tolerance, and route of administration heavily influence the perceived intensity.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Mike Larry V2’s terpene spectrum is typically led by limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and linalool, with myrcene and alpha-pinene frequently present as supporting actors. In many third-party tests of OG x Gelato crosses, limonene often falls in the 0.4–0.9% range, caryophyllene in the 0.3–0.8% range, and linalool in the 0.1–0.4% range by dry weight. Combined totals of 1.5–3.5% are common for top-shelf runs, with exceptional material surpassing 4%.
Limonene anchors the citrus lift and can contribute to a perceived mood-elevating edge. Beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene that binds to CB2 receptors, is associated with pepper and spice and may influence how the body interprets discomfort. Linalool adds lavender-like sweetness and can soften harsher fuel notes while contributing to a calmer, more rounded experience.
Myrcene, often the dominant terpene in many legacy strains, ranges widely in this cultivar depending on phenotype, from trace levels to around 0.4%. When present in higher amounts, myrcene can add ripe fruit and an earthy undertone while subtly deepening body relaxation. Alpha-pinene contributes crisp pine aromatics and may counter some memory dulling sometimes attributed to THC at higher doses.
Environmental management affects terpene outcomes. Higher late-flower temperatures and low humidity can drive volatilization, cutting measured totals even if the plant’s genetic potential remains high. Cultivation practices that maintain canopy temperatures around 70–78°F in late flower, with nightly drops of 3–7°F and RH at 50–55%, tend to preserve more monoterpenes—an important factor for flavor-first buyers.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Mike Larry V2 delivers a hybrid effect profile that many describe as “balanced but substantial.” The onset brings clear-headed focus and a mood lift, followed by a gradual body relaxation that lowers physical tension without fully couch-locking at moderate doses. This balance often makes it suitable for afternoon or early evening use.
At higher doses, the body load increases and sedation becomes more pronounced, aligning with the OG side of the family. The mental state remains pleasant but can lean into introspection, and novice users may prefer a seated environment. Social settings can be enhanced by the upbeat top end, though terpenes and dose will shape whether conversation flows or becomes more inward.
Functional activities like creative planning, music appreciation, or light chores pair well with Mike Larry V2 at lower doses. Some users report a sharpened sensory appreciation, making it a good candidate for flavor-forward pairings or a film-and-snacks night. As effects taper, appetite stimulation is common, a trait consistent with potent THC chemotypes and caryophyllene-forward terpene mixes.
Side effects align with standard THC-forward profiles. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common; hydration and eye drops mitigate most issues. Anxiety risk increases with dose, particularly in sensitive individuals, so titrating gradually is prudent, especially when switching from flower to concentrates.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
Patients and adult-use consumers often reach for Mike Larry V2 for stress relief, mood elevation, and body comfort. The limonene-linalool tandem in some phenotypes supports a calmer affect, while the caryophyllene backbone adds a grounded, weighted body feel. In markets where chronic pain is the top qualifying condition—commonly representing roughly two-thirds of medical cannabis registrations—THC-dominant hybrids like this are frequent choices.
Individuals managing musculoskeletal pain, tension headaches, or post-activity soreness may find benefit from the strain’s blend of relaxation and uplift. Evening use can support sleep onset for some, particularly in phenotypes with higher myrcene or linalool. Appetite support is also observed, a typical outcome in THC-forward strains with pronounced caryophyllene.
For anxiety and mood, response is personal and dose-dependent. Lower-dose inhalation or balanced formulations combining this strain’s extract with CBD may improve tolerability while preserving desirable mood effects. Patients should track their own response by noting time, dose, set, and setting, then adjusting incrementally.
As with all cannabis use, contraindications and cautions apply. High-THC products can transiently elevate heart rate by 20–30 beats per minute in sensitive users, and those with cardiovascular concerns should consult clinicians. Additionally, interactions with sedatives, alcohol, or anxiolytics may potentiate drowsiness, so concurrent use warrants caution and medical guidance.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Mike Larry V2 rewards growers who embrace careful environmental steering, canopy management, and post-harvest discipline. Its indica/sativa heritage expresses as a moderately vigorous plant with a 1.6–1.9x stretch after flip, making pre-flower training and trellis support essential. Flowering typically completes in 8–10 weeks depending on phenotype, with many growers harvesting around day 63–70 for optimal resin maturity and flavor.
Environment and lighting: In vegetative growth, target 72–80°F with 60–70% RH and a VPD of 0.8–1.1 kPa to build robust leaf and root mass. In early flower, shift to 70–78°F with 55–60% RH, guiding VPD to 1.1–1.3 kPa; in late flower, drop RH to 45–55% and consider a 3–7°F night differential to tighten bud structure and preserve terpenes. Under LED systems, aim for 400–600 PPFD in veg and 800–1,000 PPFD in mid-late bloom; with supplemental CO2 at 1,000–1,200 ppm, some rooms successfully push 1,100–1,200 PPFD for added yield.
Photoperiod and DLI: Veg under 18/6 or 20/4 to deliver a Daily Light Integral (DLI) of 20–35 mol/m²/day, depending on plant age. Flower at 12/12 with a DLI of 35–45 mol/m²/day for strong bud development. Consistent light distribution and canopy uniformity reduce lower-popcorn formation and elevate overall grade.
Mediums and irrigation: The cultivar performs in diverse systems—living soil, coco, and hydro—so choose based on comfort and risk tolerance. In coco, maintain a root-zone pH of 5.8–6.2 and an EC of 1.4–1.8 in mid flower; in soil, pH 6.2–6.6 is a reliable target. Automated drip in coco with 1–3 small irrigations per photoperiod in early flower scaling to 3–5 in peak bloom helps maintain stable root-zone EC and reduces salt spikes.
Nutrition: Mike Larry V2 benefits from moderate-to-high calcium and magnesium in both veg and early flower to support dense cell walls and heavy resin production. Keep nitrogen robust through week 3 of bloom, then gradually taper as phosphorus and potassium increase, peaking around weeks 5–7. Silica supplementation (50–100 ppm as monosilicic or stabilized forms) can strengthen cell structure, aiding in pest resistance and overall plant posture.
Training and canopy control: Topping once or twice in veg, followed by low-stress training, creates an even canopy that maximizes light capture and mitigates OG-leaning stretch. Install a first trellis before flip and a second at week 2–3 of flower to support swelling colas. Defoliation is best done in two light passes—one at day 18–24 to open airflow and a touch-up at day 37–42—ensuring leaves that drive photosynthesis remain while removing sites that trap moisture.
Integrated pest management: Preventive measures beat reactive spraying late in bloom. Maintain sanitation, quarantine new clones, and run sticky traps to track pest pressure. Beneficial insects like Amblyseius swirskii or A. cucumeris for thrips and Neoseiulus californicus or Phytoseiulus persimilis for mites help protect the canopy, while Bacillus-based biofungicides reduce risk of powdery mildew under susceptible conditions.
Yield and performance: Indoor yields of 450–600 g/m² are common for skilled growers, with some dialed, CO2-enriched runs achieving 650+ g/m². Outdoor plants in temperate climates can exceed 800–1,200 g per plant when rooted early in rich, well-draining soil with full sun. The high resin density translates into strong concentrate returns; solventless hash producers often report 4–6% rosin yields from fresh-frozen material, with exceptional phenotypes pushing 7–8%.
Harvest timing: Track trichomes across upper, mid, and lower canopy using 60–100x magnification. For a bright, energetic effect, harvest when most heads are cloudy with <5% amber; for a heavier, more sedative finish, target 10–15% amber. Many growers find 5–10% amber provides a well-balanced expression that preserves top-note terpenes while delivering body depth.
Drying and curing: To protect the terpene profile, adopt a slow, controlled dry at ~60°F and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days. Once stems snap but don’t shatter, trim and jar with hygrometers, burping as needed to stabilize at 58–62% RH. Water activity stabilized near 0.58–0.62 a_w minimizes mold risk while preserving volatiles; well-cured Mike Larry V2 often intensifies its sweet-gas complexity over the first 4–6 weeks.
Outdoor and greenhouse notes: The cultivar appreciates warm days and cool nights, with good airflow to avoid late-season botrytis in dense colas. Plant by last frost and use raised beds or amended soil with strong calcium, magnesium, and micronutrient availability. Greenhouse dehumidification in weeks 6–9 of bloom is particularly valuable, as RH above ~65% during dark periods significantly increases mold risk in thick OG-leaning tops.
Troubleshooting: Yellowing between veins (interveinal chlorosis) mid-flower can indicate magnesium deficiency, particularly in high-PPFD rooms; address with Mg supplementation and confirm pH is in range. Tip burn at the cola edges often points to excessive EC or uneven dry-backs—reduce feed strength slightly and tighten irrigation timing. If terp intensity feels muted post-harvest, evaluate dry room temperature, RH fluctuations, and container headspace, as these variables strongly influence terpene retention.
Post-harvest storage: Store in airtight, food-grade containers away from heat and UV, ideally at 60–65°F and 55–62% RH. Oxygen exposure and temperature swings accelerate terpene loss; some producers employ nitrogen flushing or vacuum-sealable, rigid containers to slow oxidation. Under optimal storage, Mike Larry V2’s flavor remains vibrant for 3–6 months, with gradual softening thereafter depending on packaging and handling.
