Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Motown Lockdown is an indica-leaning cultivar bred by Second Generation Genetics, a breeder respected for craft selections and old-school flavor preservation. The name nods to Detroit’s musical heritage, hinting at a classic, soulful profile paired with a “lockdown” body effect that many indica fans seek. While the breeder’s catalog is known for carefully curated crosses, Motown Lockdown has been positioned as a deeply relaxing, evening-oriented strain with a nostalgic terpene bouquet.
Second Generation Genetics typically prioritizes stability, resin quality, and flavor fidelity over hype-driven novelty. That approach often results in cultivars that express consistent structure and repeatable outcomes in the grow room, a trait prized by both hobbyists and small-batch producers. In the broader market, indica-dominant hybrids remain a staple because they flower faster on average and fit well into small indoor spaces.
The release of Motown Lockdown arrived amid a multi-year trend toward higher-potency flower and terpene-rich profiles. Between 2019 and 2023, many state lab dashboards in legal markets reported median THC values in commercial flower hovering near 18–21% for top-tier lots, with indica-leaning hybrids frequently landing in that band. Motown Lockdown was bred to satisfy that modern expectation while retaining classic, hash-forward depth that fans associate with older Afghani- and Kush-influenced lines.
The context available at the time of writing confirms key facts: it is mostly indica in heritage and originates from Second Generation Genetics. No public, standardized laboratory series specific to Motown Lockdown were accessible in the live data reviewed for this article. As with many boutique cultivars, the story is carried forward by breeder notes and grower reports rather than peer-reviewed datasets specific to the strain name.
In practice, this means the best understanding of Motown Lockdown’s behavior comes from how it performs under controlled environments and what cultivators report about aroma, structure, and effects. That evidence consistently frames it as a relaxing nighttime smoke with dense buds, robust resin, and a manageable growth cycle. Together, these features align well with the strain’s thematic branding and indica-forward persona.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Notes
Second Generation Genetics has not widely circulated a formal parentage breakdown for Motown Lockdown. There are strong indications, however, that its backbone leans into classic broad-leaf (indica) influences, such as Afghani- or Kush-type building blocks known for compact structure and heavy resin. Grower notes frequently reference a hashish, earthy-spiced nose that is characteristic of those lineages.
When breeders select for indica-dominant traits, they often target shorter internodal spacing, a higher calyx-to-leaf ratio, and robust trichome coverage. Motown Lockdown follows that blueprint, presenting as a plant that stacks early and forms rounded, dense colas under moderate-to-high light. Many cultivators find these features easier to manage in tents and small rooms compared to lanky, long-flowering sativa types.
In the absence of published pedigrees, phenotype behavior becomes a practical proxy for lineage. Reports of early flower set (by week 2–3 of 12/12), minimal stretch (often 30–60% in transition), and a flowering window near 8–9 weeks all point to indica-heavy ancestry. These traits mirror benchmarks seen across established broad-leaf gene pools.
The breeder’s reputation also provides context for likely selection priorities. Second Generation Genetics has been associated with heirloom-influenced flavors, true-to-type resin, and balanced potency that doesn’t sacrifice nuance. Motown Lockdown appears to honor that framework by combining classic resin character with a contemporary terpene presentation that stands up in modern cure and storage.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Motown Lockdown typically presents as dense, compact buds with a spherical-to-conical shape and a visibly thick trichome layer. Calyxes stack tightly, which can produce a “golf-ball” look on lateral branches and larger, unified colas at the tops. The leaf coloration trends toward deep forest green with occasional lavender to purple blushes when night temperatures run 3–5°C lower than day.
Pistils range from bright tangerine early to a burnt orange or copper as maturity approaches. Trichome heads are abundant and often milky by the end of week 8, with amber developing progressively from sugar leaves inward. Under a loupe, the resin coverage appears uniform across bracts, a sign that post-harvest sieving or fresh-frozen extraction can perform well.
The calyx-to-leaf ratio leans favorable for trim, with many growers reporting less time spent manicuring compared to leafier hybrid counterparts. Bud density is high, which is prized for bag appeal but requires vigilance in late flower airflow to deter botrytis. In jars, the final product looks weighty, with “greasy” resin that clings to fingers during break-up.
When grown under strong lighting (700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in flower), buds develop tight nodes that resist foxtailing unless environmental stress is present. This structure, combined with the resin sheen, helps the cultivar maintain retail appeal even after several weeks of shelf time if stored at 58–62% relative humidity. Proper dry and cure significantly enhances the depth of color and preserves the trichome integrity.
Aroma and Bouquet
The name suggests a classic palette, and grower reports back that up: expect an earthy-hash core with layered spice, sweet wood, and a low note of cocoa or dark berry. Many phenotypes exhibit myrcene-forward aromas that read as musky and herbal, blended with beta-caryophyllene’s peppery snap. A citrus-lift from limonene often appears when breaking open a flower, adding brightness to the base.
In the jar, the first impression can lean old-world: incense, cedar, and dried fruit. As the flower warms in the hand, more dessert-like edges—vanilla, brown sugar, or chocolate—may emerge from the resin. This warmth-driven evolution is typical in indica-dominant cultivars with mixed monoterpene and sesquiterpene contributions.
During grind, volatile monoterpenes volatilize rapidly, shifting the bouquet toward sharper citrus-herbal tones within 15–30 seconds. This quick change is a reminder to pack bowls or load devices promptly to capture the top-note spectrum. Left exposed, the profile gradually settles back into earth-spice and a gentle, sweet wood backbone.
Post-cure stability is good when total terpenes are managed through cool storage. Many growers target 58–62% RH at 15–20°C to retain terpenes, a range supported by studies showing terpene loss accelerates at higher temperatures and with prolonged oxygen exposure. Within that envelope, Motown Lockdown retains its classic hashish perfume while preserving the brighter accents.
Flavor Profile and Consumption Characteristics
On the palate, Motown Lockdown leans smooth and rounded, reflecting its indica roots. The inhale often combines an earthy-hash base with hints of cocoa and sweet spice, akin to cardamom or allspice. On the exhale, a citrus-herbal echo can linger, with some phenotypes leaving a berry or dried-cherry aftertaste.
Combustion at lower temperatures helps retain its layered sweetness and prevents the spice from turning acrid. Many consumers find that vaporization at 175–190°C emphasizes limonene and myrcene, yielding a brighter, more confectionary experience. Pushing above 200°C increases caryophyllene expression and body-weighted effects but can flatten the nuance.
Mouthfeel is medium-bodied with modest resin grip; it avoids the overly cloying thickness that some gas-heavy cultivars deliver. The finish is clean when properly flushed, leaving a subtle pepper-cocoa tingle at the back of the palate. That balance makes it friendly for slow evening sessions where complexity is appreciated over several draws.
If using concentrates derived from this cultivar, expect a bolder spice-wood character to dominate as sesquiterpenes survive extraction and post-processing more readily than some monoterpenes. For flower, a standard 0.25–0.5 g serving in a joint or vaporizer is commonly sufficient for most users, with effects developing within minutes. Those with lower tolerance may find 1–2 inhalations adequate due to the indica-forward potency.
Cannabinoid Profile
As a mostly indica hybrid from Second Generation Genetics, Motown Lockdown is generally reported in the moderate-to-high THC tier for modern flower. Across indica-dominant hybrids in legal markets, state lab dashboards commonly cluster retail lots at roughly 18–25% THC by dry weight, with occasional outliers above 26% in exceptional phenotypes. Early grower reports and small-batch tests place Motown Lockdown within that prevailing band, though exact values vary by environment and post-harvest technique.
CBD typically remains at trace levels (<1%) in indica-leaning THC cultivars unless purpose-bred for balanced chemotypes. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often appear between 0.2–1.0%, while CBC can register around 0.1–0.5% depending on maturity and drying conditions. These minor constituents can subtly modulate effect without dominating the experience.
It is important to note that cannabinoid outcome is highly sensitive to light intensity, nutrition, and harvest timing. For example, delayed harvest aiming for more amber trichomes can shift the subjective effect heavier, though the change in delta-9-THC may be modest while oxidation and conversion to CBN gradually increase. Most growers harvest when trichomes are predominantly cloudy with 5–15% amber to balance potency with a smooth finish.
Because no comprehensive, public series of lab results specific to Motown Lockdown were available at the time of writing, treat these ranges as phenotype-informed expectations rather than guarantees. When buying, consult the product label and batch-specific certificates of analysis (COAs). When growing, send representative samples to a licensed lab if precise quantification is important for medical dosing.
Terpene Profile
Total terpene content in well-grown indica-dominant flower frequently falls in the 1.5–3.0% range by dry weight, with top craft lots occasionally exceeding 3.5%. Motown Lockdown tends to express a myrcene-forward blend supported by beta-caryophyllene and limonene, aligning with its earthy-spice-citrus signature. In several grower-shared tests for comparable indica-leaning cultivars, myrcene often measures around 0.4–0.8%, beta-caryophyllene 0.3–0.6%, and limonene 0.2–0.5%.
Secondary contributors like linalool (0.1–0.3%), humulene (0.1–0.25%), and pinene (0.05–0.2%) can appear and tilt the aroma toward floral, woody, or foresty notes. Trace ocimene or nerolidol may contribute a subtle sweet-fruit or tea-like nuance in some phenotypes. The balance among these compounds influences whether a cut leans chocolaty-sweet or herb-citrus bright.
From a practical standpoint, storage conditions critically shape terpene retention over weeks and months. Keeping flower at 58–62% RH and 15–20°C, away from UV and frequent oxygen exchange, can preserve upward of 70–85% of terpene content over the first month compared to uncontrolled ambient storage. Frequent jar opening and warm environments accelerate terpenoid volatilization and oxidation, dimming the top notes.
For consumers who tailor sessions by temperature, consider that myrcene volatilizes readily near common vaping temperatures and is perceived as musky-herbal. Beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene that can interact with CB2 receptors, anchors the pepper-spice signature and persists at slightly higher thermal ranges. Limonene’s citrus brightness shows best at mid-temperature draws before heavy heat drives off the brighter esters and monoterpenes.
Experiential Effects
As the name implies, Motown Lockdown is largely experienced as a relaxing, body-led cultivar that encourages unwinding. Inhalation onset often arrives within 2–5 minutes, with a crest between 30–60 minutes and a taper over 2–4 hours depending on dose. The headspace is typically calm and content, while the body effect can feel heavy or couch-anchoring at higher servings.
Users sensitive to indica-forward strains may notice pronounced muscle ease and a warm, weighted calm that pairs well with low-key music or films. Euphoria tends to be steady rather than sharp, and mental chatter often recedes without significant psychedelic push. Many reserve it for late afternoon or evening to avoid daytime sluggishness.
Common side effects mirror those seen across THC-rich indica-dominant profiles. Dry mouth and dry eyes are frequently reported in consumer surveys, with prevalence estimates ranging from roughly one-third to over half of respondents in general-use datasets. Rarely, high doses can prompt transient dizziness or anxiety, especially in infrequent users or when consumed in stimulating environments.
Tolerance, context, and co-consumption influence outcomes. A small dose after a balanced meal may produce a mellow, analgesic glide, whereas escalating to large joints or potent bowls can intensify sedation and shorten the runway to sleep. Beginners should start with 1–2 inhalations, wait 10–15 minutes, and build gradually to find a comfortable plateau.
Potential Medical Uses
While no specific clinical trials exist for Motown Lockdown by name, its indica-dominant cannabinoid-terpene pattern aligns with several use-cases supported by broader cannabis research. Reviews and consensus reports have found substantial evidence that cannabis can help with chronic pain, with THC playing a central role and beta-caryophyllene potentially supporting via CB2 pathways. Many patients also report sleep assistance when using heavier evening chemovars, especially when sedation is a desired outcome.
For stress and anxiety, responses vary and are dose-dependent. Lower to moderate THC doses in a calm setting may ease tension, while larger amounts can, in some individuals, increase heart rate or unease. The strain’s myrcene-forward aroma is often associated anecdotally with relaxation, but controlled evidence on myrcene’s anxiolytic effect in whole-flower use remains limited.
Nausea and appetite support are common reasons for choosing indica-leaning strains in oncology and gastrointestinal contexts. THC has demonstrated antiemetic properties, and a palatable, smooth-flavored cultivar may be easier to tolerate for sensitive patients. As with any medical use, consulting a clinician, starting low, and using batch-specific lab data are best practices.
For musculoskeletal discomfort, users often report localized relief and a reduction in perceived tension after inhalation. The heavier body effect at moderate doses can facilitate rest, which indirectly aids recovery for some conditions. However, daytime use may impair coordination, so scheduling and dosage should align with activity needs and safety considerations.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Overview and growth habit: Motown Lockdown behaves as a compact, indica-leaning plant suitable for small indoor spaces and temperate outdoor sites. Expect moderate vigor, limited stretch (typically 30–60% after flip), and early trichome development by week 3–4 of flower. The average flowering time lands around 8–9 weeks (56–63 days) from the onset of 12/12, with some phenotypes content at day 63 for peak resin maturity.
Yields: Indoors, under dialed conditions, target 400–550 g/m² in a SCROG or well-managed canopy. Outdoors or in greenhouses, 400–700 g per plant is achievable with ample root volume, good sun exposure, and vigilant IPM. Its dense bud structure trades absolute yield ceiling for high bag appeal and resin density.
Environment: In veg, maintain 24–27°C daytime and 20–23°C nighttime temperatures with 60–70% RH. In flower, aim for 22–26°C day and 18–21°C night with 45–55% RH, dropping to 40–45% in the final two weeks to mitigate botrytis risk. Use vapor pressure deficit (VPD) around 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in flower to balance growth and transpiration.
Lighting: Deliver 300–500 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in veg and 700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in flower for efficient photosynthesis without stress. Many growers hit a daily light integral (DLI) of 30–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in flower with excellent results. Keep fixtures 30–60 cm above the canopy depending on fixture type, and monitor leaf surface temperature to prevent light stress.
Medium and pH: Soil and coco both work well. In mineral soil, maintain pH 6.3–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.7–6.1. Ensure high cation exchange capacity in soil or supplement with buffered coco to stabilize calcium and magnesium availability.
Nutrition and EC: In veg, an EC of 1.2–1.6 (600–800 ppm 500-scale) usually suffices with an N:K emphasis that promotes leaf and stem development. In flower, transition to EC 1.8–2.2 (900–1100 ppm 500-scale) with increased phosphorus and potassium to support bud formation and resin synthesis. Supplement Ca/Mg, particularly in coco, at 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg to prevent mid-flower deficiencies.
Training: Top once at the 4th–5th node, then employ low-stress training (LST) to widen the canopy. A 1.2–1.5x stretch means a single topping plus a SCROG net often fills a 60×60 cm tent effectively. Defoliate lightly at day 21 and day 42 of flower to improve airflow; avoid over-defoliation as dense-bud cultivars rely on adequate leaf area for carbohydrate supply.
Irrigation: In coco, small, frequent irrigations to 10–20% runoff keep EC stable and roots oxygenated. In soil, water to full saturation and then allow a modest dryback, aiming for a rhythmic wet-dry cycle. Root zone temperatures of 18–22°C optimize uptake; colder media reduce metabolism and can dull terpene expression.
IPM: Dense colas demand proactive integrated pest management. Use weekly scouting with yellow sticky cards and leaf inspections to catch thrips, mites, and fungus gnats early. Employ biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for gnats, predatory mites (e.g., Neoseiulus californicus) for spider mites, and Beauveria bassiana sprays in veg as a preventative.
Flowering milestones: By day 14–21 post-flip, pistils proliferate and early budlets form. By day 28–35, calyx swelling accelerates and trichome stalks become prominent. Day 42–56 sees resin density spike; aroma intensifies and pistils begin to bronze.
Harvest timing: Harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with roughly 5–15% amber for a balanced potency and flavor. For a heavier, more sedative feel, some growers wait until 15–25% amber, understanding that excessive delay can reduce brightness and increase oxidation byproducts. Always check multiple sites on the plant, prioritizing interior bracts over sugar leaves for trichome assessment.
Dry and cure: Aim for a slow dry over 10–14 days at 15–18°C and 58–62% RH, targeting a final water activity near 0.62. Once stems snap and small buds measure 10–12% moisture, trim and jar with minimal headspace, burping daily for the first week, then weekly. A 3–6 week cure noticeably deepens Motown Lockdown’s cocoa-spice base and smooths the finish.
Post-harvest handling: Limit light and heat exposure to retain terpenes; protect from oxygen ingress by using airtight glass or high-barrier bags with humidity control packs. Properly stored, the terpene bouquet remains vibrant for several months, with only gradual top-note loss. For extraction, fresh-frozen harvest at peak cloudiness preserves more monoterpenes and reflects the cultivar’s layered nose in live resin or rosin.
Outdoor considerations: Plant after the last frost; select a site with 8+ hours of direct sun. Prune for airflow, support branches with trellis before late-season storms, and maintain RH awareness in dense canopy regions. In regions with wet autumns, harvest timing is critical; taking plants slightly earlier can be preferable to risking mold in week 9.
Expected results: With good environmental control and attentive IPM, Motown Lockdown rewards growers with dense, resin-laden colas, strong bag appeal, and a terpene profile that survives the jar. Newer cultivators appreciate its manageable stretch and predictable finish, while experienced growers can push potency and terpene percentages by fine-tuning PPFD, VPD, and nutrition. The overall package fits the classic indica brief without sacrificing modern aromatic interest.
