Runtz

Where does Runtz come from?

Runtz is a cross of two dessert-sweet strains: Zkittlez, known for its fruity candy smell, and Gelato, a creamy strain from the Cookies family tree. Who made the cross is less clear.

It's most closely tied to the Runtz crew in California, a small group that included Long Beach rapper Yung LB, who showed it at the Emerald Cup in late 2017. Cookies is also often credited, partly because Gelato has Cookies genetics behind it and partly because the brand added Runtz strains to its lineup in 2018. The original breeder is not well documented.

The name is usually read as a candy joke, a nod to its Zkittlez parent and to the plant's small buds. The same cross has also been sold as Gelato Zkittlez.

What does Runtz smell and taste like?

Runtz smells sweet first: sugary candy and ripe fruit, with berry and tropical notes. Many batches also carry a little gas and earth underneath.

Caryophyllene often leads its terpene results, followed by limonene and myrcene. Caryophyllene brings a peppery bite, limonene the bright citrus and myrcene a softer, earthy side. The flavour is usually sweet and smooth, with fruit on the inhale and a creamy finish.

Runtz effects: what people report

People most often describe Runtz as happy, giggly and relaxed, with a mood lift up front and a heavier body feel as it settles. Reports split on where it lands: some find it chatty and upbeat, while others call it sleepy, especially at higher amounts.

These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your own tolerance. Dry mouth is the most common complaint, and some people mention a headache or feeling anxious.

How strong is Runtz?

Runtz is usually a high-THC strain. Listings put it anywhere from about 19% to 30% THC, with many batches in the low to mid 20s and very little CBD.

If you're new to it, start with a small amount and give it time before having more. The THC and CBD numbers for your batch are printed on the label, and they matter more than the strain name.

Buying Runtz in Canada

Read the label closely: some Runtz products are the original Zkittlez and Gelato cross, others are related strains like White Runtz or Pink Runtz, and different producers grow different cuts.

You might find it as dried flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges or concentrates. Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date on the label, since fresher flower keeps more of that candy smell.

Runtz vs Pink Runtz

Pink Runtz is usually described as a selection from the Runtz family, though its exact breeding history is less settled than the original's. Runtz leans candy and fruit with a little gas underneath, while Pink Runtz smells more floral, closer to sweet flowers and rose, and is often listed a few points higher in THC. Both get called happy and giggly, though Pink Runtz reads more upbeat and tingly and Runtz more relaxed. If you want the classic candy smell, start with Runtz. If floral sweetness sounds better, try Pink Runtz.

Strains like Runtz

If you like Runtz, these are the closest matches:

• Zkittlez: one of its parents, with the same fruity candy smell and a calmer, more relaxed reputation.
• Gelato: the other parent, sweet and creamy with a peppery edge.
• White Runtz: from the same Zkittlez and Gelato pairing, with a softer peach and vanilla smell.
• Pink Runtz: a sweeter, more floral take from the Runtz family.