If you classify yourself as somewhat of a cannabis connoisseur there’s no way you haven’t heard of the Runtz strain in the past couple of years. This Cookies Family cultivar is a cross between Zkittlez and Gelato that has incredible hype surrounding it, especially in hip-hop. It’s already given birth to different crosses, such as the popular White Runtz strain.
Runtz was even named Leafly’s Strain of the Year back in 2020 and has won various other awards. This comes as no surprise with both of its parents also award-winning strains.
Runtz History
Like many of the greatest weed products, Runtz was born in the hip-hop and cannabis crossover world. The strain wasn’t only popularized by the culture but also originated right in the heart of it. Runtz was created by Long Beach rapper Yung LB alongside Runtz crew members Nick and Ray, who are all collectively known as the “Cookie Boyz” because they always hype up the brand.
Runtz was first introduced to the world at the 2017 Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa, California. From there, they built hype for the strain using the same tactics that rapper Berner uses for his Cookies brand. Their affiliation with the cannabis mogul helped build Runtz reputation.
When the recreational cannabis market opened in California in 2018, Runtz already had a huge buzz surrounding it. Dozens of rappers fit the Runtz name into their rhymes, including Moneybagg Yo, King Von, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Gunna, Lil Durk, the late Pop Smoke, and so many more.
As the popularity grew, Runtz counterfeits became and still are one of the most popular fake products on the black market.
“It’s not different than Alexander Wang droppin’ a shirt. Or Supreme. We’re like that of the weed. If you want cheap weed, you can go get you a $5 Footlong, you can go smoke some Blue Dream, some Green Crack. If you want to eat Ruth’s Chris [Steak House], you can go get some Cookies, Gelato, Lemoncello, and Runtz; things of that flavor. There’s levels of it. And we do not discriminate, it’s just setting the tone. It’s just like going shopping for clothes.”
Yung LB
Runtz x Cookies
By mid-2018, the demand for Runtz became too high to keep up with; that’s when Cookies stepped in, adding the strain to their coveted roster. Cookies also created famous offspring, including White Runtz. They expanded the Runtz brand to other markets as well. The Runtz crew put in the work, but Cookies brought the strain to where it is today.
Today, Runtz can be found in states like Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Massachusetts, Washington, and more. Additionally, the word “Runtz” can be heard in over 100 rap songs, according to Genius.
Runtz Genetics
As a mix of two award-winning strains, Zkittlez and Gelato, Runtz also has other coveted strains in its family tree. On the Zkittlez side, Runtz contains Grape Ape and Grapefruit, which are partially responsible for its delectable flavors. Gelato brings Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies to the mix, lending it a balanced experience.
Image via Leafly
Runtz Terpenes & Cannabinoids
Undoubtedly, part of Runtz hype also comes from its candy-like terpene profile bursting with fruity flavors. As well as the resiny rich buds that make for a lush, creamy smoke that can create a distinguishably elevating and euphoric high. Beginners beware, as this is the type of weed that can potentially keep you lit for hours.
Runtz typically sits around 20-30% THC, making it more potent than average weed. The Zkittlez side also gives Runtz a notable CBG content. CBG is shown to have potential therapeutic effects, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. In fact, research has shown that CBG may be a great aid in relieving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Huntington’s Disease, Glaucoma, and fighting cancer cells.
The two parent strains for Runtz share the same dominant terpene, caryophyllene, which explains some of its palpable gassy stenches. Caryophyllene is unique because it’s the only terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid, providing anti-inflammatory effects by activating our endocannabinoid system. This can also help with inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, and depression.
Aside from caryophyllene and its peppery, gassy, musky stench, Runtz presumably has a lot of humulene and myrcene. The combination of the latter two could explain the sweet explosion of smells that goes along with the immediately loud aromas.
Humulene performs in many of the same ways medicinally as caryophyllene, offering anti-inflammatory effects. Humulene can also act as an appetite suppressant. Further, myrcene, lends it sleep-supporting, mood-enhancing, stress-relieving, and immune-strengthening properties.
There’s no doubt that proper cultivation of this strain can leave you charged up and feeling like you’re on cloud 9.
Appearance
Looking at the buds you’ll notice either a lavish purple hue or an electrifying lime green depending on the phenotype. The wildly dense layer of trichomes that coats the surface will immediately draw your attention. If the smell isn’t enough to warrant your respect for this strain, the look and feel of it definitely will.
Where to Find the Runtz Strain
With this strain coming from Cookies California, you can find it straight from the horse’s mouth. Or, you can also find it from companies such as El Blunto, Glasshouse Farms, Green Earth Co, ACME, and Wind.
Even if you aren’t located in California, nowadays, chances are you can find Runtz near you. Unfortunately, it may be a counterfeit product. Fake packaging is extremely easy to find and buy online so many people take advantage of this and sell false Runtz products.
To find real Runtz near you, head to Weedmaps and put in your location.
See our Runtz Reviews!
Galactic Runtz from House of Cultivar
Rainbow Runtz from SOURCE Cannabis
Runtz 41 from Lucky Lou’s Premium Cannabis
Raunchy Runtz from Gabriel Cannabis
Runtz Blunt from Glasshouse Farms and El Blunto
