Gary Payton
Breeder: Powerzzzup Genetics (Kenny Dumetz) / Cookies
Named after the NBA Hall of Famer whose #20 jersey matched phenotype #20 from the original seed pop, Gary Payton is one of the rare true 50/50 hybrids where the balance plays out in real time. The basketball-connected breeding crew struck a licensing deal with the real Gary Payton through Bay Area connections. Its sister phenotype from the same cross is Cereal Milk — same parents, radically different expressions.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: The Y x Snowman
Snowman is a sativa-leaning phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies selected by Cookie Fam for extreme trichome production. The Y (Y Life) is a Cookies-family hybrid — described variously as Cookies x Cherry Pie or Cookies-family genetics x Lemonade. The Cookies-ecosystem Y Life and Medical Seeds' Y Griega (Amnesia Haze x Kali Mist) are distinct cultivars despite sharing a nickname.
Terpene Profile
Beta-Caryophyllene — Spicy, peppery, woody; ~0.8%
Limonene — Citrus brightness; ~0.4%
Linalool — Floral, lavender; ~0.2%
Aroma: Diesel fuel and gas upfront, transitioning into sweet candy and cookie notes with a spiced, peppery finish.
Flavor: Peppery and gassy on inhale with sweet-nutty undertones and hints of citrus. Smooth spiced warmth on exhale.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Clear-headed cerebral lift within 5–10 minutes. Not racy — calm brightening.
A mellow body relaxation rolls in and meets the mental effects in the middle. Users commonly report staying functional and conversational. At higher doses, it can settle into couch-lock.
Duration: Long-lasting; body effects deepen over time
Commonly Reported Uses
Growing Characteristics
Grow Tips: Dense buds susceptible to mold — strong airflow critical. Heavy feeder, responds to CalMag and Silica. Hash yield 4.2–5.0% — excellent resin production. Minimum two-week cure; six weeks for full complexity.
History & Origin
Created by Kenny Dumetz of Powerzzzup Genetics in collaboration with Berner's Cookies. Phenotype #20 was selected from the Y Life x Snowman seed run. Berner reached out to the real Gary Payton through Bay Area connections for a licensing deal. Officially launched July 11, 2019. Gary Payton himself became a cannabis entrepreneur, launching CannaSports.
Awards & Recognition
- ●2022: 1st Place — Errl Cup, Arizona (concentrate category)
- ●2022: 2nd Place — Emerald Cup (solvent concentrate)
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Gary Payton as a parent:
Want to Grow Gary Payton?
Check our genetics menu for available clones or call us to discuss your growing needs.