Runtz
Breeder: Runtz Crew (Nick Corwin, Ray Bama, Yung LB)
Runtz is a balanced hybrid born from two of the most decorated strains of the 2010s. It delivers a candy-sweet terpene profile, dense trichome-coated buds, and a potent but functional high. Named after the fruit candy for its sweet flavor, it grew from an underground LA phenomenon to a national cultural force through social media marketing and deliberate scarcity.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Zkittlez x Gelato #33
Zkittlez (indica-dominant) was bred by Dying Breed Seeds, 3rd Gen Family, and Terp Hogz — genetics are Grape Ape x Grapefruit x an undisclosed third parent. Gelato #33 was created by Cookie Fam as Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint GSC. The original cross produced two standout phenotypes — #3 and #7 — which became the foundation cuts.
Terpene Profile
Beta-Caryophyllene — Peppery, spicy, woody; ~0.5–0.75%
Limonene — Bright citrus, lemon zest; ~0.4–0.55%
Linalool — Floral, lavender, sweet; ~0.2–0.35%
Aroma: Sweet candy, tropical fruit, grape, with creamy undertones and a gassy finish. Frequently compared to opening a bag of fruit candy.
Flavor: Smooth and sugary with prominent berry and tropical fruit on inhale. Creamy, slightly spicy on exhale. No harshness when properly grown and cured.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Cerebral rush of euphoria and mood elevation within minutes.
The head high smooths out while a warm full-body relaxation gradually sets in. A light creative energy persists — functional rather than foggy. Body relaxation deepens but rarely reaches full couch-lock at moderate doses. Come-down is gentle.
Duration: 2–4 hours
Commonly Reported Uses
Growing Characteristics
Grow Tips: Extremely dense bud structure makes Runtz highly susceptible to botrytis in late flower. Maintain 40–50% RH during flower, dropping to 30–40% in final weeks. Good airflow is non-negotiable. Vivid coloration — pink, purple, deep violet — depending on phenotype and late-flower temperatures.
History & Origin
Created in late 2016 to early 2017 in Los Angeles by Nick Corwin, who was cultivating indoor Zkittlez and sourced Gelato from Jai Chang of Cookies Fam. First publicly debuted at the December 2017 Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa, California, where roughly 300 jars were introduced. The California trademark was filed in early 2018.
Awards & Recognition
- ●2019: 1st Place Overall — Emerald Cup (grown by Ridgeline Farms, out of 700+ entrants)
- ●2020: Leafly Strain of the Year
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Runtz as a parent:
Want to Grow Runtz?
Check our genetics menu for available clones or call us to discuss your growing needs.