White Runtz
Also known as: White Runtz OG
Breeder: Cookie Fam Genetics (Runtz Crew)
White Runtz is a phenotype selection of the original Runtz bred by the Runtz Crew in California circa 2017. Selected for its blindingly white trichome coat and sweet candy aroma, it was commercialized through the Cookies brand in 2018 and quickly became one of the most sought-after exotic cultivars in the US. Clone-only from the original source — no seeds were ever officially released by Cookie Fam Genetics. Named Leafly Strain of the Year in 2020 alongside the original Runtz. Hashmakers prize it for its excellent wash characteristics and terpene retention in solventless extractions.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Gelato x Zkittlez
Gelato (aka Larry Bird / Gelato #33): Sunset Sherbet × Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, bred by Mr. Sherbinski & Jigga of Cookie Fam in San Francisco circa 2014. Uplifting cerebral euphoria with creamy, sweet, fruity aroma and occasional purple hues. Zkittlez (aka The Original Z): Grape Ape × Grapefruit (+ undisclosed third parent), indica-dominant hybrid from the 2010s. Cannabis Cup 1st place 2016. Relaxed, sleepy stone with intense rainbow fruit candy aroma.
Lineage Dispute
Some secondary sources list White Runtz as a cross of Runtz × The White, but SeedFinder.eu, Leafly, Cookies, and the Runtz Crew themselves confirm it is a phenotype selection of the original Runtz (Gelato × Zkittlez), selected for its heavy white trichome coverage — not a cross involving The White strain.
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene — Spicy peppery kick beneath the candy sweetness
Limonene — Sharp sweet citrus edge driving the tropical fruit notes
Linalool — Subtle lavender florals adding elegance to the profile
Myrcene — Earthy undertone grounding the tropical fruit candy aroma
Aroma: Loud burst of sour tropical fruit candy on jar crack — like tropical Skittles with a creamy vanilla backdrop. Sharp sweet citrus edge from limonene, spicy peppery kick from caryophyllene, subtle lavender florals from linalool, and an earthy funk underneath. Pungent enough to fill a room.
Flavor: Sweet candy-cream inhale with tropical fruit and peach notes. Mid-palate brings citrus zest and sour berry. Exhale finishes with creamy vanilla, subtle earthy undertones, and a hint of pineapple. Smooth and not harsh — sweet without being cloying.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast-acting cerebral euphoria within minutes of inhalation. Immediate mood elevation and mental clarity with a brightening, joyful quality.
Balanced two-phase high: initial head-focused euphoria brings happiness, giggles, and creative energy. Within 15–20 minutes, a warm body tingle develops and transitions into deep physical relaxation that dissolves muscle tension without heavy sedation. Simultaneously energized and calm.
Duration: Long-lasting — 2 to 3 hours. Body relaxation component can extend well beyond the cerebral phase.
Commonly Reported Uses
Growing Characteristics
Grow Tips: Top at 4th–5th node; strong central stalk and lateral branching make it ideal for topping and LST/SCROG. Light defoliation improves airflow through dense canopy — critical for mold prevention. Drop humidity to 40–50% during flower; dense buds are susceptible to mold in humid conditions. Maintain 70–80°F stable temps throughout flower. Trichome production kicks in early (week 5–6) with heavy resin stacking through harvest. Excellent wash strain for bubble hash — freeze fresh immediately after chop. Gland-to-leaf ratio is exceptional and heads separate clean during ice water agitation. 1.5–2x stretch after flip means flipping at appropriate height is critical for indoor ceiling management.
History & Origin
The Runtz strain was bred circa 2017 by a grower known only as 'Nick,' who procured Zkittlez seeds from a Bay Area grower and crossed them with Gelato 33. Nick partnered with rapper Yung LB and manager Raybama to form the Runtz Crew. They debuted Runtz at the December 2017 Emerald Cup Harvest Ball in Santa Rosa, CA — arriving with ~300 jars that sold out in under 10 minutes directly in front of the Cookies booth. The White Runtz phenotype was specifically championed by Dolla$ Up Nero via Jokes Up. In 2018, Cookies formally added Runtz to their lineup and commercialized White Runtz.
Awards & Recognition
- ●Leafly Strain of the Year 2020 (shared with original Runtz)
- ●3rd Place — 2019 Emerald Cup
- ●Runtz Rosin by Kalya Extracts: 7th Place Rosins, 2019 Emerald Cup
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using White Runtz as a parent:
Sources & References (8)
- SeedFinder.eu — seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/white-runtz/cookie-fam-genetics
- Leafly — leafly.com/strains/white-runtz
- Leafly — leafly.com/news/strains-products/runtz-2020-leafly-strain-of-the-year
- Lab Effects — labeffects.com/blog/strain-report-white-runtz
- Dark Coast Seed — darkcoastseed.com/runtz-strain-history/
- Gentleman Toker — gentlemantoker.com/white-runtz/
- CannaConnection — cannaconnection.com/strains/white-runtz
- Rare Harvest — rareharvest.net/blogs/strain-library/white-runtz-genetics-guide
Want to Grow White Runtz?
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