Zkittlez
Also known as: The Original Z, Skittles
Breeder: 3rd Gen Family, Terp Hogz, and Dying Breed Seeds
Zkittlez — now officially marketed as The Original Z following a 2023 trademark settlement with the Skittles candy manufacturer — is celebrated for its exceptionally high terpene concentration and candy-fruit flavor that redefined modern cannabis breeding. It proved that terpene profile could matter more than THC percentage, launching the 'candy strain' movement and inspiring an entire generation of fruit-forward cultivars.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Grape Ape x Grapefruit x undisclosed third strain
Grape Ape (Afghani x Skunk #1 x Mendocino Purps) contributes the indica backbone, grape/berry sweetness, and purple coloration. Grapefruit (a sativa-leaning Cinderella 99 descendant) contributes citrus brightness and mood-elevating quality. The undisclosed third strain is widely believed to anchor the terpene stability. The original genetic material is attributed to 'Gas Station Bob.'
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene — Warm pepper and spice; ~0.6–0.7%
Myrcene — Earthy, musky; ~0.4–0.5%
Limonene — Citrus brightness; ~0.4–0.5%
Aroma: Overripe tropical fruit, grape candy, fresh berries, and citrus zest. Breaking buds releases deeper grapefruit peel and pink peppercorn notes.
Flavor: Intensely sweet grape and tropical citrus inhale. Berry jam mid-smoke. Clean candy-taffy aftertaste. Many consumers describe it as tasting more like actual fruit candy than any other strain.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Quick — 1–3 minutes. Cerebral uplift with colors appearing richer and mood brightening.
Within 15–20 minutes, warmth spreads as body relaxation builds. At moderate doses, consumers remain mobile and social. Not heavily sedating despite its indica dominance — the Grapefruit parent provides enough sativa influence to keep the experience mentally engaged.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Commonly Reported Uses
Growing Characteristics
Grow Tips: Dense colas are a botrytis magnet — drop humidity to 40–45% from week 6 onward. Top early. Flush at least 10 days for clean flavor. Cure minimum 3–4 weeks for full terpene expression. Target 80% cloudy / 20% amber trichomes.
History & Origin
Emerged from Mendocino County, California in the early 2010s. Its arrival — emphasizing terpene density over raw THC — permanently shifted the cannabis conversation toward flavor-forward breeding. In 2023, the name was changed to 'The Original Z' as part of a legal settlement with the Skittles candy manufacturer.
Awards & Recognition
- ●2015: Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup (San Francisco and Michigan)
- ●2016: 1st Place Overall Flower — Emerald Cup (grown by Dookie Brothers, from 650+ entries)
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Zkittlez as a parent:
Want to Grow Zkittlez?
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