If you’ve spent any time browsing our dispensary menus, you’ve probably noticed something strange in the list of cannabis strains we offer. In addition to the regular classics like Blue Dream and OG Kush, there are an awful lot of strains with “Runtz” in the name: Super Runtz, OG Runtz, Pink Runtz, and Black Runtz—what’s the deal?
Find out the origins of this unique strain, how many different types there are, the best Runtz strains to try right now, and more. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to load your pipe with some quality Runtz bud.
History of the Runtz Strain
Around 2018, Runtz strains swept the cannabis world, winning millions of fans, inspiring songs, and spawning hundreds of other strains and clones with Runtz genetics.
The tale of how it was created and why it rose to the top is well-known. Grower Ray Bama of the brand Cookies and member of the Runtz Crew explained in a 2022 interview that he had a surplus of his indoor-grown Zkittlez, which was a rare cultivar before 2017—he decided to cross it with then-up-and-coming Gelato.
Zkittlez—also known as “The Original Z”—is an indica-leaning hybrid strain known as much for its sweet and tropical candy-flavored smoke as for its reported calming, focused, and euphoric high. Gelato is a balanced hybrid that can deliver a relaxing body buzz and euphoric yet stimulating psychoactivity. Notably high in THC, Gelato produces sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors and aromas.
Once Bama and his team had selected this winning phenotype, the only thing left to do was to give it an unforgettable name. Taking a page from Zkittlez, Bama named the new strain “Runtz” in honor of the exceptionally sweet and fruity flavor of the similarly named brand of candy. Since then, the original Runtz has reaped several honors, including being chosen as Leafly’s “Strain of the Year” in 2020.
Runtz and the Cookies Family
You know the origins of the Runtz strain, but what about its popularity? Why’d it become such a huge deal in the cannabis world? To answer that question, you must return to its source: the Cookies family.
The Cookies brand and its rise to fame comes from its incredible cannabis genetics. Founded by rapper Berner and grower Jai “Jigga” Chang, Cookies is responsible for some of the most well-known and coveted strains on the market, including Sunset Sherbet and Cherry Pie. It’s also the birthplace of GSC—formerly Girl Scout Cookies—one of the most influential cannabis strains of all time, vying for first place against Granddaddy Purple, Jack Herer, and other legendary cultivars. Created in 2007, growers Jai and Mario “Mr. Sherbinski” Guzman crossed OG Kush with F1 Durban, resulting in the iconic GSC and its many variations.
When Runtz was finally released, word spread of a delicious new strain from the same growers who cultivated so many other historical and tasty buds—no wonder it would sell out the moment it hit dispensary shelves.
How Many Different Strains of Runtz Are There?
Despite what some might tell you, there’s no central database of every strain ever grown, so there could be countless Runtz strains out there. However, according to SeedFinder’s database, there are over 200 documented strains with the word “Runtz” in their name.
New strains are being grown every day, and others may no longer be available, but with over 200 known varieties, it’s clear that Runtz has had an extraordinary impact on both home growers and larger cannabis brands. The only question now is: How long will it take to try them all?
The 10 Best Runtz Strains to Try Right Now
Given the number of Runtz strains out there, let’s turn to a more manageable question: What are the best Runtz strains? Of course, the answer depends on your personal tastes and how your individual body responds to your preferred strains. But to help inspire you, here’s a hand-picked list of some of the most sought after.
Pink Runtz
This balanced hybrid boasts up to 25% THC content and has a sweet and fruity flavor. You may look for the same uplift and calming euphoria you’d expect from a classic or “OG” Runtz.
Super Runtz
Created by crossing the original Runtz strain with Super Lemon Cherry Gelato, this hybrid is favored for its strong euphoria and creative energy. It’s also a great strain to grow due to its adaptability and generous yields.
Tropical Runtz
Expanding on the Runtz already famous flavor profile, this variant adds sweet citrus notes to the mix. It was created by crossing Runtz with Tropic Truffle, a potent sativa-dominant hybrid known for its creative, giggly effects.
Strawberry Runtz
Talk about high THC content! With a whopping 30%+ THC, this strain—created by crossing White Runtz with Kushberries—is best reserved for seasoned smokers. You’ll smell honey, dank earth, and strawberries and enjoy a drowsy blast of euphoria to boot.
White Runtz
Relaxing, tingly, and a favorite of some medical cannabis patients for its reported ability to relieve chronic pain and stress, White Runtz is known for its striking white trichomes. Like the original Runtz, it’s made by crossing Zkittlez and Gelato strains. Like most Runtz strains, it’s a fairly balanced hybrid known for imparting full-body relaxation along with an energizing cerebral high.
Greasy Runtz
A cross between Runtz and Grease Monkey, this hybrid tends to lean somewhat towards the relaxing side of the fence. As such, it can be great for letting off steam after a stressful day at work or letting your mind drop into deep contemplation as those unmistakable sweet and fruity flavors take over your senses.
Apple Runtz
Usually delivering the expected blend of creative juice with a relaxing, calming high, this Runtz variant is a fresh treat. Its aromas are pure apple and berry, crowned by the famed sweetness that characterizes all members of the Runtz family.
Designer Runtz
Whoever designed this strain wasn’t messing around. With upwards of 27% THC, it can impart a potent and long-lasting high. It has a more uncommon terpene profile, dominated by terpinolene, a complex and multifaceted compound that imparts the aromas of cut flowers, citrus fruit, and sweet piney notes.
Jealousy Runtz
No need to get jealous of this showstopper—try it and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Made by crossing Runtz with the famous Jealousy strain, this hybrid delivers the sweet and fruity flavors you’d expect from Runtz, combined with a fun and sociable vibe that may produce uplifting, creative, and calming feelings all around.
Berry Runtz
Like Strawberry Runtz, this hybrid was created by crossing White Runtz with Kushberries, but the resulting strain has a lower THC content—roughly 20%—and the terpene profile is led by caryophyllene, a notably spicy and peppery compound.
Shop Premium Runtz Strains at Exclusive
The Runtz strain family is enormous—and for good reason. With a mouthwatering sweet and fruity flavor and an appealing blend of effects, it’s become a breakout star in the cannabis world, inspiring millions of fans and hundreds of variants.
With so many subtypes of the original, one thing’s for sure: Sampling them all to identify your favorite sounds like a whole lot of fun! At Exclusive, we go out of our way to source the very best Michigan-grown cannabis available anywhere, including Runtz and its huge family of strains. Stop by the dispensary closest to you, or check out its online menu, and let the hunt begin!
Have more questions? Ask any of our friendly budtenders or give us a shout. We’re always here to help.
