The Runtz strain exploded on the LA cannabis scene in 2017. From coast to coast, it went from a secret exotic to the strain everybody wanted to brag about. Purple, sweet-smelling, and loud-as-hell.
But there’s more to Runtz than flashy branding. There’s a reason it keeps popping up in crossbreeds, playlists, and smoke circles everywhere. This strain carved its name into cannabis culture—and it’s still evolving.
Let’s break down the origin, genetics, and ongoing legacy of one of the most important cannabis strains of the last decade.
Where Did the Runtz Strain Come From?
Runtz made its debut around 2017 out of Los Angeles, with some deep ties to the Cookies family tree.
The original strain was bred by Ray Bama and Nick from Runtz, two LA-based cannabis curators who had an eye (and nose) for standout flavor profiles.
The name comes from the colorful Runts candy, and for good reason—this flower is fruity, sweet, tropical, and candy-coated from aroma to flavor.
Runtz Strain Genetics
- Zkittlez × Gelato #33 = Runtz
Zkittlez brings that fruity, terp-heavy vibe, while Gelato adds creamy smoothness and body-melting potency. Together, they created a hybrid that tastes as good as it smokes—and looked damn good doing it.
Runtz Goes Viral
The Runtz strain didn’t take long to catch fire.
Word of mouth spread fast in California’s exotic market. Then came the bags—those colorful mylar pouches that signaled something rare and top-shelf. Around the same time, rapper Yung LB, who was closely tied to the brand, started promoting Runtz heavily in the music and cannabis scenes.
Suddenly, Runtz wasn’t just a strain—it was a lifestyle.
- Celebrity shoutouts
- Trap songs name-dropping it
What Does the Runtz Strain Look and Smell Like?
Runtz has that “bag appeal”. When grown right, It’s:
- Bright green to deep purple
- Coated in frosty trichomes
- Dense and round, like sugary candy rocks
- Loud on the nose: tropical fruit, creamy gas, and a sweet finish
It smells juicy. Like a bag of fruity candy with a splash of fuel.
And the smoke? Clean, smooth, and flavorful all the way through.
Why it Still Gets Love
Even with all the hype, Runtz backs it up with balanced, potent effects. It’s a true hybrid—you’ll feel a cerebral lift, creative energy, and full-body relaxation without a heavy crash.
Common Effects
- Euphoric and relaxed
- Happy, sometimes giggly
- Lightly sedating in higher doses
- Good for creative work, music, art, or just vibing out
A little Runtz goes a long way, especially in concentrates or infused pre-rolls.
The Family Tree Keeps Growing
One reason Runtz has stuck around? Breeders love working with it.
Its bold flavor and colorful genetics have been crossed into dozens of new strains—many of which are bestsellers on dispensary menus across the country.
Popular Runtz Crosses Include
- White Runtz – Runtz × White Widow (more gassy, potent, and frosty)
- Pink Runtz – A sweeter, more berry-forward pheno of the original
- Banana Runtz – Runtz × Banana OG (tropical dessert vibes)
- Gruntz – Gushers × Runtz (sticky and sweet)
- Apple Runtz – Runtz × Apple Fritter (fresh and fruity with couch-lock potential)
- Runtz OG – Runtz × OG Kush (earthy, gassy twist on the candy profile)
There are easily 50+ Runtz-based crosses in the wild now. It’s basically a category, not just a strain.
Runtz in Pop Culture
From rappers to YouTubers, Runtz became a household name in cannabis circles. It wasn’t just about THC percentages or terp profiles—it became part of how people talked about weed.
- You’d hear, “You got any Runtz?” even when people didn’t know which one they were looking for.
- Other brands tried to mimic the packaging, flavor, even the vibe of Runtz.
- TikTok and Instagram lit up with unboxing videos, smoke reviews, and over-the-top “Runtz bag” hauls.
And still—when you get your hands on the real thing, grown with care—it lives up to the legend.
Runtz at Stoops NYC
Here at Stoops, we carry Runtz strains, including classics and newer crosses from local New York cultivators. We usually have:
- Lemon Candy Runtz
- White Runtz
- Pink Runtz
- And sometimes rare drops from 5Boro and other trusted brands
Our budtenders are always happy to guide you to the batch that matches your vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Runtz strain?
The Runtz strain is a hybrid cannabis flower bred from Zkittlez and Gelato. Known for its fruity flavor, dense frosty buds, and balanced effects, it’s one of the most culturally influential strains of the last decade.
Who created the Runtz strain?
Runtz was originally bred by Ray Bama and Nick from Runtz in Los Angeles, with early distribution through the Cookies family of cultivators and promoters.
What does Runtz strain taste like?
Runtz has a sweet, tropical, candy-like flavor with citrus and creamy notes. Its terpene profile is dominated by fruity and dessert-like aromas.
Are there different versions of the Runtz strain?
Yes—many. Crosses like White Runtz, Pink Runtz, Banana Runtz, and Apple Runtz have all built off the original strain’s genetics.
Where did the Runtz strain get its name?
The Runtz strain gets its name from its candy-like flavor profile, which reminded its creators of the classic Runts candy sold in the 90s and 2000s. With fruity, sugary notes and colorful, resin-coated buds, the strain looked and tasted so much like candy that “Runtz” became the perfect fit.
Can I find the Runtz strain at Stoops?
Yes! Stoops often stocks several versions of Runtz, including rare drops from New York cultivators. Check our online menu or stop in for what’s fresh.