Runtz Weed Strain Information & Review
Many strains that originated and became popular in Los Angeles are known for their sweet candy taste and aroma. Runtz (sometimes called Runtz OG) may be one of the best choices, with citrus and a little earthiness added to its flavor profile.
There’s much more than flavor to this 50/50 hybrid’s allure. Runtz combines both Sativa and Indica effects with strong THC content to deliver an experience that’s euphoric and calm, able to spark conversation in groups while easing stress and eventually becoming sedating. It’s a multi-faceted and totally-enjoyable high sought by many medical patients as well.
The nugs are attractive, colorful, and covered in resin, the smoke is smooth, and the experience lasts for quite a while — making the popularity of Runtz completely understandable.
The Effects and Side Effects
The first thing you notice when you fire up a bowl of Runtz is, not surprisingly, its incredibly delicious taste. It’s not long, though, before the head high arrives: euphoric, uplifting, intense, and likely to induce the giggles. For many users, it’s also a creative and very sociable high.
A little while later, the first wash of relaxation begins up top and spreads throughout the body. Expect it to start with tingling, followed by a more complete calm that quickly expands into a sedating effect that can lock you to the couch. It’s not unusual to fall asleep before you’re able to find the desire to get back up.
The giggles may subside over time, but the deep relaxation persists during the several hours that a Runtz high can last. This strain can lean slightly indica or slightly sativa, depending on the individual plants it’s sourced from, so the effects can also lean either a bit more euphoric or sedating.
Runtz doesn’t have the highest THC content you’ll find on the dispensary shelves, but it’s no slouch, either. That means overindulging can provoke anxiety or paranoia in users who are novices or those who don’t tolerate THC well. More commonly, this strain will bring on dry eyes, dry mouth, and the munchies.
Positive Effects:
- Energy: 2/5
- Creative: 3/5
- Pain: 3/5
- Stress: 4/5
- Sleep: 4/5
- Mood: 5/5
Negative Effects:
- Paranoid: 2/5
- Dry Mouth: 4/5
- Dry Eyes: 4/5
- Lethargy: 4/5
- Cough: 2/5
Bottom Line: Runtz is best known for its amazing candy flavor, but it shouldn’t be underestimated; it combines a euphoric head high with strong relaxation and eventual sedation.
Health Effects
The mix of euphoria and relaxation may explain why medical marijuana patients love this strain so much. Many report using this strain to help deal with issues like stress and anxiety, depression, and sleeping problems like insomnia, while others say it eases their chronic body aches and pains. Runtz is also known to help boost the appetite of those who have difficulty eating regularly.
Flavor and Aroma
We’ve already mentioned these key attributes of Runtz, but they’re so impressive it’s impossible to discuss them enough.
If you’ve ever tried the strain’s namesake candy, you already have a good idea of what to expect. The aroma can essentially be described as tropical candy, with sugar the overwhelming scent and pineapple the most notable fruit. There’s also a hint of wood.
The flavor? More of the same. It’s basically a mix of sugar and citrus, with hints of berries and flowers and a slightly earthy aftertaste. Trust us, you’ll want to go back for hit after hit — but remember, Runtz also packs quite a potent punch.
Flavor and Aroma Ratings:
- Earthy: 3/5
- Citrus: 4/5
- Fruity: 5/5
- Spice: 1/5
- Wood: 3/5
Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Independent lab tests show a wide range of possible THC content for this strain. Some tests have measured THC at an average level of 18-20%, while others have pegged the average closer to 25% with the most potent samples approaching 30%. This strain contains very little CBD.
Terpenes tell the story when trying to understand the addictive, alluring flavor of Runtz. Limonene, linalool, caryophyllene, phellandrene, and myrcene contribute most of the sweet, citrus, and woody tastes and aromas, while also boosting the effectiveness of the strain’s THC via the entourage effect.
Lineage
When you cross two yummy strains, you’re probably going to end up with something delicious — and that’s definitely the case with Runtz.
Runtz is the product of Zkittlez and Gelato, two strains with distinctive and crave-worthy flavors (sweet-and-sour candy and berries for Zkittlez, citrus fruit for Gelato). The parents each tend toward creative, mellow head highs and strong body stones, explaining many of the effects that users experience when using Runtz.
Similar Strains to Runtz
Those searching for strains with similar flavor profiles to Runtz might want to look at Zkittlez, of course, as well as Fruity Pebbles and Orange Cookies. To combine the tastiness of Runtz with similar head and body highs, better choices might be Citral Glue, Champagne Kush, or Pop Rox.
Runtz Strain Review: FAQ
Q: Are Runtz, White Runtz and Pink Runtz the same strain?
A: Not quite. The latter varieties of the Runtz strain are more likely to be available in areas of the country outside of California, and they aren’t quite the same as the original. White Runtz and Pink Runtz are believed to be different phenotypes of the Zkittlez x Gelato cross, with slightly different properties; White Runtz is higher in THC content than Runtz, and Pink Runtz has more tropical flavor (and is more pungent). They all taste great and deliver a powerful high, though.
Q: How difficult is it to grow Runtz on your own?
A: The hardest part isn’t growing this strain, it’s finding something to grow it from. Only a few seed banks sell Runtz seeds, and authentic clones are only available (and in short supply) on the West Coast. If you’re able to clear that hurdle the plants are hardy, they don’t require an enormous amount of maintenance, they grow and flower relatively quickly, and they produce a relatively large crop whether grown indoors or outdoors.