Guide to Runtz

Runtz crossed over from strain to brand to cultural moment in a way that very few cannabis names ever have. Born from a legendary genetic cross and propelled by hip-hop, Runtz has become one of the most recognized names in cannabis worldwide.

The Runtz Story

Runtz was created in 2017 by Yung LB, Nick “Nursematic Nick,” and Ray Bama, who crossed two already iconic strains — Zkittlez and Gelato — to produce something that immediately stood apart. The result was a balanced hybrid with a candy-sweet flavor profile, vibrant colors, and effects that hit with both euphoria and relaxation. It looked different, smelled different, and smoked different from anything else on the market.

The strain exploded through hip-hop culture. Over 100 rap songs reference Runtz by name, and the brand’s founders leaned into that cultural momentum, building Runtz into a lifestyle brand that extends beyond the plant. By 2020, Leafly had named Runtz its Strain of the Year, confirming what the streets already knew — this was the defining strain of its era.

Runtz joined the Cookies distribution family, gaining access to wider markets while maintaining the authenticity and cultural credibility that made it special in the first place. The brand has since expanded with multiple phenotype variations, each building on the original’s candy-forward genetics. Explore the brand at runtz.com.

What Makes Runtz Different

Legendary Genetics

The Zkittlez x Gelato cross that produced Runtz was not an accident — it was the product of skilled breeders combining two of the most flavorful genetics in cannabis. The result is a strain with a distinctively sweet, fruity, candy-like terpene profile that is immediately recognizable. Dense, colorful buds with a sugar-coated appearance make Runtz as visually striking as it is flavorful.

Cultural Impact

No other strain in recent memory has penetrated mainstream culture the way Runtz has. Its presence in music, fashion, and social media created a feedback loop that turned a great strain into a genuine cultural phenomenon. Runtz did not need marketing — it had the streets.

Expanding Phenotype Library

From the original Runtz, the breeding team has developed a family of variations — White Runtz, Pink Runtz, Banana Runtz, Apple Runtz — each with its own flavor twist on the original genetics. The lineup gives consumers variety while staying rooted in the genetics that started it all.

Runtz Products

Flower

• Original Runtz — The Zkittlez x Gelato cross that started everything
• White Runtz — A frostier, more potent phenotype with creamy undertones
• Pink Runtz — Sweeter, berry-forward variation
• Banana Runtz — Tropical fruit terps layered on the candy base
• Apple Runtz — Crisp, green apple notes over the classic Runtz sweetness

Lifestyle

• Streetwear & Apparel — Clothing and accessories that carry the Runtz brand beyond cannabis

Runtz at Yerba Buena

We carry Runtz at our Cobble Hill location. If you have heard the name in your favorite song and want to taste what the hype is about, or if you are already a fan looking for a specific phenotype, our budtenders can help you find what is currently in stock.

Shop Runtz Products