The Original Runtz Cannabis Strain: An In-Depth Report

Hayyzoos
Apr 27
21 min read

Updated: May 6

History and Origins of Runtz

The Runtz strain was born in California’s hip-hop infused cannabis scene in late 2017 (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). A trio known as the Runtz Crew – rapper Yung LB, grower Nick (also known as “Nursematic” Nick), and marketing guru Ray Bama – created Runtz by crossing two already famous strains: Zkittlez and Gelato (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). According to Ray Bama, before Runtz they were known for sourcing rare indoor Zkittlez, and Gelato was “the biggest thing” at the time – so they decided to cross Gelato with the indoor Zkittlez, pheno-hunting until they found a winner (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). The name “Runtz” (spelled with a ‘z’ to set it apart from the Runts candy) and its colorful branding were brainstormed during smoke sessions among the crew, leveraging their connections with Cookies brand founder Berner for inspiration (28 grams of game: How Runtz' Yung LB smoked the industry | Leafly).

Runtz made its public debut at the Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa in December 2017, one of California’s premier cannabis competitions (28 grams of game: How Runtz' Yung LB smoked the industry | Leafly) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). The crew arrived with only a few pounds of their new bud and 1,000 Runtz T-shirts, and word spread rapidly (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). In an oft-retold story, they sold out their entire 5-pound stash of Runtz in under 10 minutes at that event (28 grams of game: How Runtz' Yung LB smoked the industry | Leafly). Berner (of Cookies) took notice of the huge crowd at their booth, signaling that Runtz had struck gold (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). This explosive introduction created an instant buzz in the cannabis community – consumers were desperate to get their hands on the sweet, candy-like new strain that everyone was talking about.

Through 2018, Runtz’s hype grew exponentially across California. The strain’s reputation spread via word of mouth, social media, and countless shout-outs in rap lyrics. By mid-2018, dozens of rappers were name-dropping Runtz – everyone from Moneybagg Yo and Lil Uzi Vert to Lil Baby and Pop Smoke worked “Runtz” into their rhymes (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). Yung LB’s catchphrase “Runtz up yo life!” became popular, and the strain turned into a status symbol in hip-hop culture (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). Runtz was being compared to designer brands; as Yung LB put it, “We’re like the Supreme of weed… If you want cheap weed…go smoke some Blue Dream… If you want to eat Ruth’s Chris… go get some Cookies, Gelato, Lemoncello, and Runtz” (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). In other words, Runtz positioned itself as top-shelf “exotic” cannabis, akin to luxury fashion in the weed world.

The surging demand soon far outpaced the crew’s small-batch supply. In late 2018, Cookies, the influential cannabis brand, partnered with the Runtz crew to help scale up production and distribution (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). Cookies added Runtz to their coveted lineup, and together they released new phenotypes like White Runtz to capitalize on the craze (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). This partnership greatly expanded Runtz’s reach beyond California. Meanwhile, critical acclaim followed the hype: Runtz won major awards at the 2019 Emerald Cup (1st place in flower out of 700 entries) and was named Leafly’s Strain of the Year for 2020 (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly) (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). By 2020, Runtz had achieved nationwide renown, with Leafly noting that search interest in Runtz skyrocketed and availability spread coast to coast (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). What began as an underground strain in late 2017 evolved, in just a few years, into one of the most celebrated cannabis varieties in the U.S. (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly).

Even beyond 2020, Runtz’s momentum did not fade. The strain became a cornerstone in dispensaries across legal markets. It has been consistently ranked among the top-selling strains in multiple states year after year – for example, Runtz was the #1 best-selling flower strain in Michigan in 2023, moving nearly $50 million worth of product that year (Runtz Tops List of Best-Selling Flower Cultivars in Michigan in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times) (Runtz Tops List of Best-Selling Flower Cultivars in Michigan in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times). Similarly, in Oregon’s 2023 market, “good old Runtz” dominated sales, nearly hitting the $10 million mark in that state alone (Runtz Takes Top Honors in Oregon Flower Sales in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times) (Runtz Takes Top Honors in Oregon Flower Sales in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times). Other large markets like California, Colorado, and Massachusetts have also reported Runtz among their top sellers in recent years. In short, the cultural phenomenon that Runtz sparked in 2018 has translated into enduring commercial success – even as of 2025, it remains a staple strain with red-hot demand in the U.S. cannabis industry (Runtz Tops List of Best-Selling Flower Cultivars in Michigan in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times).

Genetic Lineage of Runtz

The genetic lineage of the original Runtz strain is a fusion of two legendary cannabis families. Runtz is the lovechild of Gelato and Zkittlez – both past Cannabis Cup winners in their own right (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly) (28 grams of game: How Runtz' Yung LB smoked the industry | Leafly). Breeder Nick selected an outstanding Gelato phenotype (Gelato #33 “Larry Bird” cut) to pollinate a prized Zkittlez clone from Dying Breed Seeds (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot). This inspired pairing of Gelato’s dessert-like flavors with Zkittlez’s candy-fruit profile gave rise to the unique terpene-rich experience of Runtz.

(Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World) Lineage of the original Runtz strain, tracing its award-winning parent strains and their ancestry. Runtz is a hybrid cross of Gelato and Zkittlez, meaning it inherits genetics from Thin Mint GSC and Sunset Sherbert via the Gelato side, and from Grape Ape and Grapefruit via the Zkittlez side (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). This rich gene pool contributes to Runtz’s candy-sweet aroma, rainbow hues, and balanced indica-sativa effects.

Gelato, the father of Runtz, is a famed hybrid bred by the Cookies Fam (Jigga and Sherbinskis). Gelato itself was created by crossing Sunset Sherbet (a Girl Scout Cookies descendant) with Thin Mint GSC (a potent GSC phenotype) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). This gives Gelato a sweet, creamy dessert flavor and high THC content – traits passed down to Runtz. Notably, Gelato was Leafly’s Strain of the Year in 2018, reflecting its influence (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). On the other side, Zkittlez (Runtz’s mother) is an indica-leaning hybrid bred by 3rd Gen Family/Terp Hogz, known for an exceptionally fruity, candy-like flavor. Zkittlez’s lineage includes Grape Ape and Grapefruit, plus a secret third strain, which together earned it 1st place at the 2016 Emerald Cup (Runtz (Unknown or Legendary) :: Cannabis Strain Info :: SeedFinder.eu). By combining Gelato’s creamy Cookies heritage with Zkittlez’s tropical candy genetics, Runtz boasts an extraordinary terpene profile and visual bag appeal that set it apart from other strains (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World).

In genotype, Runtz is often described as a perfectly balanced hybrid (50% indica, 50% sativa), although its growth pattern and effects can lean slightly one way or the other (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot). The original Runtz cut was initially clone-only and not commercially available as seed (Runtz (Unknown or Legendary) :: Cannabis Strain Info :: SeedFinder.eu). However, its popularity spurred many breeders to recreate or hybridize it. The “Runtz” name has since expanded into a whole family of strains – e.g. White Runtz, Pink Runtz, Black Runtz, Tropical Runtz, and many others – some bred by the Runtz Crew and others by independent breeders looking to capitalize on the genetics (Runtz (Unknown or Legendary) :: Cannabis Strain Info :: SeedFinder.eu) (The top Runtz weed strains of 2022 | Leafly). (White Runtz, for instance, is a potent Runtz phenotype that blew up in 2019 with Cookies’ backing (The top Runtz weed strains of 2022 | Leafly).) Despite the many offshoots, cannabis connoisseurs still hold the original Runtz (sometimes dubbed “Runtz OG”) in high regard – it’s now considered a modern classic, joining the ranks of OG Kush and Girl Scout Cookies as a strain that defined an era (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot) (Runtz aka Runtz OG, Gelato Zkittlez, Rainshadow Runtz Weed Strain Information | Leafly).

Market Trends and Popularity

From an underground hit to a mainstream staple, Runtz’s market trajectory has been remarkable. In the early days (2018–2019), Runtz was a scarce “exotic” obtainable only through select California dispensaries or the illicit market, which drove its cachet sky-high. Enthusiasts were willing to pay premium prices to snag Runtz; the strain routinely sold out whenever it appeared. Indeed, demand far outstripped supply, leading to rampant counterfeiting of Runtz packaging in the unregulated market – dealers would slap “Runtz” labels on anything remotely similar to cash in on the craze (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). This scarcity and hype translated into steep prices for consumers. Upon its initial release, Runtz was typically a top-shelf priced strain (often around $50–$60 for an eighth in legal shops, and significantly higher on the street) – a premium that many aficionados were happy to pay for the authentic Runtz experience (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot) (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot). One cannabis reviewer noted that when Runtz hit a dispensary menu, “it never stays for long” because everyone is chasing that elusive bag (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot). In economic terms, Runtz became a textbook example of how limited supply and huge buzz can drive up value in the cannabis market (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot).

Once Cookies began mass distributing Runtz in 2019, availability broadened and prices gradually normalized, but the strain has maintained its luxury aura. Throughout 2020–2022, Runtz consistently ranked among the most popular strains nationally, frequently appearing in the top 5 or top 10 best-seller lists in various states (Leafly Announces 2023 Cannabis Strain of the Year). Leafly reported that even as many new “hyped” strains emerged, Runtz’s fan base stayed loyal, keeping it on dispensary menus from Los Angeles to New York. The strain’s recognizable name and flavor give it staying power with both connoisseurs and casual consumers (Runtz Tops List of Best-Selling Flower Cultivars in Michigan in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times). By late 2023 (six years after its debut), industry data showed Runtz was still topping sales charts: it was the #1 selling strain by volume in major adult-use markets like Michigan and Oregon, beating out longstanding staples like Blue Dream and GG4 in certain locales (Runtz Tops List of Best-Selling Flower Cultivars in Michigan in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times) (Runtz Takes Top Honors in Oregon Flower Sales in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times). Cannabis Business Times noted that “even now, as we close the book on 2023, Runtz remains as popular as ever” and has essentially become an “easily recognizable brand name” that draws in consumers of all types (Runtz Tops List of Best-Selling Flower Cultivars in Michigan in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times) (Runtz Tops List of Best-Selling Flower Cultivars in Michigan in 2023 | Cannabis Business Times).

In terms of geographical reach, Runtz started in California but quickly expanded. Today the strain (often via the Cookies partnership or licensed growers) can be found in dozens of U.S. states, including medical markets. From Colorado to Florida, Michigan to Massachusetts, legal dispensaries carry Runtz on their top shelf (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). Internationally, Runtz has also made waves – its reputation traveled overseas through music and internet forums even before the product did. There was reported demand for Runtz in places like Amsterdam’s coffeeshops, Spain’s clubs, and even as far as Tel Aviv as early as 2020 (Discovering the Remarkable Effects and Flavors of Runtz Cannabis Strain - a Pot for Pot). Seed banks worldwide began offering Runtz-derived genetics, spreading its influence. While global markets vary, the “candy cultivar” trend that Runtz epitomizes has certainly permeated the cannabis zeitgeist beyond the U.S.

Another notable market trend is the proliferation of Runtz crosses and knock-offs. Success breeds imitation: by 2022–2023, countless new strains with “Runtz” in their name popped up (e.g. Rainbow Runtz, Banana Runtz, etc.), not all of them actually related to the original. The Runtz Crew and Cookies have worked to trademark and protect the Runtz brand, filing trademarks for Runtz products and hosting official events (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). Still, “Runtz” has almost become a generic term in some circles for any sweet, fruity hybrid. The crew has responded by continuing to innovate – breeding new official Runtz hybrids (collaborating with top breeders like Seed Junky Genetics) to stay ahead of the curve (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). According to Ray Bama, the goal is to ensure authentic Runtz products are available in legal markets, so consumers know they’re getting the real deal (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). All said, Runtz has transitioned from a one-off strain into a full-fledged brand and a lasting category of cannabis, with a market presence that has proven both influential and enduring.

Cultivation of Runtz: Best Practices and Challenges

Growing the Runtz strain can be a rewarding endeavor for cultivators, as it combines desirable traits from both indica and sativa lines. Overall, Runtz is considered moderately easy to grow, thanks to its vigorous hybrid genetics (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). However, to achieve the best results, growers should pay close attention to its specific needs in both indoor and outdoor settings. Below are key cultivation insights for Runtz:

Plant Structure & Training: Runtz tends to grow tall and lanky (up to ~6 feet) with a strong apical dominance driven by its sativa side (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). It also develops dense foliage and thick canopies of leaves (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Indoor growers must be prepared for vertical stretch and should employ training techniques. A Screen of Green (ScrOG) method or regular topping/pruning is recommended to control height and to allow light and air to penetrate the lower branches (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets) (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Runtz is not very branchy on its own, so training it outward under a screen helps maximize yields and prevents the top from hogging all the growth (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Pruning excess fan leaves is important as well, since the strain’s bushy foliage can trap humidity – thinning it out reduces the risk of mold and promotes even bud development (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets).
Indoor Cultivation: Indoors, Runtz typically finishes flowering in about 8 to 9 weeks (approximately 63 days) from the flip to 12/12 light cycle (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). It responds well to powerful lighting (LED or HPS) and tends to produce chunky, medium-sized colas glistening with resin (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). Yields are moderate: on average around 15 ounces per plant indoors, or roughly 1–2 oz per square foot under optimal conditions (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets) (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). While this is slightly below some high-yielding commercial strains, the quality of Runtz buds is top-notch – dense, trichome-covered, and aromatic. Growers often prioritize quality over quantity with Runtz (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Maintain a vegetative temperature of ~70–80 °F (21–27 °C) and slightly cooler nights; during flowering, temperatures of 70–75 °F are ideal to bring out colors and prevent terpene loss (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Runtz can show beautiful purple hues especially if night temps drop in late bloom. Keep humidity around 40–50% in veg, then 35–40% in flower to prevent moisture-related issues (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Good air circulation and ventilation are a must, as Runtz’s thick buds and foliage could invite powdery mildew or bud rot if conditions are too humid (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets).
Outdoor Cultivation: Outdoors, Runtz thrives in a warm, sunny climate – think Mediterranean conditions. It prefers daytime temps in the 70–80 °F range with low rainfall during the latter part of the season (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). In the Northern Hemisphere, Runtz finishes by about mid-October (late October at the latest), so growers in cooler climates should ensure the plants don’t get hit by early frosts (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Harvest time around early-to-mid October allows Runtz to fully mature its buds and maximize potency. An outdoor Runtz plant can yield around 18 ounces (1+ pound) per plant on average under favorable conditions (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets) – with expert care, yields can be higher. Provide Runtz plenty of direct sun, but also consider some shade cloth during extreme heat waves; while it likes warmth, protecting it from 100 °F midday scorch can prevent stress (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Also, because of its height potential, outdoor plants might need staking or support to handle wind and the weight of buds. Runtz does best in rich, well-draining soil (loamy soil with pH ~6.0–6.5) and responds well to both organic nutrients and quality mineral fertilizers (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Like many hybrids, it can be a heavy feeder, especially in mid flower – but monitor for nutrient burn as some Gelato-leaning phenos can be nutrient-sensitive.
Pest & Disease Management: Growers should be vigilant about pests, as Runtz can be somewhat susceptible to common cannabis pests like aphids and spider mites if preventative measures aren’t taken (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for bugs and use integrated pest management (beneficial insects or organic sprays) as needed. Keeping the grow area clean and tools sterilized will help avoid issues. Runtz has also shown sensitivity to fungal infections (e.g. mildew) due to its dense growth – hence the emphasis on airflow and humidity control (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). In outdoor grows, selecting a spot with good breeze or spacing plants well apart can mitigate mold risk. Overall, if you maintain a moderate climate, adequate ventilation, and IPM protocols, Runtz is not particularly fussy or disease-prone.

In summary, cultivating Runtz is within reach for intermediate growers and even attentive beginners. Its hybrid vigor means it can handle minor fluctuations and still reward you with high-quality bud (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). The main challenges lie in managing its height and bushiness and preventing mold/pests, but with proper training and environment control, these are easily overcome. Growers might note that Runtz is not a record-breaking yielder – you won’t pull multi-pound harvests from a single plant unless optimized outdoors – yet its bag appeal and potency more than compensate (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). As one cultivation guide put it: “it might not be the biggest yield of your life… but you will be getting high-quality cannabis with indisputable benefits”, which for most Runtz growers, is all that counts (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets). With seeds and clones now widely available through reputable seed banks and clone nurseries (All About Runtz Cannabis and How to Grow This Weed Strain - Soft Secrets), many cultivators are adding Runtz to their gardens to experience growing this now-famous strain firsthand.

Cultural Influence and Brand Impact

Few cannabis strains have had an impact on pop culture and branding as profound as Runtz. In just a few years, Runtz transformed from a novel genetic mashup into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. Its rise dovetailed with the crossover of cannabis and hip-hop culture, setting new trends in how strains are marketed and perceived by the public.

One of the most visible impacts of Runtz is its ubiquity in music and media. As noted, Runtz has been name-checked in over 100 rap songs to date (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). In the same way strains like Purple Haze and White Widow became pop references in earlier decades, Runtz became the definitive “exotic” strain of the late 2010s, synonymous with high quality and exclusivity. Rappers bragged about smoking Runtz to signal status. Social media was flooded with Runtz shoutouts and photos of its eye-catching buds and packaging. This organic hype machine elevated Runtz beyond just the cannabis sphere – it became a part of youth and hip-hop vernacular, introducing a whole new audience to cannabis strain branding. By becoming a status symbol on par with luxury streetwear or exotic cars, Runtz demonstrated the power of cultural influence in driving a strain’s success (28 grams of game: How Runtz' Yung LB smoked the industry | Leafly).

In terms of branding, Runtz broke the mold with its vibrant, playful marketing. The strain’s very name and flavor profile drew inspiration from candy (the Wonka “Runts” candy), and the Runtz Crew leaned into that with gusto. They debuted Runtz in colorful mylar bags with flashy designs, a practice that quickly became industry standard for “exotic” strains. Soon, dispensary shelves were lined not just with dull jars of herb, but with artfully branded bags – a trend many attribute in large part to Runtz’s influence. The “candy strain” wave (such as Gelato, Sherbet, Cookies, etc.) was already underway, but Runtz took it to another level, showing that a strain could be effectively marketed like a consumer product with its own logo and identity (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation) (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). This raised some concerns among regulators about marketing that might appeal to children (due to candy-like names/packaging), but it undeniably pushed the envelope for creative cannabis branding.

Moreover, the Runtz brand itself expanded beyond just flower. Capitalizing on the hype, the creators launched merchandise, apparel, and collaborations. Ray Bama and Yung LB partnered with clothing lines, dropped Runtz-themed streetwear, and even did collabs with artists and record labels (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). The Joke’s Up brand (spearheaded by Yung LB) further built on Runtz’s success to incubate new strain brands. By 2020, Runtz had licensed products like Runtz vape cartridges and concentrates, and hosted branded events (they even filed trademarks for Runtz-sponsored events and products) (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). This multi-pronged branding approach was relatively new for a strain; traditionally only large companies or dispensaries had “brands,” not specific strains. Runtz showed that a strain could be a brand. Its success has encouraged other top-shelf genetics to follow suit – today we see many hype strains coming with dedicated branding, merchandise, and influencer campaigns, much of which traces back to the blueprint that Cookies and Runtz pioneered.

Importantly, Runtz also had a broader industry impact on breeding and strain development. Its massive popularity sent breeders scrambling to create the “next Runtz” or to use Runtz in new hybrids. As mentioned, a plethora of Runtz-derived strains popped up, and the strain’s genetics (or at least its terpene profile concept) influenced breeding trends. Candy-sweet, dessert-like terpene profiles became highly sought after, leading to a surge of “Runtz crosses, sisters and stepchildren” flooding the market (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). Ray Bama himself predicted in 2021 that “another 5 to 10 years [will be] dominated by Runtz and Runtz crosses” (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation) – and this is proving true, as many of the most popular new strains (e.g. Lemon Cherry Gelato, Apples and Bananas, etc.) share that sweet/fruity DNA that can be linked back to the Gelato/Zkittlez lineage. Runtz winning the Emerald Cup in 2019 further validated “candy gas” as a winning formula, encouraging growers to prioritize terpene-rich, dessert-like strains for both flavor and potency.

The crossover success of Runtz also underscores the power of inclusion and representation in cannabis branding. The Runtz crew, being young Black entrepreneurs, made a point that “with Runtz, we brought the power back to our group of people”, in Yung LB’s words (Ray Runtz and the Runtz Crew - Leaf Nation). They succeeded in an industry that has often been dominated by corporate entities, by leveraging cultural capital and grassroots marketing. This has inspired other creators from diverse backgrounds to launch cannabis brands and tell their own stories, just as Runtz did (28 grams of game: How Runtz' Yung LB smoked the industry | Leafly) (28 grams of game: How Runtz' Yung LB smoked the industry | Leafly). In essence, Runtz’s impact isn’t only in dollars or awards, but in how it shifted the paradigm of strain marketing – making it as much about culture and community as about the plant itself.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Runtz’s influence reached the point of mainstream recognition. Not only did it grace High Times covers and win contests, but even non-consumers started recognizing the name. In 2020, an internet meme/hoax called “Obama Runtz” went viral (a jokester claimed to have a special Runtz cut named after the former president), further cementing Runtz in pop culture conversations (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World) (Runtz Strain: A Staple of the Hip-Hop & Cannabis Crossover World). While Obama Runtz wasn’t real, the viral joke showed that Runtz had truly entered the broader cultural lexicon – people who knew nothing of strains still found humor in the idea, indicating Runtz had achieved a rare crossover fame for a cannabis strain.

In summary, the cultural and brand legacy of Runtz is multi-faceted: it revolutionized strain branding with its candy-colored style; it became a fixture in music and youth culture; it spawned countless imitators and successors in breeding; and it proved that a small crew with a great strain and clever marketing can build a nationwide phenomenon. Runtz not only influenced what we smoke (ushering in the dominance of sweet, fruity strains) but also how those strains are marketed and talked about. As Leafly wrote, “Runtz upped the culture”, blending cannabis with music, fashion, and lifestyle in an unprecedented way (The Leafly Strain of the Year for 2020 is—Runtz! | Leafly). Even as new strains arise, the original Runtz stands as a modern legend that changed the game, leaving an indelible mark on the cannabis industry.