Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (2024)

In an ever-growing landscape of green, it’s hard to determine which new strains will stand the test of time. Cultivating a winning strain within the cannabis community and for the public takes a complex balance of fire genetics, unique flavors, and good marketing. There has yet to be a strain that has cemented itself so quickly and so unanimously than Runtz.

Barely six years into its release to the public, Runtz has climbed its way to the top of award podiums, into dozens and dozens of rap songs, and on dispensary shelves coast to coast. Created and popularized by the “Runtz crew” of Ray Bama, Nick, and rapper Yung LB, Runtz emerged at the 2017 Emerald Cup and promptly made waves. In 2020, we deemed it the Leafly Strain of the Year for its complex terpene profile and hard-hitting effects.

Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (1)

Not to mention the gorgeous purple kaleidoscope of its buds. It still wins awards to this day, most recently dominating at the 2022 Michigan People’s Choice Cannabis Cup.

Dozens of iterations and crosses of Runtz have since entered the market; the Leafly strain database currently hosts 36 Runtz varieties, and it’s only up from here.

Read more strain news on Leafly

Characteristics of Runtz Strains

Runtz combines two winners in their own right, Gelato and Zkittlez, for a hybrid that has the glistening bag appeal, pungent, layered terps, and the cosmic high of a new classic. Tastemakers like Cookies mogul Berner knew right away it would be a hit. Leafly reviewers agree that original Runtz is in a league of its own.

Its terpene profile mixes the pepper of caryophyllene, the citrus of limonene, and the dusky floral of linalool for an unmatched nose and taste experience.

Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (2)

“With Runtz, it looks amazing, it smells like candy, grapes, and gas, and you smoke it and it tastes just like it smells, which is [actually] kind of unusual.”

Ridgeline Farms owner, grower Jason Gellman, in southern Humboldt County, CA

The 10 best Runtz strains to try, according to Leafly reviewers

Paring down our list of the best Runtz strains is tricky, but not impossible. The most popular Runtz strains speak for themselves: they look great, smell great, taste great, and feel great. We used a methodology of how many reviewers endorse them, how accessible they are, and if they’ve won or contributed to award-winning strains.If you want the full Runtz rundown, check out our list.

RelatedHow to order weed delivery online with Leafly

This doesn’t include the original Runtz, which set off this entire cultural phenomenon. Keep in mind that even though Runtz is everywhere now, it’s still a premium product and you likely won’t find it at your local dispensary for less than $50.

Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (3)
  • White Runtz—The Cookies fam helped this Runtz phenotype blow up into one of the most popular and abundant options around. It’s a great, stony choice for recreational smokers and medical patients. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.6 rating based on 236 reviews.
  • Tropical Runtz—Bred by Exotic Genetix, this Runtz baby is heavy on the fruit and heady buzz. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.8 rating based on 30 reviews.
  • Black Runtz—Think of Big Boss Farms’ Runtz phenotype as a dark twin to White Runtz, heavy on the earthy notes and sedation. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.7 rating based on 60 reviews.
  • Forbidden Runtz—Growers Choice’s Forbidden Fruit and Runtz cross pairs perfectly with a lazy day and fruit smoothie. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.3 rating based on 14 reviews.
  • Coochie Runtz—The Cookies brand carries this ribald phenotype of Runtz, with an equally provocative mylar bag. But its popularity will keep growing. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.4 rating based on 19 reviews. One reviewer wrote: “Feels like Runtz, looks like Runtz. It’s Runtz with a hint of Coochie. Good shit!”
Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (4)
  • Greasy Runtz—So sticky, it’ll be on your fingers for days. Exotic Genetix strikes again with Runtz x Grease Monkey. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.6 rating based on 14 reviews.
  • Purple Runtz—Purple Runtz has a relatively lower THC count than its sister strains, but Leafly reviewers still gave it a 4.6 rating based on 53 reviews.
  • Rose Gold Runtz—This Runtz hybrid brings the power of White Runtz and Apples and Bananas together. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.6 rating based on 13 reviews.
  • Rainbow Runtz—Rainbow Runtz uses Dosidos instead of Gelato to cross with Zkittlez, for a flavor that veers more creamy vanilla. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.6 rating based on 27 reviews.
  • Obama Runtz—It’s unclear if this strain even exists! After a 2020 viral video, Obama Runtz was making waves in cannabis circles. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.4 rating based on 61 reviews.

Strongest Runtz strains by THC content

We at Leafly love to smoke strong, but we know THC isn’t everything. The brain-shattering high that comes with Runtz is more likely due to its constellation of terpenes, but it’s also known for high THC numbers. Runtz has a huge fanbase in long-term smokers because its distinct high doesn’t fade over time, but it might not gel with newbies.

Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (5)

Here are ten of the strongest Runtz strains on the market right now, based on numbers collected in our strains database and market research. You might see some of these on the list above.

  • Strawberry Runtz – 32% THC—Strawberry Runtz is a White Runtz hybrid heavy on the fruit terps and light on couchlock. Leafly reviewers gave it a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews.
  • Coochie Runtz – 29% THC—Cooochie Runtz packs a punch. Bring your A-game. Reviewers gave it a 4.4 rating based on 16 reviews.
  • Runtz Muffin – 29% THC—Barney’s Farm’s Runtz Muffin pairs Runtz with Orange Punch for a fruity, sativa-dominant twist. One reviewer said it gives you the “high that you used to get when you were smoking at 16.” Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.7 rating based on 7 reviews.
  • Greasy Runtz – 28% THC—This Runtz cross is hard to wash off your hands. Greasy Runtz by Exotic Genetix brings out the best in parent strains Grease Monkey and Runtz. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.8 rating based on 14 reviews.
  • Red Runtz – 28% THC—Red Runtz is a stony strain with a soda pop sweetness. Exotic Genetix have combined Red Pop and Runtz, both award winners, for a strain that will couchlock you with a candy palate. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.8 rating based on 12 reviews.
Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (6)
  • Grape Runtz – 27% THC—There’s a lot going on here. Grape Runtz has three parents in Grape Ape, Runtz, and OG Kush. This Runtz is a little more lax than the original, with an earthy note to accompany the grape and citrus. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.5 rating based on 16 reviews.
  • Gruntz – 27% THC—Gruntz is a hybrid of Gushers and Runtz by Nasha Genetics. Leafly reviewers applaud its body high and mix of tropical and earth flavors. They gave it a 4.6 rating based on 30 reviews.
  • Rose Gold Runtz – 32% THC—Rose Gold Runtz from top breeder Compound Genetics crosses Apples & Bananas with White Runtz for even more power and flavor. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.6 rating based on 13 reviews.

Other popular Runtz strains of 2022

Believe it or not, there are still over a dozen Runtz strains we haven’t put on the lists above that are worth your attention. You may not know these names now, but we promise that you’ll be seeing and smoking a lot more of them in years to come. We at Leafly work consistently to keep you updated on the best new genetics from breeders coast to coast. Help us out by leaving reviews for your favorite (or least favorite) strains!

  • Devine Runtz—Help us learn more about this new Runtz! This strain does not have any reviews or ratings.
  • Watermelon Runtz—Who needs candy when you have a super sweet cross of Watermelon Zkittlez and Runtz? Leafly reviewers gave it a 5.0 rating based on 1 review.
  • Cherry Runtz—She’s my cherry pie! Runtz and Cherry Pie unite for a euphoric banger of a strain. Leafly reviewers gave it a 4.6 rating based on 19 reviews.

Sources and research:

Leafly’s top Runtz strains of 2022 (2024)

FAQs

What is the leafly strain of the year 2022? ›

(“Leafly”), one of the world's leading cannabis discovery marketplaces and resources, today announced Jealousy, a hybrid strain that originates from the influential Southern California market, as the 2022 Leafly Strain of the Year.

What is the new Runtz strain? ›

New Strain: Rozay Runtz. Rozay Runtz is our 10th strain of 2023! Any users who enjoy berry-forward flavor profiles and beautiful deep-purple buds should give Rozay Runtz a try.

What is the dominant strain in runtz? ›

It's a balanced 50% indica/sativa hybrid that was created by crossing Zkittlez and Gelato. Runtz is highly sought after for its potency, with THC content averaging around 24%. Its dominant terpenes - beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and limonene - contribute to its enticing aroma and overall experience.

What strain is Super Runtz? ›

Super Runtz is a hybrid weed strain made from a genetic cross between Super Lemon Cherry Gelato and Runtz. This strain is a rare and exotic creation that combines the best of both parents. Super Runtz is unknown% THC, making this strain an ideal choice for experienced cannabis consumers.

Why is runtz the best strain? ›

Recreational cannabis users love the well balanced effects of Black Runtz, from its sweet and fruity aroma to its yummy berry flavor and uplifting high that enhances creativity and socializing.

What is the 2022 strain of the year? ›

The national trajectory of Jealousy, Leafly Strain of the Year 2022, is impressive. Jealousy (or its hybrids) took home several top awards in cannabis contests in 2023 and it now ranks in the top 1 percent in strain availability and in the top half-percent of most ordered strains on Leafly.

What is the real runtz strain? ›

Runtz Strain is a 50-50 Indica and Sativa hybrid strain, which means that it provides users with both mental and physical effects. The balanced strain is perfect for those who are looking for relaxation and euphoria without getting couch-locked.

What is Leafly runtz strain of the year? ›

Created and popularized by the “Runtz crew” of Ray Bama, Nick, and rapper Yung LB, Runtz emerged at the 2017 Emerald Cup and promptly made waves. In 2020, we deemed it the Leafly Strain of the Year for its complex terpene profile and hard-hitting effects. Not to mention the gorgeous purple kaleidoscope of its buds.

What is the impossible runtz strain? ›

Runtz, also called The Runtz OG, is a rare hybrid strain. Cookies Fam created Runtz by crossing The Original Z and Gelato. Runtz is a sweet strain well known for its fruity, candy-like flavor profile that smells like a bag of candy. Runtz has been described as having uplifting, energetic effects.

What strain is forbidden runtz? ›

Forbidden Runtz is an indica-dominant hybrid weed strain made from a genetic cross between Forbidden Fruit and Runtz.

What strain is Mega Runtz? ›

Mega Runtz is a hybrid weed strain made from a genetic cross between the iconic Don Mega and Runtz strains. This strain is 50% sativa and 50% indica. Mega Runtz is renowned for its balanced effects and delightful flavors.

Is runtz more sativa or indica? ›

Runtz is 50% Cannabis sativa and 50% Cannabis indica. Because of this, Runtz is considered one of the perfect hybrids.

What is the difference between Runtz OG and white runtz? ›

One of the main differences between White Runtz and the original Runtz strain is its appearance. White Runtz gets its name from the whitish crystalline sheath of trichomes that cover it. These crystals contain the vast majority of a plant's THC levels.

Is White Runtz a strong strain? ›

Effects and Medical Benefits

White Runtz is known for its potent effects, offering a high that's both euphoric and relaxing. The strain starts with a cerebral rush that leaves you feeling uplifted and happy. This is followed by a calming body high that washes over you, leaving you feeling relaxed and at ease.

What strain is runtz 23? ›

Runtz is a live rosin hybrid strain crossing Zkittlez and Gelato. This solventless strain is the perfect natural alternative if you're looking for something that is energizing and euphoric. It is well loved for its fruity and delicious flavor profile which exudes a sweet, sugar-filled aroma.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 5609

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.