What is Zkittlez?
Zkittlez is an indica-dominant strain that came to market in the 2010s. Leafly describes it as an alleged cross of Grape Ape and Grapefruit with another strain that has never been disclosed, and files it under indica.
Leafly repeats the story that the cultivar came from someone dubbed Gas Station Bob and was popularized by Terp Hogz growers Fields and Tony Mendo with help from Brandon Parker of 3rd Gen Family. Ganjapreneur's report on the 2016 Emerald Cup, where a Zkittlez entry from Humboldt County growers The Dookie Brothers took the top prize, says it was bred by 3rd Gen Family and Terp Hogz. The Cannigma notes it has also been credited to Shiloh Massive of Dying Breed Seeds.
The name changed in 2023. Wrigley, the maker of Skittles, sued Terp Hogz for trademark infringement in Chicago federal court in 2021. Under the July 2023 settlement reported by Ganjapreneur, Terp Hogz stopped using the Zkittlez name and its circle Z branding, kept The Original Z name and its Z logo, and no damages were awarded to Wrigley. Terp Hogz, based in Mendocino County, now uses The Original Z, so you may see the strain under that name or simply as Z.
Look, smell and taste
Leafly describes medium-sized, spongy green colas, while The Cannigma mentions colourful buds that can show purple, orange and light green.
Leafly calls it a sweet, tropical blend of fruit, and its reviewers most often pick grapefruit, grape and berry; the 2016 Emerald Cup coverage also described a sweet, tropical flavour and smell. Leafly's lab data lists caryophyllene, linalool and humulene as the top terpenes, and The Cannigma's lab averages show caryophyllene, myrcene, humulene and pinene.
Effects people report
Leafly describes calming effects that leave people focused, alert and happy while the body relaxes. Its reviewers most often tag Zkittlez as relaxed, sleepy and hungry, and The Cannigma describes the high as very chill without too much couch-lock. The most common negatives on Leafly are headache, dry mouth and dry eyes.
These are reviewer impressions, not test results. Health Canada notes that everyone's response to cannabis is different and can differ from one time to the next. For medical questions, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
How strong is Zkittlez?
Zkittlez is better known for flavour than for record THC. The Cannigma's average of lab tests is about 14% THC, and it notes the level is lower than many marquee strains; Leafly lists 20%. THC varies by batch, so check the label; Health Canada notes that higher levels of THC can cause greater impairment.
Strains similar to Zkittlez
Zkittlez has become a popular parent. Leafly lists White Runtz among its offspring, and The Cannigma names Blue Zkittlez, a cross with Blue Diamond, along with Orange Zkittlez and Gorilla Zkittlez. Its parents are worth comparing too: The Cannigma says it shares Grape Ape's fruity flavour and Grapefruit's citrus.
Buying Zkittlez
GasDank delivers same day across Toronto and the GTA, usually within 1 to 2 hours, and ships mail order across Canada. Check the indica flower menu for current stock; the menu carries lab-tested products. Look for occasional $40 ounce specials on the deals page; regular ounces start from $50. Customers must be 19 or older (21 in Quebec), with ID checked at the door.
