An increasingly common trend as of late especially, breeders have been naming strains after food going back many, many years. Admittedly, cannabis and food do share a plethora of similarities: they both bring (mostly) pleasure to their consumers, appease a psychological desire, and the best of each category commands an extremely dedicated following. Sure, you’re familiar with the heavyweights -- Girl Scout Cookies, Banana OG, Pineapple Express, etc, but today we examine an accomplished, yet under the radar strain, in today’s Spotlight on Zkittlez!

Zkittlez was introduced to the world sometime in the early-2010s by Mendo County-based 3rd Gen Family Farms, a multiple-time award-winning collective known for both their flower and collaborations with high-quality extract artists. Even considering the collective’s laundry list of awards and accolades, their creation of Zkittlez may be their crown jewel -- a cross of Grape Ape x Grapefruit x Unknown Strain packs a flavorful, one-of-a-kind punch. In many instances, these “food” strains rarely relate an aroma or taste that’s consistent with the confection after which they’re named -- this is not the case with Zkittlez, which offers an intense grape, fruity aroma which could easily be confused for the real-deal Skittles in a blind smell test. The presence of such a high concentration of aromatic terpenes generally results in a lower THC content -- most of the batches we’ve seen over the years have fallen somewhere between the 16%-19% THC range. We find that both connoisseurs seeking a truly unique flavor profile and cannabis novices looking for a strain with manageable THC content will enjoy Zkittlez.

According to Leafly, the strain’s most widespread terpenes are the commonly-found beta-caryophyllene and the less-common humulene. Caryophyllene is present in many well-known strains, lauded for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant effects. Anticipate a spicy-smelling aroma that may be reminiscent of other edible plants such as basil, oregano, or rosemary. Humulene is perhaps best known for its presence in beer hops, and provides a woody, earthy aroma to many strains. It’s also found in high concentrations in Pure Kush, Headband, and Girl Scout Cookies, and thought to help manage pain while possessing both “topical and systemic anti-inflammatory properties.”

We were stoked to score a sample of Elemental’s current value batch of Zkittlez (17.55% THC) from our friends over at OGZ -- currently available @ Elemental for the unbeatable price of just $25/eighth! We tore open our bag, and rolled out our nugs onto the rolling tray -- vibrant green nugs, with dense, mini-triangle shaped buds and a gloriously sweet fragrance set the stage for our impending sesh. The trim job left a little to be desired, but considering the amazing value, this is a slight imperfection we were willingly ready to forgive. We used a grinder to get the most from the strain’s dense nugs -- we spun our spikes around a few times and emptied our broken-down product into our patiently-awaiting king-sized RAW cone.

Packing it down tightly to ensure an even burn, we lit the end of our joint, and inhaled. We were immediately met with the refreshing grape, orange, and all-around-fruity flavor promised by the pre-smoke aroma -- we exhaled without the slightest tickle of the throat, ready for the second puff of the customary ‘puff-puff-pass’ process. The juicy flavor pleasantly lingers long after the joint is passed -- it’s easy to draw a parallel between wine-tasting with flavorful strains such as Zkittlez, and envisioning a not-too-distant future where ‘cannabis flights’ are as common as wine flights is increasingly easy to believe. Zkittlez’ unique selling point is certainly its terpene profile, but the effects were no slouch either -- remember that higher THC doesn’t necessarily equal a better or more stoney experience for users. We enjoyed Zkittlez’ subtle, but palpable, relaxing effects without leaving us sedated or too ‘in our own heads.’ It might not be ideal for users looking to get super duper baked, but for those of us seeking a pleasant, subtle mood boost, Zkittlez hits the nail on the head. With it’s manageable THC content, users won’t experience a discernable ‘comedown’ with Zkittlez -- no lethargy detected, making it great as an ideally functional high for members leading on-the-go lifestyles.

To wrap things up, Zkittlez is a one-of-a-kind strain that works great in either a joint or bowl, and is preferred among connoisseurs for its unique flavor and among novice users for its lower THC content. You’ll feel confident passing this one around the circle, as Zkittlez is certain to inspire several double takes and the quality-affirming “Hey bro, what strain is this?” inquiry from at least one cloudy-minded friend. Members seeking a value flower offering sweet flavor and reduced psychoactivity need look no further than award-winning Zkittlez.

Be sure to ask your consultant about our Zkittlez selection on your next visit -- our Zkittlez Dablicator (79.07% THC) is also available for members who prefer extract! Available while supplies last, accurate as of 4/18/2019.