History & Genetics

Zkittlez, sometimes also spelled Skittlez or just Skittles, is an indica-dominant hybrid that erupts with fruit flavor. The creation of Northern California-based collective Dying Breed Seeds, this strain is descended from fruity indica favorite Grape Ape and tangy sativa Grapefruit. Skittles combines the mental and physical effects of both parent strains to yield a smooth, multifaceted high. This bud’s appeal was strong enough to earn the title of Best Indica at the 2015 High Times Cannabis Cup held in Michigan. Zkittlez’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and 23%.

Appearance, Aroma & Flavor

Like its namesake, this strain offers you the opportunity to taste the rainbow — but as it turns out Zkittlez lets you see a rainbow too. Depending on phenotype, the plant’s thick and chunky flowers appear in a variety of greens and purples, with vibrant orange hairs (or pistils) sprinkled throughout. The eye-catching purple hues are the result of high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments. The trimmed buds have a characteristically indica structure, tight and densely-packed, with smallish leaves. Finally, a dusting of cloudy white trichomes ensures both stickiness and psychoactivity.

Its aroma is where Zkittlez really shines. When properly cured, Zkittlez’s flowers give off a kind of sweet-sour funk. A second whiff reveals slightly more distinct notes of berry and lemon. Grinding up the flowers intensifies the strain’s more sour notes, resulting in a kind of skunky character. When combusted in a pipe or joint, the flowers burn with a very pleasant and easily-inhaled smoke. On the exhale, this light smoke tastes fruity and grape-like. Notably, any detectable grape flavors are coincidental to the strain’s purple coloring; this is because the plant’s color are determined by pigmentation, while its flavor profile is determined by terpenes.

Effects

Although Zkittlez comes on relatively quickly, its head-focused effects tend to be subtle. Some slight pressure around the eyes and temples may occur at first. As smokers become accustomed to this feeling, though, they’re able to appreciate the strain’s action on their sensory perception. Odd experiences like visual and auditory distortions are commonly reported, as is a strange feeling of time passing more slowly. Such trippy effects can be boosted by atmospheric enhancements, particularly moody music or a visually-engaging television show.

At the same time that Zkittlez’s psychedelic trappings set in, users may also notice that their thoughts have taken on a newly plugged-in quality, with certain ideas seeming to occupy more space or attention than they otherwise might. This kind of cerebral energy can be a great way to work on detailed tasks, whether they’re complicated or more mundane, like cleaning the house. As the high wears on, a palpable body high creeps in to complement these mentally-activating effects. While this newfound relaxation isn’t liable to knock smokers out flat, it could just undo any earlier motivation to get through a long to-do list. In these later stages, Zkittlez is best enjoyed in laid-back circumstances. Because of its slow dip in energy levels, this bud is recommended for consumption between late afternoon and early evening.

Zkittlez can also have a few different applications for medical cannabis patients. The strain’s initially zoned-in mental properties can aid focus for those attention deficit disorders. As the body high takes over, it can temporarily soothe the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Physical benefits include relief from both chronic pain and minor, everyday irritation. Zkittlez can also cause a surge in appetite, helping out those who have lost their hunger. Thanks to its potentially paranoid cerebral effects, patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance should consume Zkittlez with some caution.

Growing

Seeds of this tasty strain are not available for sale online. Instead, prospective growers should obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” While there’s little info available on best practices for cultivating Zkittlez, we know that it can be successfully grown indoors or outdoors in a hot, humid climate. Gardeners looking to bring out the bud’s shades of purple should expose their crops to cold (but not freezing) nighttime temperatures just before flowering begins. Taking into account strains with a similar indica to sativa ratio suggest that Zkittlez may flower anywhere between the 8 and 10-week mark.

Zkittlez is an increasingly popular strain that’s worth grabbing when spotted on dispensary shelves. It’s enjoyable as a solo treat or when shared with like-minded friends.