[Review] - Cannabis Flower: Zkittlez

Zkittlez is a hugely popular indica-leaning hybrid created by the NorCal based Dying Breed Seeds.  It's the offspring of sativa Grapefruit & indica Grape Ape, two tangy & fruity favorites.  It won First Place Best Indica in 2015 in both Michigan & San Francisco's Cannabis Cups for its smooth, well-balanced high & delicious flavor.  Since then it's become the base for many subsequent crosses including Lemon Zkittlez, Runtz & White Runtz.  Unfortunately, seeds are not available to buy online according to Wikileaf.com so growers will have to start with clones or cuttings.  

As per usual, this strain comes with no cannabinoid info on the package or website but Zkittlez averages 18% THC in general.  The buds are fat, multiple shades of light and deep green and sparkle with trichomes.  Quite pretty to look at.  The smell is relatively mild:  sour & citrusy like a bag of yellow Skittles.  It breaks up easily & has sort of a brownish hue on the inside of the buds.  I spent $16 for 2 grams.  

Photo #2:  Zkittlez Flower

I pack some into a bubblegum flavored paper & hit the backyard at sunset.  The sky is actually overcast this August evening which is rare for this time of year (but nothing's out of season anymore with climate change).  The wind makes the joint burn fast so I don't get much info on any flavor that might be present, but the effects kick in hard & fast.  As soon as I stand back up I feel energized and moderately euphoric.  This happy, warm feeling of upliftedness lasts a solid 40 minutes before fading into a lesser "coasting" high for another 30 minutes or so.  No munchies and no harsh drowsy comedown.  My 2nd trial only confirms what I thought the first time around:  Zkittlez is a seriously euphoric strain.  My fave of 2021 so far.  

In terms of medicinal uses, Zkittles would be great for pain, depression, fatigue or general stress & anxiety.  In the recreational department it's perfect for afternoon activities like hiking, running errands or playing volleyball at the beach or lake with friends...anything active.  Despite its indica-leaning label, Zkittles is anything but sleep-inducing and actually had me more energized than many sativas (granted, sativas tend to be more sedating for me because I have ADHD) but still.  It's not your typical indica.  

In conclusion, I give Zkittlez a 4.9 of 5 stars for its uplifting effects, bag appeal & potency.  As much as I love trying classic landraces like Chocolate Thai, it's not hard to see why hybrid powerhouses like Zkittlez are so popular these days.  Aside from the higher yield and shorter flowering times, these new strains are just tailor made for smokers who love variety & nuance.  This one packs a punch in the bliss department & has lots of other "layers" to explore--it's not one-dimensional by any means.