Rainbow Chip is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain bred from Sunset Sherbet and Mint Chocolate Chip, known for a minty citrus flavor and an upbeat, giggly high. It comes from Exotic Genetix, which released it as part of its Mint Chocolate Chip family of crosses. Leafly lists a typical THC level around 26%, and AllBud gives a lower 20–22% range, so potency varies by grower.
Rainbow Chip Strain at a Glance
| Type | Balanced hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | RBW |
| Lineage | Sunset Sherbet × Mint Chocolate Chip |
| Breeder / origin | Exotic Genetix |
| THC | 20–26% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Usually under 1%; listings vary |
| Dominant terpenes | Limonene, Beta-caryophyllene, Pinene |
| Aroma and flavor | citrus, mint, sweet cream, earth, spice, lime, chocolate, sweet sherbet |
| Reported effects | uplifted, energetic, giggly, euphoric, focused |
| Best for | daytime or social use, experienced consumers, fans of mint and dessert flavors |
Where Rainbow Chip Comes From
Rainbow Chip is an Exotic Genetix cross of Sunset Sherbet with Mint Chocolate Chip. Leafly credits Exotic Genetix as the breeder, AllBud lists the same two parents, and dispensary listings for the brand’s own products repeat that pairing. One retail listing places it in the breeder’s 2018 lineup built around Mint Chocolate Chip, a line Exotic Genetix used in a number of crosses.
Some older menus and lists credit other breeders for Rainbow Chip, but we found no breeder release that backs those claims, while the Exotic Genetix attribution shows up consistently. Sunset Sherbet gives the cross its sherbet sweetness and Cookies family background, and Mint Chocolate Chip adds the cool mint and cocoa notes the name hints at.
Leafly lists Pressure and Scotty 2 Hotty among its offspring, which shows breeders have started using it as a parent. It is sold today as flower, sugar and infused pre-rolls in several state markets.
Rainbow Chip Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often describe Rainbow Chip as uplifting, energetic and giggly, and AllBud adds creativity, focus and euphoria. That points to a head-forward high that tends to lift mood and loosen conversation rather than pin you to the couch. The Sunset Sherbet side brings a mellow body feel underneath, so most people describe it as balanced rather than racy.
The catch is potency. At the higher end of its reported THC range, a few quick pulls can tip the bright mood into a jittery or anxious state, and Leafly reviewers do list anxiety and paranoia among the downsides. It suits an afternoon with friends or a creative project, taken in small amounts. New consumers should start with one or two puffs and wait 15 minutes before taking more.
Rainbow Chip Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
Leafly lists mint, lime and citrus as its main flavors, while AllBud adds chocolate, menthol, sour and sweet notes. Expect a sherbet-like sweetness on the inhale, then a cool mint and cocoa finish that recalls the Mint Chocolate Chip parent. Some reviewers mention a creamy vanilla note; one describes the dry flower as smelling a bit like an old eraser with vanilla, a sign that the nose changes from cut to cut.
Leafly reports limonene as the most abundant terpene, followed by caryophyllene and pinene. Limonene fits the lime and citrus side of the flavor, caryophyllene brings a peppery bite, and pinene adds a light piney freshness.
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Rainbow Chip
Leafly reviewers name dry mouth, anxiety and paranoia as the most common complaints. The anxious feelings usually come from taking too much of a potent batch too fast, so pace yourself and keep water nearby. People who are sensitive to racy highs may prefer to save it for a calm setting.
How strong Rainbow Chip feels depends on the batch, your tolerance and how you consume it. Start low, go slow, and read our guide to dosing cannabis.
Do People Use Rainbow Chip for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often say they reach for Rainbow Chip during anxiety (21%), depression (19%) and stress (15%). These are personal reports, not clinical findings, and anyone prone to anxiety should note that anxiety and paranoia also appear on its list of side effects.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Strains Like Rainbow Chip
- Sunset Sherbet: its sweet, Cookies family parent
- Thin Mint GSC: another mint-forward Cookies cut
- Kush Mints: a modern mint and dessert hybrid
- Rainbow Belts: another candy-sweet modern hybrid
- Gelato: a close Sunset Sherbet relative with a similar dessert profile
Browse more hybrid strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Hybrid Strains to Explore
Rainbow Driver · Rainbow Gelato · Red Cherry Berry · Rainbow Belts · Purple Trainwreck · Purple Maui · All hybrid strains
Where to Buy Rainbow Chip
Dispensary menus change every week, and Rainbow Chip may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Tacoma, browse Tacoma dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Clear Choice Cannabis 72nd and Mary Mart. In San Francisco, browse San Francisco dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Harborside and Eaze San Francisco Haight. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Rainbow Chip FAQ
Is Rainbow Chip indica or sativa?
Rainbow Chip is a hybrid. AllBud lists it as an even 50/50 split, and Leafly simply calls it a hybrid.
What is Rainbow Chip a cross of?
Sunset Sherbet crossed with Mint Chocolate Chip, according to Leafly, AllBud and the breeder’s own product listings.
Who bred Rainbow Chip?
Exotic Genetix, which released it as one of its Mint Chocolate Chip crosses.
How strong is Rainbow Chip?
Fairly strong. Leafly lists about 26% THC and AllBud gives 20–22%, so check the label on the batch you buy.
What does Rainbow Chip taste like?
Sweet sherbet up front with a cool mint, lime and chocolate finish.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
