Apple Tartz is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain bred from Runtz and Apple Fritter, known for a tart, sour apple flavor with buttery sweetness and a relaxed, euphoric high. It was bred by Clearwater Genetics in Colorado Springs and was named a Leafly Strain of Summer in 2022. Leafly lists it around 26% THC, well above the average for flower.
Apple Tartz Strain at a Glance
| Type | Balanced hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Apple Tarts, Apple Tart |
| Lineage | Runtz × Apple Fritter |
| Breeder / origin | Clearwater Genetics (Colorado Springs, Colorado) |
| THC | High; Leafly lists about 26% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Not listed |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Pinene, Limonene |
| Aroma and flavor | tart green apple, creamy berry, cookie dough, light gas, cinnamon, sour apple, butter, apple cinnamon, faint diesel |
| Reported effects | tingly, relaxed, euphoric, uplifted, happy |
| Best for | evening use, relaxed socializing, experienced consumers |
Where Apple Tartz Comes From
Apple Tartz comes from Clearwater Genetics, a Colorado Springs breeder, which crossed Runtz with Apple Fritter. Leafly and Weedmaps both credit Clearwater and list the same two parents. The name plays on both sides of the cross: the candy-like Runtz line and the doughy, fruity Apple Fritter, which is itself usually listed as a Sour Apple and Animal Cookies cross.
The strain got its first wide exposure when Leafly picked it as one of its Strains of Summer in 2022, and both Leafly and Weedmaps mention that recognition. You will see it spelled several ways on menus, including Apple Tarts and Apple Tart, which Leafly lists as alternate names.
Leafly lists Guava Tartz as an offspring, which suggests breeders have started working the line. Beyond that, public information is limited to strain databases and retail listings, and Clearwater has not published much detail on how the cut was selected.
Apple Tartz Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often describe Apple Tartz as tingly, relaxed and euphoric, and Leafly sums up the effects as mostly calming but balanced. Weedmaps users report a similar mix: relaxed, uplifted and happy. In practice that tends to mean a cheerful head change that settles into the body without immediately flattening you, which is why Leafly suggests it can work for a calm evening as well as a slower morning.
Review comments add a caution: several people call it potent, and some describe a heavier, couch-bound feel after a larger amount. With a reported THC level near 26%, the Runtz side of the family shows up as strength as much as flavor. New consumers should take a small amount, wait at least 15 minutes for smoked flower, and decide from there.
Apple Tartz Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The defining note is apple, and not a generic one: reviewers describe tart Granny Smith, sour apple candy and a hint of apple cinnamon pastry, with creamy berry and cookie dough behind it. Leafly’s top flavor tags are apple, butter and ammonia, the last one reflecting the sharp, gassy edge some batches carry. Weedmaps users tag apple almost exclusively, and its description calls the profile spicy apple cinnamon.
Leafly reports myrcene as the dominant terpene, followed by pinene and limonene. Myrcene is the earthy, herbal base found in many relaxing strains, while pinene and limonene add the sharper pine and citrus lift that keeps the apple tasting bright rather than heavy.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
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 Apple Tartz
Leafly reviewers list anxiety, dry mouth and dizziness as the most common complaints. Those fit a strain this strong: a large first dose is the usual cause of a racing or lightheaded feeling. Keep water nearby, start small and avoid mixing it with alcohol.
If you are new to Apple Tartz, start with one small inhalation or 2.5 mg in an edible and wait before taking more; see our dosing guide.
Do People Use Apple Tartz for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often mention reaching for Apple Tartz during depression (26%), anxiety (20%) and pain (19%). These are personal reports, not clinical evidence, and people prone to anxiety should note that anxiety also shows up among its reported 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 Apple Tartz
- Runtz: its candy-sweet parent
- Apple Fritter: its doughy apple parent
- Fritter Glitter: another Apple Fritter cross with a Runtz-family parent
- Sour Apple: a classic tart apple profile
- Apple Mac: another apple-forward modern hybrid
- Gushers: a similar fruity candy hybrid
Browse more hybrid strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Hybrid Strains to Explore
Apples and Bananas · Area 41 · Baklava · Apple Mac · Apple Fritter · Animal Face · All hybrid strains
Where to Buy Apple Tartz
Dispensary menus change every week, and Apple Tartz 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 Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Dr Greenthumb’s Chicago and Verilife – Chicago River North. In Lansing, browse Lansing dispensaries and check the menus at stores like The Cake House – Lansing and Lake Life Farms. 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.
Apple Tartz FAQ
Is Apple Tartz indica or sativa?
Apple Tartz is a balanced hybrid. Leafly describes its effects as mostly calming but balanced, and Weedmaps users report relaxed, uplifted and happy.
What is Apple Tartz a cross of?
Runtz crossed with Apple Fritter, according to Leafly and Weedmaps.
Who bred Apple Tartz?
Clearwater Genetics, a breeder based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
How strong is Apple Tartz?
Strong. Leafly lists about 26% THC and rates it higher than average, so start with a small amount.
What does Apple Tartz taste like?
Tart sour apple with butter, creamy berry and a hint of cinnamon, plus a light gassy edge in some batches.
Is Apple Tarts the same strain as Apple Tartz?
Yes. Leafly lists Apple Tarts and Apple Tart as alternate names for the same Clearwater Genetics strain.
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.
