RS-11 is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain bred by Deo Farms from Pink Guava and Sunset Sherbet, known for loud apricot, peach and citrus flavors over a fuel-tinged nose. Also called Rainbow Sherbert #11, it was selected from the Deo Farms Rainbow Sherbert project by the Los Angeles grower Wizard Trees and became one of the most talked-about exotics of the early 2020s. Leafly lists it around 24% THC, and users describe a calm, giggly high that keeps the mind alert.
RS-11 Strain at a Glance
| Type | Balanced hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | RS11, Rainbow Sherbert #11, Rainbow Sherbet #11 |
| Lineage | Pink Guava × Sunset Sherbet |
| Breeder / origin | Deo Farms (Oakland, California), selected by Wizard Trees |
| THC | 22–28% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Beta-caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene |
| Aroma and flavor | tree fruit, citrus, guava, fuel, sweet spice, apricot, peach, tropical candy |
| Reported effects | focused, giggly, relaxed, clear-headed |
| Best for | afternoon use, creative work, unwinding without sedation |
| Flowering time | About 10 weeks |
Where RS-11 Comes From
RS-11 comes out of the Rainbow Sherbert project run by Deo Farms (Deep East Oakland) in Oakland, California. The parent Pink Guava was a selection from the OZ Kush line, itself built on OG Kush and Zkittlez, and Deo crossed it with Sunset Sherbert. Wizard Trees in Los Angeles picked out the #11 and #54 keepers, and RS-11 is the one that caught on. The same project produced Zoap, which is why the two strains share a family resemblance.
The name causes some confusion. Despite “Rainbow Sherbert” in its full name, RS-11 is not a direct cut of the older Rainbow Sherbet strain, and a few guides list the pedigree loosely as Pink Guava x OZ Kush. Leafly’s breeder-sourced account gives Pink Guava x Sunset Sherbert.
RS-11 rose fast. Leafly named it a runner-up for Strain of the Year in 2023 and its HighLight strain for January 2025, by which point more than 1,600 stores listing on Leafly carried it. It has become a popular parent: Magic Marker (RS-11 x Permanent Marker), Rainbow Runtz, Wizard Trees’ 11:11 (RS-11 bred back to itself) and a Barney’s Farm RS11 x Banana OG seed line all draw on it.
RS-11 Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often describe RS-11 as focused, giggly and relaxed. The effect sits between calming and energizing: the body loosens and stress fades, but the head stays clear enough for conversation, music or a creative project. Several reviewers say it gives them mental energy without the edgy feeling some potent hybrids bring.
Batches are often strong, so the clear-headed character can tip into heaviness or a headache if you overdo it. Moderate amounts suit afternoons and early evenings. Newer consumers should start small.
RS-11 Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
RS-11 is a terp-forward strain. The nose is loud, mixing tree fruit and citrus with a fuel streak and a sweet, spicy undertone. On the inhale, reviewers pick up apricot, peach and tropical notes, sometimes described as guava candy, finishing with sour citrus. Some compare the overall taste to rainbow sherbet, which fits the name even if the genetics are more complicated.
Lab averages compiled by Leafly show caryophyllene as the dominant terpene, followed by limonene and humulene. Caryophyllene supplies the peppery spice, limonene the citrus lift and humulene a dry, hoppy, woody edge that keeps the fruit from tasting cloying.
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Humulene: woody and hoppy, also found in hops and basil
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 RS-11
The most common complaints on Leafly are headaches, anxiousness and dry mouth. These usually show up with heavier use of strong batches, so pace yourself and keep water nearby.
With RS-11, as with any strain, a smaller dose usually avoids anxiety or grogginess. Our cannabis safety guide covers what to do if you take too much.
Do People Use RS-11 for Medical Reasons?
Leafly reviewers most often report reaching for RS-11 for anxiety, stress and low mood, and some medical users mention it for mild pain. These are personal reports, not medical evidence.
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.
Growing RS-11
- Flowering: About 10 weeks
RS-11 is a selected keeper, and Leafly notes that many growers across the US now run it. Leafly notes a flowering time of about 10 weeks and buds with vivid lime-green and yellow tones. Because authentic cuts circulate alongside seed-grown versions of varying quality, results depend heavily on where the genetics came from.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like RS-11
- Zoap: a sibling from the same Deo Farms Rainbow Sherbert project
- Sunset Sherbet: a parent
- Zkittlez: candy-fruit genetics through Pink Guava
- Permanent Marker: crossed with RS-11 to make Magic Marker
- Runtz: another sweet, fruity, balanced exotic
- Rainbow Belts: a similar candy-fruit, Zkittlez-family hybrid
Browse more hybrid strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Hybrid Strains to Explore
Runtz Cake · Runtz · Sapphire Cherries · Rozay Cake · Royal Jelly · Robots · All hybrid strains
Where to Buy RS-11
Dispensary menus change every week, and RS-11 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 Karma Club – Chicago and Guaranteed Dispensary – Chicago. In Ann Arbor, browse Ann Arbor dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Bloom City Club and Jars Cannabis. 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.
RS-11 FAQ
Is RS-11 indica or sativa?
RS-11 is a balanced hybrid. Users describe it as relaxing in the body while keeping the mind alert.
What is RS-11 a cross of?
Deo Farms crossed Pink Guava, a selection from the OZ Kush line, with Sunset Sherbert. Some guides list it more loosely as Pink Guava x OZ Kush.
Who bred RS-11?
Deo Farms of Oakland, California made the cross, and Wizard Trees of Los Angeles selected the #11 keeper.
How strong is RS-11?
Leafly lists about 24% THC, and many batches fall in the low-to-high 20s.
What does RS-11 taste like?
Apricot, peach and citrus with tropical candy notes, over a spicy, slightly fuel-like aroma.
Is RS-11 the same as Rainbow Sherbet?
No. RS-11 stands for Rainbow Sherbert #11, a Deo Farms selection, but it is not a cut of the older Rainbow Sherbet 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.
