"Zkittlez is one of the biggest names in modern cannabis genetics, wowing smokers the world over with its bold candy aromas and potent high. In this article, we take a closer look at Rainbow Belts, a new hybrid descending directly from the almighty Zkittlez genetic line. Strain History of Rainbow Belts Rainbow Belts is the creation of Archive Seed Bank and a direct descendant of Zkittlez—arguably the US' favorite “candy” strain. Archive Seed Bank was founded by Fletcher "ThaDocta" Watson, who began growing cannabis at the age of 17 and started his career as a breeder in 2008. After collecting seeds for several years, ThaDocta developed a passion for heirloom genetics, many of which he still uses in the creation of his strains today. In 2015, ThaDocta, originally from Virginia, moved to Portland, Oregon to found the Archive Seed Bank and dispensary. The reason was simple—it was the only state where he was allowed to produce, process, and sell his product directly to the public (many US states do not allow individuals or companies to hold multiple cannabis licenses for cultivation, processing, and retail). Thanks to Portland's laws, ThaDocta and his team are able to sell 100% in-house products at their dispensary, from seeds and clones through to dry flower, concentrates, and everything in between. By far, ThaDocta's most famous creation to date is the beloved Dosidos, a strain that has taken the entire North American cannabis market by storm since its creation in 2016. Rainbow Belts is one of Archive's newer creations, and was officially launched in 2022. Genetic Lineage of Rainbow Belts The Archive Seed Bank and Dispensary currently stocks three different varieties of Rainbow Belts: Rainbow Belts 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. The original Rainbow Belts 1.0 is a cross of Zkittlez and Moonbow #75, which also contains Zkittlez genetics. The Archive decided to preserve Rainbow Belts 1.0 thanks to the strain's sexual stability, OG-like potency, and delicious lime candy aromas/flavors. While Archive Seed Bank won't reveal the original genetics behind its Moonbow line, it is believed to descend from a cross of Zkittlez and Dosidos. After carefully selecting Moonbow #75 from a total of 200 different phenotypes, ThaDocta backcrossed this peculiar plant with the original Zkittlez, creating Rainbow Belts 1.0. Rainbow Belts 2.0 is the next descendant of the Rainbow Belts line and is the culmination of a unique backcross of a Rainbow Belts F1 male and Rainbow Belts #20—a unique "breeder's choice" clone-only cut of the original Rainbow Belts. The result is a shorter, less-stretchy variety that produces dense, large buds in express time while preserving the fruity candy aromas that Rainbow Belts 1.0 was known for. Finally, Rainbow Belts 3.0 is the latest development in the Rainbow Belts line, preserving the vigor of the strain while enhancing its original candy aroma with intense notes of sour fuel and skunky herbal undertones. The strain was bred from Rainbow Belts #20 and a unique Moonbow phenotype known as Moonbow 112 F2 #60. The result is a larger, stretchier strain with the same great Zkittlez terpenes as previous versions and XL resin production, ideal for making hash and concentrates. In fact, Rainbow Belts 3.0 hash has won multiple cups and accolades, including Ego Clash hash competitions, High Times cups, and more. Physical Characteristics of Rainbow Belts Rainbow Belts is a hybrid cannabis strain that some sources deem slightly indica dominant, though Archive Seed Bank hasn't revealed the strain's exact indica-sativa split. Of course, the physical traits of Rainbow Belts 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 vary slightly: Rainbow Belts 3.0 is the tallest of the three, with long, stretchy branches, while Rainbow Belts 2.0 is much more compact. Meanwhile, Rainbow Belts 1.0 lies somewhere in the middle, producing moderately tall and stretchy plants. All Rainbow Belts varieties are renowned for their beautiful colors. Vegging plants exhibit luscious, bright green leaves with broad fingers that gradually fade as the plants flower and mature. As they approach harvest, Rainbow Belts plants become heavy with dense, indica-like flowers that can take on beautiful shades of yellow, blue, purple, and pink. Combined with their thick, frosty coating of trichomes, it's impossible not to see the resemblance between Rainbow Belts flowers and the colorful candy the strain’s name is inspired by. Rainbow Belts 2.0 also stands out for its ability to turn completely purple come harvest time. Properties and Effects of Rainbow Belts Rainbow Belts is a high-potency hybrid, supposedly producing around 20% THC and a strong mix of terpenes including caryophyllene, linalool, and limonene (among others). Apart from lending the strain its delicious candy-sweet aroma with citrus and floral overtones (which some users compare to the aroma of Trix cereal), these terpenes combine with the strain's high amounts of THC to create a relaxing effect that soothes the mind and body."