Gary Poppins: The Magical Hybrid
Gary Poppins: The Magical Hybrid
Strain Overview
Type: Hybrid (50% Indica / 50% Sativa)
Breeder: Exotic Genetix
Lineage: Gary Payton x Red Runtz
Market Status: The "Spoonful of Sugar"; Gary Poppins is the standout star from Exotic Genetix's highly acclaimed Red Runtz lineup. While strains like Strawberry Gary crossed the Gary Payton with pure Red Pop, Gary Poppins uses the Red Runtz father. This adds an extra layer of complexity—injecting the Zkittlez/Gelato candy profile into the mix. The result is a strain that is practically "magical" in its balance, offering the savory, high-performance power of Gary Payton with a sugary, fizzy candy coating that makes the medicine go down very smooth.
THC Content: High (22% – 27%)
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Humulene
Key Effects: Euphoric Uplift, Creative Focus, "Floaty" Relaxation, Stress Erasure
Gary Poppins is a flavor that defies logic.
It manages to take the aggressive, savory "burnt rubber" funk of the Gary Payton and glaze it with a sweet, tart candy shell. It creates a profile often described as "Candy Tennis Balls." It is a top-shelf selection for smokers who want the best of both worlds: the raw power of the "Glove" and the mouth-watering terpenes of the Runtz.
History and Lineage: The Super Cross
This strain represents a "stacking" of modern exotic genetics.
The Mother (Gary Payton): The Hall of Fame cut (The Y x Snowman). Known for its spicy, savory, diesel-heavy aroma and its ability to hit hard without putting you to sleep. It provides the structure and the potency.
The Father (Red Runtz): The exotic stabilizer (Red Pop x Runtz). This father is the secret weapon. It brings the strawberry fizz of Red Pop and the sugary tartness of Runtz. It is responsible for the deep red/purple colors and the insane resin density.
The Synthesis: Gary Poppins is the "remix" that might be better than the original track. It retains the athletic vigor of Gary Payton but smooths out the harshness with a double dose of fruit candy (Pop + Runtz).
Terpene Profile: Candy Tennis Balls
The nose on Gary Poppins is loud, complex, and constantly evolving.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Sugar): The dominant terpene. It provides a sharp citrus candy and berry top note that hits you first.
Caryophyllene (The Funk): Inherited from the Gary Payton, this adds a heavy burnt rubber and black pepper kick that creates a savory contrast to the sugar.
Linalool (The Magic): Adds a distinct floral lavender and sherbet nuance that rounds out the profile, giving it a "perfume" quality.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is a room-filler. It smells of fresh tennis balls, strawberry soda, and sour candy.
The Smoke: Smooth and complex. It tastes of gassy rubber on the inhale, which immediately transforms into a sweet, fizzy berry candy flavor on the exhale.
Strain Effects: The Spoonful of Sugar
Gary Poppins offers a "Hybrid" high in the truest sense—perfectly balanced between head and body.
The Experience
The Magic: The high starts with a spark of joy. It feels like a weight being lifted off the shoulders. Mood is elevated instantly.
The Focus: Unlike heavier strains, Gary Poppins allows for mental clarity. You can hold a conversation, work on art, or play games without losing your train of thought.
The Float: A warm, tingling sensation spreads through the limbs. It isn't a heavy anchor; it feels more like floating on a cloud.
The Relief: It is excellent for anxiety and stress. It quiets the noise of the day without shutting your brain off completely.
Best For: Creative hobbies, daytime socializing, anxiety relief, mood disorders, and fatigue.
Growing Gary Poppins: The Frosty Umbrella
Growers cherish this strain because it combines the yield of the Gary Payton with the "bag appeal" of the Red Runtz.
Growth Structure
The Colors: This is a visual stunner. The Red Runtz genetics ensure that the plant fades to beautiful shades of magenta, purple, and almost black in late flower.
The Structure: It grows Medium-Tall with strong lateral branching. It is a vigorous plant that fills a scrog net quickly.
The Yield: High. It produces large, dense, spear-shaped colas that are heavy with resin.
The Frost: The trichome coverage is elite. The buds look like they have been dusted with powdered sugar (fitting for the name).
The Time: It finishes flowering in 8 to 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Gary Poppins loves light intensity. It can handle high PPFD (light levels) in flower, which will help maximize the density of the buds. Just be sure to keep the root zone healthy with enzymes, as it is a heavy feeder.
Final Verdict: The Magical Hybrid
Gary Poppins is practically perfect in every way. It takes the "savory" trend of modern cannabis and introduces it to the "candy" trend, creating a smoke that satisfies every craving. It is powerful enough for the veterans but smooth enough for the flavor chasers. If you are looking for a strain that makes the daily grind feel a little more magical, open your umbrella and float away with Gary Poppins.
You should choose Gary Poppins if:
You love Savory/Candy contrasts.
You want "Bag Appeal" (Dark Purple/Frosty).
You want a Balanced/Creative High.
You are a fan of Gary Payton or Runtz.
Score: 9.6/10 (The Sweetened Powerhouse)