Red Pop: The Strawberry Soda Phenom
Red Pop: The Strawberry Soda Phenom
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (60% Indica / 40% Sativa)
Breeder: Exotic Genetix
Lineage: Strawberry (Phenotype Selection) x Cookies & Cream (Reversed) [Note: The original Red Pop is a specific "Strawberry" phenotype discovered by Exotic Genetix, later stabilized and used as a breeding mother]
Market Status: The "Flavor Bomb"; Red Pop is the strain that defined the 2020–2022 era for Exotic Genetix. It wasn't just a hit; it became an entire lineup (the "Red Pop Drop"). Breeder Mike discovered a specific phenotype of a Strawberry cross that didn't just smell like fruit—it smelled exactly like carbonated strawberry soda (specifically the brand Faygo Red Pop). He realized he had a unicorn. He reversed his champion Cookies & Cream to pollinate it, locking in that artificial strawberry fizz flavor while adding the frost and density of the Cookies.
THC Content: High (20% – 25%)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Ocimene
Key Effects: Joyful Euphoria, Fizzy Body Buzz, Social Relaxation, Sensory Stimulation
Red Pop is a triumph of terpene hunting.
In a market saturated with "Gelato" and "Runtz," Red Pop swerved into a completely different lane. It offers a profile that is distinctly fizzy, sugary, and fruity. It is one of the few strains in existence that triggers a "carbonated" sensation in the nose, mimicking the experience of cracking open a cold can of strawberry soda.
History and Lineage: The Unicorn Pheno
The story of Red Pop is the story of a lucky find and expert stabilization.
The Discovery: Exotic Genetix was hunting through seeds of a Strawberry cross. Most were generic fruity hybrids, but one plant stood out. It had an unmistakable, piercing aroma of red soda syrup. It was nicknamed "Red Pop."
The Stabilization: Instead of releasing it as a clone-only, Mike decided to breed it. He used his most reliable pollen donor, Cookies & Cream, to stabilize the structure.
The Legacy: The cross was so successful that it spawned an entire line of offspring (Red Runtz, Pop Scarts, Cherry Cosmonaut). However, the original Red Pop remains the queen of the lineup, cherished for that pure, unadulterated strawberry fizz.
Terpene Profile: The Faygo Factory
This is a strain you buy for the nose. It is loud, sweet, and undeniably artificial-smelling (in the best way).
Dominant Terpenes
Ocimene (The Sweetness): A rarer terpene that provides a sweet, floral, and woody scent. In high concentrations, it contributes to the "candy" profile.
Myrcene (The Fruit): The engine of the strawberry aroma. It presents here as ripe red berries and cherry syrup.
Limonene (The Fizz): When combined with the high sugar notes, the sharp citrus of Limonene creates the illusion of carbonation or effervescence.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is uncanny. It smells of strawberry soda, cherry cola, and creamy vanilla.
The Smoke: Smooth and sugary. It tastes of fizzy strawberries, sweet cream, and a hint of spicy gas on the exhale. It leaves a taste on the tongue similar to a red lollipop.
Strain Effects: The Sugar Rush
Red Pop offers a high that matches its flavor: fun, bubbly, and sweet.
The Experience
The Pop: The onset is quick and heady. It starts with a burst of giddy euphoria. You feel happy, light, and ready to laugh.
The Fizz: A unique tingling sensation often spreads through the body. It isn't a heavy, narcotic weight; it feels more like a buzzing relaxation.
The Social: This is a top-tier party strain. It lowers inhibitions and fuels conversation without making you too racy or paranoid.
The Chill: As the high fades, it settles into a comfortable, functional relaxation. You can still play games or watch a movie without falling asleep immediately.
Best For: Social gatherings, gaming, creative hobbies, combating depression, and sweet-tooth cravings.
Growing Red Pop: The Crimson Queen
Red Pop is as beautiful to grow as it is to smoke.
Growth Structure
The Colors: True to its name, this plant loves to turn red. In late flower, the leaves fade to beautiful shades of maroon, crimson, and purple.
The Yield: High. The Cookies & Cream influence ensures the buds are rock-hard and heavy. It is a "stacker," producing long, connected colas.
The Structure: It grows Medium-Tall. It is a vigorous plant that benefits from topping to create a multi-cola bush.
The Resin: It is extremely frosty. The trichomes are greasy and sticky, making it an excellent candidate for solventless extraction (rosin), where the strawberry terpene shines.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 8 to 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: This strain is a terpene factory. To preserve that delicate "soda" smell, do not overheat your grow room. Keep temps below 78°F (25°C) in late flower. If it gets too hot, the volatile strawberry esters will evaporate, and you'll be left with a generic earthy smell.
Final Verdict: The Strawberry Soda Phenom
Red Pop is a bucket-list strain for flavor chasers. It broke the mold of "Gas" and "Dessert" by introducing "Soda" to the conversation. It offers a joyful, uplifting high that is perfect for social settings, packaged in a plant that turns beautiful shades of red and purple. If you want to impress your friends with a jar that smells like a concession stand at the movies, crack open some Red Pop.
You should choose Red Pop if:
You want "Soda/Candy" Terpenes.
You make Rosin/Hash.
You want a Social/Happy High.
You love Red/Purple buds.
Score: 9.7/10 (The Flavor Masterpiece)