Permanent Marker is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain bred by Seed Junky Genetics from Biscotti, Jealousy and Sherbert BX1, known for very high potency and a sweet, gassy flavor. Doja Pak brought it to market in 2022, and Leafly named it Strain of the Year for 2023. Lab results regularly land between about 24% and 30% THC.
Permanent Marker Strain at a Glance
| Type | Balanced hybrid |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Biscotti × Jealousy × Sherbert BX1 |
| Breeder / origin | Seed Junky Genetics (Los Angeles); commercialized by Doja Pak |
| THC | 24–30% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Beta-caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene |
| Aroma and flavor | sweet citrus, gas, berry, cream, sweet berry, lemon, creamy, diesel |
| Reported effects | euphoric, relaxed, focused, happy |
| Best for | evening use, experienced consumers, unwinding |
| Flowering time | 8–9 weeks |
Where Permanent Marker Comes From
Permanent Marker was bred by Seed Junky Genetics in Los Angeles. Several sources describe it as a three-way cross of Biscotti, Jealousy and Sherbert BX1, and one writes the parentage as Biscotti crossed with Sherb BX, then crossed again with Jealousy. Jealousy is another Seed Junky release that had been named Leafly’s Strain of the Year for 2022.
The Los Angeles brand Doja Pak selected the cut and released it on both coasts in June 2022. Retail demand climbed quickly, and Leafly announced it as the 2023 Strain of the Year. Since then other companies have released their own seed versions, so what you buy as Permanent Marker can vary by producer.
Permanent Marker Effects: What It Feels Like
Permanent Marker has a reputation for hitting hard and fast. People usually describe a rush of euphoria, sometimes with a clear, focused edge, followed by a heavy wave of relaxation that spreads from the head down through the body. It is more potent than the average hybrid.
It is typically an evening or low-demand strain, good for music, food or a movie. In large amounts it can become sedating or overwhelming, so experienced consumers tend to like it more than beginners. Taking a small amount and waiting is the sensible approach.
Permanent Marker Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The aroma is sweet and loud: berries and citrus up front, creamy dessert notes in the middle, and a sharp gas edge underneath, which fans compare to a fresh marker. Breaking up a bud tends to bring out more fuel.
Flavor follows suit, with sweet berry and lemon on the inhale and a creamy, diesel-tinged exhale. Caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene are the terpenes most commonly reported, though lab results vary by grower. Caryophyllene adds the peppery fuel, limonene the citrus, and myrcene the earthy depth.
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
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 Permanent Marker
The main drawbacks are those of strong THC: dry mouth, dry eyes and dizziness. Because top lots can test near or above 30%, some people feel anxious, foggy or too sedated if they take more than they need. New consumers should skip it or take a tiny amount, and nobody should drive after using it.
With Permanent Marker, 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 Permanent Marker for Medical Reasons?
Consumers sometimes mention Permanent Marker for stress, tension, trouble sleeping and general discomfort. These are anecdotal reports and not medical claims. Anyone with a health condition should speak with a clinician.
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 Permanent Marker
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Flowering: 8–9 weeks
- Yield: Medium to high
- Height: Medium
- Environment: Indoor or greenhouse
Growers describe Permanent Marker as a demanding but rewarding plant: buds are dense and heavy with resin, so humidity control and airflow are essential. In the wet Pacific Northwest fall, outdoor plants are at real risk of bud rot, so growing indoors or under cover is safer. Reports differ by seed line, so the numbers here are only a guide.
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 Permanent Marker
- Jealousy: one of its parents, with a similar sweet and gassy profile
- Biscotti: another parent, a heavier Cookies-family hybrid
- Gelato: a related dessert hybrid with a balanced high
- Sunset Sherbet: an ancestor of the Sherbet side
- Kush Mints: a very potent Seed Junky mint-and-gas strain
- Animal Mints: a Seed Junky hybrid with a relaxing, minty profile
Browse more hybrid strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Hybrid Strains to Explore
Pheno 51 · Pie Scream · Pineapple Express · Permanent Gas · Peanut Butter Breath · Pave · All hybrid strains
Where to Buy Permanent Marker
Dispensary menus change every week, and Permanent Marker 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 Portland, browse Portland dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Atlantic Farms and Highbrow. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Prairie Cannabis – South Loop and Cookies – Chicago. 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.
Permanent Marker FAQ
Is Permanent Marker indica or sativa?
It is generally listed as a balanced hybrid. A few sources call it indica-dominant, but most users report a euphoric head and heavy body together.
What is Permanent Marker a cross of?
Biscotti, Jealousy and Sherbert BX1, according to several sources. It was bred by Seed Junky Genetics.
How strong is Permanent Marker?
Very strong. Typical lab results range from about 24% to 30% THC, and some listings show higher.
What does Permanent Marker taste like?
Sweet berry and lemon with a creamy middle and a gassy, diesel finish.
Who bred Permanent Marker?
Seed Junky Genetics in Los Angeles. The brand Doja Pak commercialized it in 2022.
Is Permanent Marker a good strain for beginners?
Not usually. Its potency is high, so beginners should take very little or choose something milder.
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.
