Permanent Marker is a modern cannabis cultivar renowned for its unusual combination of sweet candy, pungent gas, floral soap, and sharp chemical aromas. Developed by Seed Junky Genetics and popularised by Doja Pak, it became one of the most influential strains of the 2020s, earning Leafly’s 2023 Strain of the Year award.
Where Did Permanent Marker Come From?
Permanent Marker originated in Los Angeles, California, through the breeding work of Seed Junky Genetics, particularly breeder JBeezy. Its development took place between approximately 2019 and 2021, with the strain reaching wider commercial recognition in 2022.
Doja Pak helped introduce the cultivar to the market, selecting the name Permanent Marker and promoting it through exclusive releases. Before its widely recognised name became established, related releases circulated under names including Adios MF and Gunnpowwder.
The strain quickly gained popularity because of its distinctive aroma, exceptionally resinous flowers, and complex flavour profile.
Permanent Marker Genetics and Lineage
Permanent Marker has a three-way genetic background combining three influential cultivars:
- Biscotti S1: Contributes sweet dessert-like flavours, cookie notes, and OG-derived richness.
- Sherb Bx1: Brings creamy sweetness, fruity undertones, and Sunset Sherbet ancestry.
- Jealousy F2: Adds refined Gelato-family genetics, pungency, and distinctive candy-gas characteristics.
This pedigree connects Permanent Marker to the broader Cookies, Gelato, and Sunset Sherbet genetic families. Its lineage explains much of its modern dessert-like sweetness and powerful aromatic character.
Is Permanent Marker Indica or Sativa?
Permanent Marker is generally classified as an indica-dominant hybrid, although some sources simply describe it as a balanced hybrid.
It combines both indica and sativa ancestry, but its reported characteristics often lean towards physical relaxation and a calming experience. Some consumers describe an initial euphoric or uplifting sensation followed by heavier relaxation.
Its exact indica-to-sativa ratio is not universally established and may vary between phenotype and producer. Leafly+1
Permanent Marker Terpene Profile
Permanent Marker is commonly associated with three principal terpenes:
| Terpene | Aromatic characteristics |
|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, herbal, musky |
| Limonene | Citrus, lemon zest, bright sweetness |
| Caryophyllene | Peppery, spicy, woody |
Myrcene is frequently reported as the dominant terpene, followed by limonene and caryophyllene. However, terpene concentrations vary between batches, and laboratory testing is required to establish the actual profile of individual flowers.
The interaction between these aromatic compounds contributes to Permanent Marker’s unusual combination of sweetness, pungency, and earthy depth.
What Does Permanent Marker Smell Like?
Permanent Marker is famous for an unmistakable aroma reminiscent of an uncapped permanent marker.
Its characteristic scent combines:
- Sharp chemical and solvent-like notes.
- Sweet grape candy and creamy berry.
- Floral, slightly soapy undertones.
- Diesel-like gas and earthy musk.
- Subtle citrus and herbal nuances.
The most distinctive feature is its sharp, synthetic-smelling top note, which contrasts with the underlying sweetness. Some phenotypes emphasise candy and berry, while others produce a more pronounced chemical, floral, or gassy aroma.
What Does Permanent Marker Taste Like?
Permanent Marker generally delivers a flavour profile that mirrors its aroma.
The initial taste is often described as sweet candy, creamy berries, or sugary dessert. This develops into a more complex combination of floral soap, peppery spice, earthy undertones, and pungent gas.
Some consumers particularly notice a lingering chemical-like or marker-ink flavour on the exhale, alongside subtle citrus and vanilla-like sweetness.
Its defining characteristic is the contrast between sweet dessert flavours and sharp, savoury, solvent-like notes. This combination gives Permanent Marker its distinctive identity and makes it particularly recognisable among modern cannabis cultivars.
Summary: Permanent Marker is a California-bred, indica-dominant hybrid created by Seed Junky Genetics. Its Biscotti, Sherb Bx1, and Jealousy lineage produces a distinctive candy-gas profile, characterised by sweet berry, floral soap, earthy spice, and its signature permanent-marker aroma.