Permanent Marker Strain Review: Potency, Flavor, and Patient Benefits

Permanent Marker is a modern, award-winning cannabis strain that many consumers can’t stop talking about. Recreational cannabis consumers and medical marijuana patients alike praise it for its sky-high potency, layered terpene profile, and promising therapeutic potential. 

Whether you’re drawn to its unique, complex flavor or its balanced mix of euphoria and relaxation, Permanent Marker stands out as a hybrid worth exploring. In this review, we’ll break down the strain’s origin, genetics, potency, flavor, effects, and patient benefits, helping you decide if Permanent Marker is the right fit for your needs.

Permanent Marker Origin, Genetics & Breeding

The Permanent Marker strain originated from Seed Junky Genetics in Los Angeles, California. Breeder JBeezy created the hybrid, and the LA-based brand Doja Exclusive selected it for release. 

Doja launched the Permanent Marker strain in 2022, making it available coast-to-coast. Within a year, the strain earned national recognition, earning Leafly’s Strain of the Year award for 2023.

The lineage combination makes Permanent Marker an indica-dominant hybrid with carefully balanced traits. Seed Junky employed targeted backcrossing techniques to enhance and preserve desirable qualities from its lineage. Doja Exclusive’s selection and release also helped position the strain as a standout among today’s modern hybrids.

Genetically, Permanent Marker comes from a three-way cross of Biscotti, Sherbet Bx, and Jealousy. Each parent strain contributes a defining trait:

• Biscotti – Known for its dessert-like sweetness, nutty undertones, and smooth smoke, Biscotti contributes much of Permanent Marker’s flavor depth. It also passes on a reputation for delivering a balanced, relaxing high without overwhelming sedation, making it a favorite among flavor-focused consumers.

• Sherbet Bx – This is a backcross of the original Sherbet strain, designed to refine its flavor and genetic stability. The backcrossing process enhances desirable traits such as aroma complexity and growth consistency. Sherbet Bx also enhances the creamy, fruity notes in Permanent Marker’s lineage while contributing to its overall hybrid profile.

• Jealousy – A powerful Seed Junky creation, Jealousy has gained fame for its high potency, vibrant bag appeal, and gassy edge. It provides much of Permanent Marker’s strength and euphoric punch, as well as its dense bud structure and striking color profile. Jealousy’s influence is also what makes Permanent Marker one of the more hard-hitting indica-dominant hybrids on the market today.

Permanent Marker Strain Potency

The Permanent Marker strain, recognized for its exceptional potency, boasts THC levels that typically test higher than many comparable strains. For the most accurate and up-to-date strain lab data, check cannabis databases or rely on test results provided by licensed dispensaries in your state. 

In some cases, reports suggest this strain can reach 33% THC or higher under ideal growing conditions. By contrast, its CBD content remains minimal.

• THC Range: 25%–30% on average, with some tests showing 33% or more.

• CBD Content: Very low to negligible.

For Recreational Consumers: The elevated THC content delivers strong psychoactive effects, allowing users to feel euphoric and deeply relaxed with smaller doses. However, this THC intensity may not be ideal for new or sensitive cannabis users who may experience dizziness, anxiety, or paranoia if they consume too much. 

For Medical Consumers: Potency plays a vital role in symptom management. High THC levels can be particularly effective for conditions like chronic pain, stress, or insomnia, offering relief in fewer sessions compared to lower-potency strains.

Flavor and Aroma Profile

Permanent Marker’s standout flavor and aroma come from its unique terpene lineup.

Dominant Terpenes

• Myrcene – The most common terpene in cannabis, myrcene delivers an earthy, musky, and herbal base. In Permanent Marker, it rounds out the profile with creamy undertones and may contribute to the relaxing effects patients report.

• Limonene – Found in citrus fruits, limonene adds a bright, candy-like sweetness and a citrus lift. It helps drive the strain’s fruity top notes and supports mood elevation.

• Caryophyllene – Present in black pepper and cloves, caryophyllene gives Permanent Marker its spicy, peppery, and gassy punch. It also stands out as the only terpene that binds directly to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

• Linalool – Also found in lavender, linalool provides the floral, soapy freshness that helps define the strain’s distinct “marker-clean” scent.

Aroma & Flavor

True to its name, many users say Permanent Marker literally smells like a permanent marker. Others describe it as a blend of floral, soapy, candy-like, and gassy funk that fully carries through to the taste. The flavor lingers with a pungent soapy funk balanced by sweet candy and floral gas tones.

Permanent Marker’s terpenes create a complex sensory profile:

• Initial sweetness: Typically has a candy-like lift, layered with musky sweetness.

• Floral and soapy notes: the strain’s signature “marker-like” aroma identity.

• Pungent, gassy finish: grounding the consumer experience with spicy funk.

Effects: What to Expect from Permanent Marker

Terpene-driven flavor does more than taste good—it can shape effects via the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work together for greater benefits than any single compound. Permanent Marker’s bold terpene mix supports creativity or relaxation any time of day, making it a flexible option for medical and adult use.

Permanent Marker is an indica-dominant hybrid that delivers high potency and balanced effects. Because of its high THC levels, Permanent Marker is typically best suited for experienced cannabis consumers. The high typically begins with a creative and euphoric lift before easing into deep physical relaxation.

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Common Effects

• Relaxation: A soothing body high gradually melts away stress and tension.

• Creativity and focus: The onset often brings a cerebral rush that sparks creativity and sharpens focus.

• Euphoria: Many users report mood boost and feelings of happiness.

• Munchies: Increased appetite is common.

• Couch-lock: While moderate doses feel manageable, higher amounts can bring heavy sedation and keep users glued to the couch.

• Relief: Some patients find relief from anxiety, depression, and physical pain.

Onset and Duration

• Onset: Effects usually kick in within minutes of smoking or vaping. For some, it may act as a “creeper,” with the full intensity building over 20–30 minutes. For edible forms, onset typically mirrors that of other edibles, occurring at about 30 to 90 minutes—often longer on a full stomach—so wait at least two hours before taking more due to the strain’s potency.

• Duration: The high is long-lasting, often stretching for several hours with smoking or vaping methods. Edible effects last longer—usually 4 to 8 hours—with a slower fade that can extend up to 12 hours at higher doses.

Uplifting vs. Sedating Qualities

Permanent Marker offers a two-phase experience:

• Uplifting: The high begins with a cerebral buzz from its sativa lineage, bringing energy, creativity, and euphoria—ideal for socializing or artistic projects.

• Sedating: As time passes, the indica genetics begin to deliver calming, full-body relaxation. In larger doses, the latter phase can become heavily sedating, making it perfect for unwinding at night.

Patient Benefits of Permanent Marker

The blend of terpenes and its lineage provide Permanent Merker strain consumers with a wide range of therapeutic benefits.

Pain Relief

Permanent Marker may help patients manage chronic pain and inflammation. THC’s analgesic effects, along with the strain’s anti-inflammatory properties, make it a potential option for conditions like arthritis or nerve pain. Many patients report that this strain helps relax the body and ease discomfort.

Insomnia

The sedative and calming effects of Permanent Marker make it popular among patients with insomnia or sleep disturbances. Users often describe a relaxing body high that eases them into rest, especially at higher doses. 

Research has linked certain terpenes, such as myrcene, to sleep-promoting effects. Cannabis in general may improve sleep quality for patients.

Stress and Anxiety

Patients frequently turn to Permanent Marker for stress and anxiety relief. Its uplifting onset provides a euphoric boost, while the gradual shift into deep relaxation promotes a sense of calm and well-being. 

Anecdotally, users report that it helps alleviate daily stress. Patients use cannabis to help manage anxiety with the proper dose. Terpenes such as limonene and caryophyllene show potential for mood support and antidepressant effects. 

READ: Counteracting THC Effects: How To Stop Being High Fast

Loss of Appetite

Permanent Marker often triggers increased hunger, making it useful for patients facing appetite loss from treatments like chemotherapy. Reviews consistently mention “the munchies” as a common effect. Research shows THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system to boost levels of ghrelin—the body’s “hunger hormone”—which stimulates appetite.

Potential Side Effects of Permanent Marker

Permanent Marker is a high-potency strain, and beginners should always start with a low dose to gauge its effects before consuming more. It’s essential to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it after feeling the full effects of that dose, thereby minimizing potential side effects. Like many THC-rich strains, it can produce some common side effects, including:

• Dry mouth (cottonmouth): THC interacts with receptors in the salivary glands, slowing saliva production and leaving the mouth feeling dry. Staying hydrated usually helps manage this effect.

• Dry, red eyes: Cannabis can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, leading to temporary dryness and redness. Over-the-counter eye drops often provide relief.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some users experience a brief drop in blood pressure after consuming cannabis, which can cause dizziness. Sitting down until it passes typically helps.

• Paranoia and anxiety: With THC levels that sometimes exceed 30%, Permanent Marker may overwhelm sensitive or inexperienced users, occasionally triggering anxiety or paranoia. Keeping doses low before increases helps minimize this.
  
  

How Permanent Marker Compares to Similar Strains

Permanent Marker stands out for its high potency and bold terpene profile, but it shares some traits with other popular strains.

• Gelato: Both strains deliver a balance of euphoria and relaxation, but Gelato typically tests lower in THC (around 18–25%). Permanent Marker often exceeds 25–30% THC, making it noticeably stronger. Gelato leans more toward creamy sweetness, while Permanent Marker layers in a distinct soapy, gassy funk.

• Zkittlez: Known for its candy-sweet flavor, Zkittlez offers a lighter, fruitier experience with milder potency compared to Permanent Marker. If you enjoy Zkittlez for its uplifting effects but want more intensity and heavier relaxation, Permanent Marker delivers that next level.

• Kush varieties: Classic Kush strains share Permanent Marker’s indica dominance and relaxing effects, but Permanent Marker adds a unique floral and marker-clean note that sets it apart. Patients who enjoy Kush for winding down may find that Permanent Marker offers a similar body high, but with a more complex aroma and a longer-lasting cerebral lift.

Is the Permanent Marker Strain Right for You?

If you’re looking for a strain with top-shelf potency, layered flavors, and a balance of euphoria and relaxation, Permanent Marker may be a strong fit. It appeals to experienced consumers and medical patients who need powerful relief from pain, stress, or insomnia. For beginners or those sensitive to THC, starting with a milder strain like Gelato or Zkittlez may be a better entry point before trying Permanent Marker.