Permanent Marker
Also known as: PM, Adios MF
Breeder: Seed Junky Genetics (JBeezy) / Doja Exclusive
Named Leafly's 2023 Strain of the Year, Permanent Marker is renowned for its distinctive solvent-like, candy-gas aroma that genuinely mimics the smell of an open felt-tip marker. All three parents trace back to the Cookies/Gelato family, with Gelato appearing twice and Sherbet appearing twice — this concentrated pedigree drives the layered terpene expression. As of early 2026, it sits at #5 in national cannabis sales. Permanent Marker occupies a pivotal position in modern cannabis genetics as both a finished commercial cultivar and an emerging building-block parent. Released in 2022 on both US coasts, it went from 10 dispensary menus in August 2022 to 587 by November 2023 — a 59x expansion that made it the fastest-growing new strain in the American market. As of early 2026, it sits at #5 in national sales and has already produced multiple notable descendants, including Permanent Gas (Permanent Marker x Sour Diesel), which landed on Leafly’s Hot Strains 2026 list. The strain was originally released under the names \"Adios MF\" and \"Gunnpowder\" before settling on Permanent Marker — a nod to its signature chemical-solvent aroma. Its triple Cookies-family lineage (all three parents descend from the GSC/Gelato/Sherbet gene pool) represents a concentrated refinement of the candy-gas terpene archetype that dominated the 2020s market.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Biscotti x Jealousy x Sherb BX1
Biscotti (Gelato #25 x South Florida OG) contributes dense structure and creamy cookie sweetness. Jealousy (Gelato #41 x Sherb BX1) — itself Leafly's 2022 Strain of the Year — contributes terpene loudness and candy-gas complexity. Sherb BX1 (Sunset Sherbet backcross) adds purple coloration and floral creaminess. JBeezy used a specific 3rd-generation Jealousy cut.
Terpene Profile
Beta-Caryophyllene — Peppery bite, fuel-gas bridge; 1.2–1.8%
Limonene — Citrus-adjacent sweetness; 0.8–1.4%
Myrcene — Sedative effects, earthy depth; 0.6–1.2%
Aroma: Sharp solvent/chemical marker note, followed by sweet cookie dough and warm candy, finishing with thick lingering gas. Floral and soapy undertones.
Flavor: Sickly-sweet solvent fumes, candy, diesel, and soapy funk that coats the palate. The 'marker' note is most pronounced in properly cured, late-harvested flower.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Immediate cerebral rush — euphoria, mood elevation, burst of creative energy.
Transitions into deep full-body physical relaxation over 20–30 minutes. Users report feeling weightless without heavy couch-lock. JBeezy describes it as best used 'like an after-dinner brandy.'
Duration: 2–3+ hours
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Permanent Marker demands respect from the cultivator. Bred by Seed Junky Genetics (JBeezy/Doja Exclusive) from a three-way cross of Biscotti, Jealousy, and Sherb BX1, this indica-dominant hybrid (70/30) delivers exceptional resin production and a signature chemical-marker terpene profile — but only if environmental controls are dialed precisely.
STRUCTURE & STRETCH
The plant grows bushy and branchy with moderate internodal spacing and thick, hollow stems reflecting strong hybrid vigor. Expect a 1.5–2.0x stretch in the first three weeks of flower depending on phenotype. The \"Fuel Forward\" pheno (Pheno A) trends taller with a 2.0x stretch, while the \"Sweet Dreams\" pheno (B) stays more compact. Finished indoor height typically lands around 90–120 cm when flipped at appropriate canopy fill. Flip when canopy occupies 60–70% of your screen — flipping too late and running out of vertical space is the single most common mistake growers report with this cultivar.
TRAINING & CANOPY
SCROG is the gold standard here. The moderate height and lateral branching fill a screen efficiently. Topping and LST work well, but exercise restraint — excessive topping combined with nighttime temperature swings can induce hermaphroditism in sensitive phenotypes. Lollipop the lower third and defoliate strategically at day 21 and day 42 of flower, removing 30–40% of fan leaves each pass to maintain airflow without shocking the plant.
FLOWER TIME
8–10 weeks from flip, with most phenotypes peaking at day 63–70. Pheno B can finish as early as day 56–63. Do not harvest early — the marker-chemical terp note develops most strongly in the final 10–14 days. Target 60–70% cloudy trichomes with 10–20% amber for full expression. Pistil color is unreliable on this strain; plants can show 70% orange pistils while trichomes remain 80% clear.
YIELD
Indoor yields of 450–650 g/m² are realistic under optimized SCROG with proper lighting. Some sources report a more conservative 400–500 g/m² without advanced training. Outdoor plants in long-season climates (120+ frost-free days) can produce 400–1,200 g per plant depending on conditions and latitude.
NUTRIENTS & EC
Permanent Marker is a heavy feeder. In veg, target EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm (pH 6.0–6.5 soil, 5.8–6.2 coco). Supplement Cal-Mag at 150–200 ppm throughout — calcium and magnesium deficiency is the most commonly reported issue. Early flower (weeks 1–3): EC 1.4–1.8 with balanced NPK. Mid flower (weeks 4–6): push EC to 1.8–2.3 with heavy P-K emphasis while tapering nitrogen progressively. Late flower (weeks 7–10): taper EC to 1.2–1.4. Begin flush 10–14 days before harvest if media-dependent. The Cookies heritage makes it sensitive to nitrogen excess in late flower — tip burn is your early warning.
MEDIA
Organic living soil produces the most complex terpene expression, particularly the chemical-marker top note. Coco and hydro deliver faster growth and higher yields with excellent trichome coverage but may trade some terpene complexity for density. Fabric pots (5–7 gallon) in coco or soil are the most popular indoor approach.
ENVIRONMENT & LIGHT
Veg PPFD of 400–600 µmol/m²/s with blue-heavy spectrum (5000–6500K). Early flower: 600–800 µmol/m²/s. Mid-to-late flower: 700–900 µmol/m²/s (push to 900–1,100 with CO2 at 1,000–1,200 ppm). Target DLI of 30–40 mol/m²/day in bloom. Maintain VPD at 1.2–1.5 kPa throughout flower. Day temps 72–79°F depending on stage; a 5–8°F nighttime drop coaxes out purple and deep green hues without slowing metabolism. RH must stay below 50% in late flower — 45% is safer given bud density.
COLOR & BUD STRUCTURE
Dense, compact buds with exceptional trichome coverage — almost sugar-rolled in appearance. Deep green base color with purple and dark hues emerging under cool nighttime differentials. Bright orange pistils contrast against frosty calyxes. The tight bud structure creates rock-hard colas that can support themselves on thick stems without staking in most cases, though trellis support is recommended for maximizing canopy width.
PEST & DISEASE
Botrytis cinerea is the primary threat. Dense cola architecture creates microclimates of stagnant humidity inside bud sites — one infected calyx at week 8 can cost 20% of harvest overnight. Oscillating fans must move air at and below canopy level. Strategic defoliation is non-negotiable. Apply Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as root drenches from transplant through week 4 of flower to suppress Pythium. Powdery mildew susceptibility is moderate; standard IPM protocols apply. The strain hates wet feet — overwatering in late veg consistently causes drooping and slowed growth.
WASH & EXTRACTION DATA
Permanent Marker is an excellent solventless candidate. Trichome head size and stalk structure are consistent for reliable ice water extraction. Process fresh frozen at 1–4°C with gentle agitation. The first wash is the most terpene-rich — avoid over-agitating for yield at the cost of quality. Press live rosin at 65–75°C to preserve the linalool fraction and chemical-marker top note. Dry sift and cured flower rosin emphasize myrcene and caryophyllene at the expense of the signature floral-chemical character.
DRYING & CURING
Hang whole branches in complete darkness at 60–65°F, 55–60% RH. Target a 10–14 day dry — fast drying at high temps will flatten the terpene profile. Stems should snap, not bend. Cure in glass jars at 58–62% RH (Boveda 62% packs recommended). Burp twice daily week one, once daily week two, then every 2–3 days through weeks 3–8. The fuel-and-sweet terpene bridge fully develops between weeks 3 and 6 of cure — jars opened at week 2 will be noticeably flatter than at week 5. Total terpene content typically ranges 2–3.5% in quality indoor batches.
History & Origin
Created by JBeezy of Seed Junky Genetics in Northridge, California. First released as clone-only in late 2022 through Doja Exclusive on both coasts. Feminized seeds followed. Named Leafly's Strain of the Year 2023 and won Best Hybrid Flower at the 2023 High Times Cannabis Cup California.
Awards & Recognition
- ●Leafly Strain of the Year 2023 (data-driven market impact award; fastest-growing new strain on 8,003+ dispensary menus nationwide)
- ●High Times Strain of the Year 2022 (critics' lists recognition)
- ●Best Hybrid Flower — 2026 NY Cannabis Cup (submitted by The Kaleidoscope Collective, judged at Sony Hall, Manhattan, February 7, 2026)
- ●Leafly Budtenders' Choice 2023 — Most frequently recommended new strain by budtenders nationwide
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Permanent Marker as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
7 common questions about Permanent Marker
What is Permanent Marker and what are its genetics?
Permanent Marker is a indica cannabis strain (70% Indica / 30% Sativa) bred by Seed Junky Genetics (JBeezy) / Doja Exclusive. It is a cross of Biscotti x Jealousy x Sherb BX1, testing at 25–34% THC. Named Leafly's 2023 Strain of the Year, Permanent Marker is renowned for its distinctive solvent-like, candy-gas aroma that genuinely mimics the smell of an open felt-tip marker. All three parents trace back to the Cookies/Gelato family, with Gelato appearing twice and Sherbet appearing twice — this concentrated pedigree drives the layered terpene expression.
What does Permanent Marker smell and taste like?
Permanent Marker's dominant terpenes are Beta-Caryophyllene. The aroma is described as sharp solvent/chemical marker note, followed by sweet cookie dough and warm candy, finishing with thick lingering gas. floral and soapy undertones.. The flavor profile features sickly-sweet solvent fumes, candy, diesel, and soapy funk that coats the palate. the 'marker' note is most pronounced in properly cured, late-harvested flower..
What are the effects of Permanent Marker?
Immediate cerebral rush — euphoria, mood elevation, burst of creative energy. Transitions into deep full-body physical relaxation over 20–30 minutes. Users report feeling weightless without heavy couch-lock. Duration is typically 2–3+ hours. Commonly reported uses include Stress relief, Chronic pain, Insomnia, Appetite stimulation.
How hard is Permanent Marker to grow?
Permanent Marker is rated moderate-advanced difficulty. It flowers in 8–10 weeks, reaches medium (90–120 cm indoor) in height, and yields 450–650 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor preferred environments.
What are the parent strains of Permanent Marker?
Permanent Marker is a cross of Biscotti x Sherb BX1 and Jealousy. Biscotti (Gelato #25 x South Florida OG) contributes dense structure and creamy cookie sweetness. Jealousy (Gelato #41 x Sherb BX1) — itself Leafly's 2022 Strain of the Year — contributes terpene loudness and candy-gas complexity.
What strains were bred from Permanent Marker?
Permanent Marker has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Permanent Gas, Permanent Marker BX1, Black Soap. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Permanent Marker won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Permanent Marker has received recognition including Leafly Strain of the Year 2023 (data-driven market impact award; fastest-growing new strain on 8,003+ dispensary menus nationwide); High Times Strain of the Year 2022 (critics' lists recognition); Best Hybrid Flower — 2026 NY Cannabis Cup (submitted by The Kaleidoscope Collective, judged at Sony Hall, Manhattan, February 7, 2026).
Sources & References (30)
- *Leafly** (strain page + 2023 Strain of the Year article + grow guide) — terpene order, THC baseline, breeder attribution, effects
- *SeedFinder.eu** (Seed Junky Genetics entry) — lineage genealogy, 85+ descendant crosses
- *Segra International** (official Seed Junky cultivar partner) — lab-verified terpene data, flowering time, yield for BX1
- *DarkCoast Seed** (strain history article, March 2026) — competition history, growing characteristics, commercial sales ranking
- *Sigma Seeds Australia** (comprehensive strain guide) — parent contribution analysis, cross order, terpene profile
- *SeedsHereNow** (strain review with lab data) — terpene percentages, cannabinoid breakdown
- *GrowDiaries** (75 grow diaries) — real-world flowering times, yields
- *Leafly grow guide** (cultivator interviews including Freddy's Fuego) — real-world structure and feeding notes
- *High Times** (2023 Michigan + 2026 NY Cannabis Cup results) — verified award placements
- *Breeders Collective** — terpene profile confirmation, THC range
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- https://growguide.app/blog/permanent-marker-strain-grow-guide-for-450-650-g-m/
- https://seedsherenow.com/permanent-marker-strain-review/
- https://darkcoastseed.com/permanent-marker-strain-history/
- https://sigmaseedsaustralia.com/insights/permanent-marker-strain-guide-australia/
- https://seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/permanent-marker/seed-junky-genetics
- https://blimburnseeds.com/blog/marijuana-crop-guide/how-to-grow-permanent-marker-strain/
- https://permanentmarkerstrain.com/how-to-grow-permanent-marker/
- https://www.breederscollective.com/post/strain-profile-permanent-marker-genetics-thc-terpenes-effects-yield-more
- https://funwithdizzies.com/permanent-marker-strain-effects-terpenes-growing-guide/
- https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/permanent-marker-2023-leafly-strain-of-the-year
- https://www.cannabisequipmentnews.com/cultivation/news/22880923/leafly-announces-2023-cannabis-strain-of-the-year
- https://hemp.im/permanent-marker-wins-leafly-award-for-best-cannabis-strain-of-2023/
- https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231205193853/en/Leafly-2023-Cannabis-Strain-of-the-Year-is-Permanent-Marker
- https://marijuanaseedsforsale.com/strain/permanent-marker/
- https://growdiaries.com/diaries/239049-premium-cultivars-permanent-marker-grow-journal-by-krisis
- https://weedseedsexpress.com/blog/permanent-marker-week-by-week-grow-diary
- https://marijuanaclonesonline.com/permanent-marker-strain/
- https://royalkingseeds.us/blog/cannabis-harvesting-and-curing
- https://app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/permanent-marker-x-lcg-strain-a-comprehensive-strain-guide/
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