Permanent Marker is an indica cannabis strain with 24-28% THC, known for its ammonia aroma and relaxed and euphoric effects. It’s a popular choice for anxiety.
Quick Facts: Permanent Marker
| Strain Type: | Indica |
| THC Content: | 24-28% |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Primary Effects: | Relaxed, Euphoric, Happy, Tingly, Creative |
| Flavors: | Ammonia, Chemical, Tobacco, Tar |
| Growing Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Flowering Time: | 8-9 weeks |
| Best For: | Anxiety |
Last updated: February 27, 2026
The first time I ran Permanent Marker in the veg tent, the leaves came in with that classic dark, almost blue-green sheen you sometimes see in Biscotti-heavy hybrids. Right out the gate, I could tell this wasn’t your average run—nodes stacked tight, new growth was sturdy, and even young plants gave off this faint, weirdly chemical funk that lingered on your gloves. Permanent Marker is a mostly indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain bred by Seed Junky Genetics, with THC levels that consistently test between 24–28%. With 330 community reviews averaging 4.6/5, Permanent Marker’s reputation isn’t hype—it’s earned. This strain stands out for its unique “marker fumes” aroma and its heavy, body-melting relaxation. I’ve seen a lot of strains come and go, but this one really does something different in the grow room and on the palate.
Origins and Genetics of Permanent Marker
Permanent Marker’s genetics trace back to a heavy-hitting trio: Biscotti S1 crossed with Jealousy and then Sherb Bx, all coming from Seed Junky Genetics. That’s a real recipe for dense, trichome-packed buds and a wild terpene profile. The Biscotti brings that doughy, dessert funk; Jealousy adds a sweet, sometimes floral twist; and Sherb Bx brings in more of those creamy, candy notes. I remember the first time I saw a tray of PM clones at a Denver swap—everybody crowding around just to get a whiff of the chemmy fruit aroma. Seed Junky is known for putting out crosses that walk the line between classic dessert strains and modern heavy-hitters. The Permanent Marker project took off after some early testers raved about its unique “marker” smell and thick, gluey high. It hit the scene fast, and by the end of 2023, it had already snagged the “Strain of the Year” crown according to community data. I think a lot of its appeal comes from how the parent genetics stack: you get the structure and density of Biscotti, the colorful bag appeal and terps from Jealousy, and the creamy, sweet backbone from Sherb Bx. If you’re a fan of other Seed Junky creations like Ice Cream Cake, you’ll pick up the family resemblance right away.
Growing Permanent Marker: Complete Guide
Permanent Marker’s flowering time is 8–9 weeks indoors, making it a fast finisher for a modern hybrid with this much potency and bag appeal. I’d rate the difficulty as moderate—most hobby growers will do fine indoors, but you need to watch your environment and feeding routine. Across multiple Growdiaries logs, folks are consistently pulling 400–500g/m² indoors if you train for an even canopy and keep your VPD on point. This strain does best indoors where you can control humidity. Outdoors, she’ll finish by late September or early October, but that’s really climate-dependent and not every pheno handles a wet fall. The structure is classic indica-dominant: squat, bushy, with dense, golf-ball nugs that pack on serious weight in the last two weeks. I’ve found that some phenos are prone to foxtailing if you blast them with too much light late flower—dial it back a bit and watch the tops. Humidity management is key. Those tight buds will trap moisture, so keep the airflow moving and don’t crowd your canopy. Permanent Marker is a little sensitive to heavy feeding—she’ll claw if you overdo the salts, especially with synthetics. I always recommend backing off the base nutes once you see flowers start to bulk, and finish with a good flush for flavor. Harvest timing matters, too. If you wait until the trichs are mostly cloudy with a touch of amber, you’ll get the full “marker” funk and that signature couchy effect. Overripe buds can lose some of that sharpness and get a little muddier flavor-wise.
Outdoor growers—if your climate is damp, watch for botrytis in those fat colas. Use a gentle defoliation strategy and train for airflow. I’ve seen some folks run Permanent Marker in greenhouses with great results, but keep an eye out for pests. Bottom line: if you’re ready to try a strain that’s as fun to grow as it is to smoke, Permanent Marker has the goods. Yields are solid, especially compared to something like Runtz, and with a little care, you’ll pull frosty, colorful nugs that practically sell themselves. Ready to run Permanent Marker in your own setup? Check our seed collection — ships discreet with germination guarantee.
Appearance, Aroma and Flavor Profile
Permanent Marker buds are a feast for the eyes: chunky, dense nuggets that range from forest green to deep purple, often with streaks of almost black sugar leaves. Trichome coverage is ridiculous—sticky and frosted, with a “squishy yet dense” feel that tells you these nugs are packing weight. When I trimmed my last harvest, the resin would gum up my scissors halfway through a session. The dominant terpene is myrcene, giving it that earthy, herbal base, but what really jumps out is the limonene and caryophyllene combo. That’s what creates the wild “marker fumes”—it literally smells like someone uncapped a marker in the room, but layered over sweet berry candy and a hint of spice. There’s a sweet undertone that reminds me of ripe blueberries with a twist of something chemical and fruity at the same time. On the palate, it hits with a rush of sweet fruit—think berries and grape candy—then switches to this sharp, almost gasoline-like finish that coats the mouth. It’s unlike anything in the Gelato or Zkittlez family, which lean much more candy-sweet without the chem bite. If you want the nerdy breakdown on the terpene stack, Maya did a deep dive into this one—worth a look if you’re into the science behind the flavor.
Effects and Experience
Permanent Marker’s primary effects are deep relaxation and euphoria, typically hitting within 5–10 minutes of consumption and lasting up to three hours. The onset is quick—within a few puffs, you feel a heavy, warm buzz settle into your body, with a fuzzy, tingly sensation that creeps up your spine. Most community reviewers (529 mentions) call out the intense relaxation, while 389 note a euphoric mood lift and 361 mention feeling genuinely happy. Mentally, it’s a mixed bag: your thoughts slow down, but there’s a gentle creative spark that makes this more interesting than your typical knockout indica. Physically, expect that gluey, sedating weight—Travis describes the effect as “warm blanket mode,” and honestly, that nails it. In the first 30 minutes, the body high dominates, with gentle waves of calm and the urge to just sink into your chair. Peak effects last about 90 minutes, with a mellow comedown that sometimes brings on the munchies. Most people find Permanent Marker best for late afternoon or evening—this isn’t a daytime productivity strain. I’ve tried it after a long harvest day, and it melts away aches and stress, but don’t plan on getting much done after.
“When Permanent Marker hits, it’s like the world gets softer and heavier at the same time. I’ve had nights where I planned to just relax for an hour and ended up horizontal, snacks everywhere, not a care in the world. If you need a hard reset, this is it.”
— Darrel Henderson, Cannabis Cultivation Specialist & Strain Reviewer
| Effect Category | Intensity (1-10) | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euphoria | 7 | 5 min | 1.5 hrs |
| Relaxation | 9 | 5 min | 2.5 hrs |
| Creativity | 4 | 10 min | 1 hr |
| Pain Relief | 8 | 10 min | 2 hrs |
| Appetite | 5 | 20 min | 1.5 hrs |
| Sedation | 8 | 10 min | 2 hrs |
💡 Quick tip: Dose low and slow with Permanent Marker until you know your limit—just a couple hits can be enough for some folks. This one sneaks up fast.
Medical Benefits and Therapeutic Uses
The most commonly reported medical use for Permanent Marker is relief from pain and anxiety, according to community data and hundreds of user accounts. With THC levels between 24–28% and negligible CBD, Permanent Marker delivers potent, fast-acting relief for those with chronic pain, muscle tension, or high stress. Many patients on community forums say it’s excellent for winding down after a difficult day—one reviewer noted that their “shoulders dropped for the first time in weeks” after a session. Its sedating effects also make it popular for sleep issues and insomnia, as well as appetite stimulation for folks struggling to eat. The strong body load relaxes muscles and can quiet the mind, which is why some medical users prefer it over racier hybrids like Jack Herer. However, because the THC is high and the body high is heavy, new medical users should start with a very small dose. For medical use, I always tell people to go slow—especially if you’re sensitive to THC. Start with a small puff and wait 20–30 minutes before deciding if you need more. Jessica tried the edible version of Permanent Marker and said it knocked her out—her words, not mine. For patients who want more functional daytime relief or higher CBD, something like Cali Kush CBD Seeds might be a better fit. If you’re treating a serious condition, always talk to your doctor before trying a new strain. For more on cannabis and health, check out the CDC’s marijuana health FAQ for the basics.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.
What the Community Says About Permanent Marker
Several Reddit threads in online cannabis communities highlight how Permanent Marker’s “marker fumes” aroma is so strong that some growers worried their carbon filters weren’t working—one person even compared the smell to uncapping a fresh marker in a small room. On Growdiaries, multiple indoor growers report yields around 450g/m², often commenting that the buds are “squishy yet dense” with a sticky resin that gums up trimmers fast. Over on community review sites, many users say the high is “a total body melt” that still leaves your mind gently active, not totally zonked—one reviewer said they spent an hour staring at the ceiling, lost in thought but feeling no anxiety. A couple folks on community data mention that at high doses, Permanent Marker can bring on headaches or a brief spike of anxiety, especially for beginners. I always tell people—if you’re new to high-THC strains, less is more with this one. One grower on online cannabis communities noted their batch came out with more purple hues than green and said the bag appeal alone made it worth the grow. I agree—the color and trichome frost make this a real show-off in the jar.
Best Ways to Consume Permanent Marker
The recommended vaporization temperature for Permanent Marker is 180–190°C (356–374°F) to preserve its terpene profile and maximize flavor. Vaping brings out the sweet, fruity notes and that wild “marker” aftertaste, while joints and pipes give more of the earthy, chem-heavy edge. I like to use a clean glass piece for the first taste—just to catch all the nuance before the resin builds up. If you’re into edibles, keep in mind the heavy body load—Jessica tried a low-dose edible and still said it was stronger than most strains she’s had. Some folks press Permanent Marker into rosin or BHO, and the terpene profile holds up surprisingly well in concentrates. For the loudest flavor, I’d say stick with vaporizing or a well-cured flower in a pipe. Edible fans: start low. The effect can be overwhelming if you go too hard.
Permanent Marker vs Similar Strains
Permanent Marker vs Ice Cream Cake
Permanent Marker and Ice Cream Cake both come from Seed Junky Genetics and share that indica-dominant backbone, but ICC leans more dessert-sweet with vanilla and creamy terps, while Permanent Marker layers in that wild chemical fruit aroma. Both strains yield dense, colorful nugs, but Permanent Marker finishes a bit faster (8–9 weeks) and typically tests higher in THC. If you want more sedative, “heavy” effects, Permanent Marker is the pick.
Permanent Marker vs Runtz
Runtz shares the colorful bag appeal and sweet candy notes, but Permanent Marker’s marker-fumes aroma and stronger body load set it apart. Runtz tends to stretch more in veg and is a bit trickier to dial in for yield, while Permanent Marker grows more compact and forgiving. Choose Runtz for a more upbeat, social buzz—Permanent Marker for deep relaxation and unique flavor.
Permanent Marker vs Zkittlez
Both Permanent Marker and Zkittlez are famous for their loud, fruity terpene profiles, but Zkittlez is all about pure candy sweetness, lacking the chemical twist of Permanent Marker. Zkittlez is usually lighter on the body and better for daytime use, while Permanent Marker is more sedating and packs a higher THC punch. If you want something with a real “couch glue” effect, go Permanent Marker.
| Strain | Type | THC | Key Effects | Growing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Marker | Indica-dominant Hybrid | 24–28% | Deep relaxation, euphoria, sedation | 8–9 weeks, 400–500g/m² |
| Ice Cream Cake | Indica-dominant Hybrid | 20–25% | Relaxation, body high, sweet flavor | 8–9 weeks, moderate yield |
| Runtz | Balanced Hybrid | 20–24% | Uplifting, social, candy-sweet | 9 weeks, moderate difficulty |
| Zkittlez | Indica-dominant Hybrid | 19–23% | Uplifting, fruity, light body buzz | 8 weeks, easy to moderate |
If you want the heaviest body high and wildest aroma, run Permanent Marker. For dessert sweetness and a more gentle ride, Ice Cream Cake or Zkittlez are both great. Runtz is best if you want a social, daytime-friendly buzz.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
The most common side effects of Permanent Marker are dry eyes and headaches, especially in high doses or for new users. Some community reviews mention a brief anxious feeling at peak, but it usually passes quickly. If you’re prone to anxiety or sensitive to strong indicas, take it easy at first—this strain isn’t the best pick for first-timers or those looking for a light daytime buzz.
Always hydrate, keep some snacks handy, and avoid mixing with other sedating substances. Responsible use is key—this one will park you on the couch if you overdo it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parent strains of Permanent Marker?
Permanent Marker is bred from Biscotti S1, Jealousy, and Sherb Bx, creating a unique hybrid with strong indica influence. This combination, developed by Seed Junky Genetics, is responsible for the strain’s dense structure, colorful buds, and its signature “marker fumes” aroma. Growers love the consistency and potency these genetics bring.
Why does Permanent Marker smell like a permanent marker?
The “marker” smell comes from the dominant terpenes—myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool—layering earthy, fruity, and chemical notes. Many users describe it as a mix of sweet berries and sharp, chemical undertones, which is rare in modern strains. Some phenos express this aroma more than others, depending on the cure.
How long does Permanent Marker’s flowering take indoors?
Permanent Marker’s indoor flowering time is 8–9 weeks. Growers on Growdiaries confirm this, often harvesting at the 9-week mark for optimal trichome maturity and flavor. Outdoor flowering can finish by late September or early October, but only in dry, warm climates.
Is Permanent Marker suitable for anxiety and pain relief?
Permanent Marker is commonly reported as helpful for pain and anxiety due to its strong body high and calming effects. Community data shows most medical users find relief from chronic tension, stress, and insomnia. However, always consult a healthcare provider before using high-THC strains for medical reasons.
What’s the best way to preserve Permanent Marker’s unique aroma after harvest?
To maintain the “marker” aroma, dry buds slowly at 60°F/60% RH for 10–14 days, then cure in airtight glass jars for at least three weeks. Avoid overdrying or high heat, which can dull the terpenes and mute the strain’s signature scent. Patience pays off with this one.
If you’re after unique flavor, heavy relaxation, and a plant that’s just plain fun to grow, Permanent Marker is hard to beat. Just remember—watch the humidity, don’t overfeed, and take it slow on the first session. This one’s got real punch, both in the grow tent and in the pipe. Good luck with your run, and may your buds smell as loud as a freshly uncapped marker on harvest day.
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