Strain Report: Permanent Marker, Leafly 2023 Strain of the Year
Some strains last a season, while others make a mark on the cannabis landscape. Permanent Marker is one of the latter. Since it first hit the market in 2022, the Permanent Marker strain has won awards, dominated sales figures, and cemented its place in cannabis culture.
If you don’t have a Permanent Marker product line yet, it’s time to capitalize on consumers’ love for this potent, pungent hybrid strain.
Strain Profile: Permanent Marker
Permanent Marker is a high-THC hybrid strain that quickly gained popularity after its 2022 debut. Developed by renowned California breeder Seed Junky and brought into the spotlight by Doja Exclusive, Permanent Marker has become one of the most in-demand genetics across North America.
Known for its powerful yet balanced effects, Permanent Marker provides an intense and memorable experience, accompanied by deep relaxation. Consumers love the gassy, diesel aroma and nuanced flavor created by Permanent Marker’s terpene profile.
These effects, coupled with the strain’s deep roots in California cannabis culture and a strong genetic heritage, mean Permanent Marker has become a staple “must-have” strain for cannabis brands today.
Permanent Marker Genetics
Part of Permanent Marker's rapid success can be attributed in part to its strong genetic foundation. It’s a cross of Biscotti, Sherb Bx, and Jealousy—each a respected strain in its own right. Through targeted backcrossing, these genetics have been refined by Seed Junky to produce the strain’s distinctive aroma and potent, well-balanced effects.
These parent strains share lineage with the iconic Gelato and, further back, Girl Scout Cookies, cultivars that helped define the modern cannabis era in early 2000s California. Seed Junky, the creator of the Permanent Marker marijuana strain, also has deep roots in this breeding heritage and is responsible for well-loved strains like Wedding Cake, Kush Mints, and Jealousy.
A rapid rise to fame: Leafly’s 2023 Strain of the Year
While Seed Junky handled the genetics, Doja Exclusive played a crucial role in Permanent Marker’s popularity explosion. After discovering the strain during a visit to Seed Junky, Doja introduced it to the broader market in 2022, sparking interest with both consumers and connoisseurs.
By the end of 2023, Permanent Marker was named Leafly’s Strain of the Year, an award reserved for quickly rising strains that capture the cultural zeitgeist. It continued its momentum into 2024, ranking among Leafly budtenders’ top picks and becoming one of the platform’s most-viewed strains.
From its awards or community hype, Permanent Marker has made a lasting impact in a very short time. Permanent Marker products are still in high demand on dispensary shelves, and their rise doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Permanent Marker Continues To Dominate Sales

Permanent Marker has resonated with cannabis consumers drawn to potent genetics and distinctive flavor profile.
Its sales trajectory reflects this interest; in 2023, Permanent Marker was the fastest-growing strain on Leafly, expanding from 10 dispensaries in early 2022 to nearly 600 by year’s end. That number tripled again by 2024, reaching over 2,300 dispensaries listed on the platform.
It also ranked sixth among Leafly’s most-viewed strains of 2024, solidifying its position in the market. For brands and retailers, Permanent Marker represents a dependable, high-performance product line.
Lab Effects’ Cannabis-Derived Permanent Marker Terpene Profile captures the full aromatic complexity of the original flower, ensuring consistent, high-quality formulations without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. Our terpenes can be used to create vape carts, edibles, and more that are true to the full Permanent Marker experience.
What Terpenes Are in Permanent Marker?
Permanent Marker’s name hints at its pungent aroma, often described as gassy or chemical-like. Underlying this sharp scent are layered notes of floral, mint, and even soap.
The dominant terpenes in Permanent Marker include:
Limonene
Also found in citrus peels, limonene delivers a sharp, zesty citrus aroma and taste. It has been investigated for a wide range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties.
Animal studies have shown that limonene can reduce inflammation and pain responses in mice. It can also protect neural tissue from inflammatory damage, which could have potential implications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Linalool
Common in lavender, eucalyptus, and mint, linalool has a floral scent often described as relaxing. It’s known for its stress-relieving and sedative effects, and has long been used in aromatherapy.
Linalool’s anti-anxiety effects are being explored in research, with evidence suggesting linalool can modulate the central nervous system to reduce anxiety in mice. There’s also evidence it can interact with serotonin receptors, with potential antidepressant-like effects.
Beta-caryophyllene
Present in spices like black pepper and cloves, beta-caryophyllene has a spicy, earthy scent. It’s unique among terpenes for its ability to interact directly with CB2 receptors, which may support anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Experimental evidence has demonstrated that beta-caryophyllene can influence chronic inflammation pathways, with potential benefits for conditions such as obesity, liver disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Alpha-pinene
With a fresh, earthy aroma of pine, alpha-pinene is found in conifers, as well as rosemary, lavender, and many other tree species. In addition to its presence in cannabis, pinene is often used to make perfumes.
Plants containing pinene have historically been used to reduce pain and inflammation, and modern research supports these uses. One study found that alpha-pinene had anti-inflammatory effects in the brains of mice, reducing both damage and pain.
Beta-pinene
A structural isomer of alpha-pinene, beta-pinene also has an herbal, pine scent and is present in conifers, including balsam fir, as well as many herbs.
Studies have shown that beta-pinene has antidepressant effects, as well as an ability to reduce anxiety. Another animal study found that beta-pinene had potent antioxidant effects.
How does permanent marker strain make you feel?
Cannabis affects each user differently, but many consumer reviews share similar experiences of the Permanent Marker strain’s effects. Firstly, with THC levels ranging from 25% to 35%, most agree that Permanent Marker’s effects are potent and fast-acting.
The majority of consumers report an initial wave of intense euphoria, often described as uplifting. This is followed by a clear-headed, creative high combined with deep physical relaxation. Some report that Permanent Marker made them feel more sociable and energized, and many describe a “tingling” body sensation.
Strains Similar to Permanent Marker
Looking for strains with similar effects or terpene profiles? Here are three comparable options from the Lab Effects portfolio:
Jealousy
Also created by Seed Junky, Jealousy is a cross of Sherbet and Gelato. This parent to the Permanent Marker strain passed on its gassy, peppery aroma and strong effects. What’s more, it was also named Leafly’s Strain of the Year in 2022.
Jet Fuel
While not directly related, Jet Fuel is similar to Permanent Marker in its terpene and flavor profile, as well as a diesel-forward aroma. Its effects mirror Permanent Marker, too, with an energetic lift followed by physical relaxation.
Sunset Sherbert
A direct ancestor of Permanent Marker, Sunset Sherbert offers a sweeter, more citrus-forward profile with slightly lower THC levels. Its balanced high and complex flavor make it a great alternative, with similarly powerful effects.
Your Source for True-to-Flower Permanent Marker Terpenes
If you’re looking to capitalize on Permanent Marker’s meteoric rise, look no further than Lab Effects’ Cannabis-Derived Permanent Marker terpenes. Our cannabis-derived terpenes preserve the complete integrity of the Permanent Marker strain, delivering an authentic, flower-forward experience.
All of our cannabis-derived terpenes are 100% plant-derived, synthetic-free, and food-grade safe. And our team of experts is here to help, whether you need support choosing the right product or importing internationally.
Contact us today to learn more or request a sample.