Lit Marker
Biscotti × Jealousy × Sherb Bx
Lit Marker is a colloquial term often used as shorthand for the hybrid cultivar Permanent Marker. Created by Seed Junky Genetics, this strain gained significant attention for its distinctive aroma and potent effects, earning Leafly's Strain of the Year in 2023. It is appreciated for its complex sensory profile and party-ready vibe.
Appearance
When cultivated optimally, Lit Marker typically presents dense, triangular buds with tightly stacked calyxes and minimal leafage. Its coloration can range from deep olive green to rich purple hues, particularly when exposed to cooler temperatures late in the flowering stage. The buds are heavily coated in trichomes, giving them an opaque, greasy, and frosted appearance, especially in purple-dominant phenotypes. Hairs are generally short to medium in length and transition from bright tangerine to amber as the plant matures. The plant structure is often compact with very little internodal spacing, especially on terminal colas under intense lighting.
The ground flower feels waxy and rich in resin, often causing grinders to become sticky. This texture indicates a high terpene content and robust resin heads, making it suitable for solventless extraction. The resulting kief is typically thick and clumpy rather than powdery.
Aroma & Flavor
The aroma of Lit Marker is immediately recognizable, characterized by a sweet, chemical scent reminiscent of marker fumes, often described as ammonia-tobacco-gas. Underlying notes of cookie dough, mint, and pepper are present, with subtle floral hints that emerge as the buds warm. When broken apart, the bouquet intensifies into a layered chemical confection with a clean, industrial undertone. This distinct industrial snap differentiates it from more straightforward dessert strains.
The flavor profile mirrors the aroma, delivering sweet gelatinous dough and mint-pepper notes on the inhale, followed by a chemical-tobacco exhale and a lingering gas aftertaste. The inhale can feel cool and minty, particularly at lower vaporization temperatures, which highlight the dessert and citrus elements. Higher temperatures bring out peppery spice and fuel notes. In joints, a syrupy sweetness is prominent, shifting to a velvety, slightly bitter tobacco finish. Smoking or dabbing can accentuate the chemical notes, and the mouthfeel is generally plush, resinous, and creamy due to the high trichome content.
Effects
Consumers frequently report a sociable and euphoric high from Lit Marker, often accompanied by a velvety body sensation. Users commonly experience feelings of being tingly, relaxed, and chatty. The strain is also noted for inducing hunger. The overall experience is often described as a balanced and engaging high that can facilitate conversation and social interaction.
However, at higher doses, some users may experience negative effects such as anxiousness, dry eyes, and occasional headaches. These effects are consistent with many modern, high-THC, terpene-rich hybrid strains.
Terpenes & Cannabinoids
While specific lab percentages are not detailed, common terpene profiles for Lit Marker (Permanent Marker) include Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Humulene. These terpenes contribute to the strain's complex aroma and flavor, as well as its reported effects. Caryophyllene and Limonene are often cited as drivers of the bright-then-spicy contrast in the aroma, while Myrcene and Linalool contribute to the softer, sweeter core notes. The strain is known for its high THC content, often reported around 29%, with CBD levels typically below 1%.
Origins & Lineage
Lit Marker is a colloquial name for Permanent Marker, a hybrid strain developed by Seed Junky Genetics. Its lineage is widely reported as (Biscotti x Jealousy) x Sherb Bx. Biscotti is known for contributing doughy sweetness and trichome density, while Jealousy adds syrupy candy aromatics and a focused edge. Sherb Bx (a backcross of Sherbert) is believed to bind dessert and gas characteristics, offering floral notes and a smooth smoke. This combination results in the strain's signature complex aroma and potent effects.
Growing
Growing Lit Marker requires attention to detail, with optimal cultivation leading to dense, resinous buds. The plant structure tends to be compact, thriving under conditions that promote significant trichome development. Proper post-harvest handling, including controlled drying and curing at 58-62% RH, is crucial for preserving its complex terpene profile, particularly the delicate mint-pepper edge. Failure to do so can result in a loss of nuanced aromas, leaving behind a flatter gas or generic sweet scent.