Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Permanent Marker x LCG is a contemporary hybrid that marries the inky, candy-gas persona of Permanent Marker with the citrus-cherry confection of LCG, commonly known as Lemon Cherry Gelato. Growers and consumers often abbreviate the cross as PM x LCG, though some breeders invert the order depending on which parent served as the pollen donor. For clarity, this profile treats the cross as a balanced hybrid, with nuanced phenotypes swinging toward either parent depending on selection.
This strain targets fans of modern “dessert gas” profiles—think sweet, sherb-forward gelato layers over a diesel-and-floral base. In markets where both parents test high for THC, PM x LCG frequently presents elevated potency while preserving a terpene-rich bouquet. The result is a cultivar that aims to deliver both immediate impact and a memorably layered flavor.
Because the target topic is permanent marker x lcg strain, this review centers on the hybrid’s shared identity and practical expectations for cultivation and consumption. While many cuts circulate as clone-only or limited-release seed drops, the core traits—dense resin, confected fruit aromas, and a grounding gas—show up consistently. For the purposes of this article, LCG refers to Lemon Cherry Gelato, a widely recognized, cherry-citrus gelato phenotype with backpack-bred roots.
History and Cultural Context
Permanent Marker ascended quickly in the 2022–2024 West Coast exotic scene, with hype coalescing around its intensely perfumed “marker” top note and sticky resin output. Often associated with collaborative breeding and boutique California cultivators, Permanent Marker took off in connoisseur circles for its top-shelf bag appeal and layered smoke. Its rise paralleled the continued dominance of gelato-derived genetics across legal markets.
LCG—Lemon Cherry Gelato—entered the conversation a bit earlier, riding the gelato renaissance with an unmistakable lemon-candy and cherry-syrup profile. Associated with backpacks-and-exotics culture, LCG became a mainstay on menus from Los Angeles to New York, typically testing in the mid-to-high 20% THC range. Consumers gravitated toward its zesty sweetness that remains expressive even after curing.
Crossing Permanent Marker with LCG reflects a broader breeder trend: stacking proven dessert gas with top-tier gelato phenotypes to intensify terpene density and visual appeal. From 2021 onward, seed drops combining gelato, sherb, biscotti, and jealousy lines have generated cultivars with strong market traction and consistent top-shelf performance. PM x LCG fits that ethos—high resin, strong aroma, and a candy-forward signature that photographs as well as it smokes.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Rationale
Permanent Marker’s parentage is commonly reported as a composite of Biscotti, Jealousy, and Sherb Bx genetics, resulting in an “inky” floral-gas terpene halo over sweet confection. Jealousy contributes dense structure and elite bag appeal, while Sherb/Biscotti lines bring dessert-forward terpenes and broadleaf-dominant morphology. This combination tends to produce compact buds with high trichome density and sticky resin.
LCG (Lemon Cherry Gelato) is widely regarded as a lemon-zested, cherry-tinted gelato phenotype, often tracing to Gelato/Sherb ancestry. Its terpene balance typically leans limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool, creating a sweet-tart bouquet that remains potent through cure. LCG frequently expresses purple hues and short internodes, with a manageable stretch that suits both SCROG and SOG.
Breeding PM with LCG aims to consolidate three targets: terpene intensity, resin yield, and market-ready color. The expectation is 1.5–2x stretch, mid-cycle anthocyanin expression under cooler nights, and cannabinoid totals that routinely exceed 26% THC when optimized. In practice, F1 populations show two main lanes—gas-forward Permanent Marker-leaners with floral-ink top notes, and candy-fruit LCG-leaners with amplified lemon-cherry sweetness.
Appearance and Morphology
Permanent Marker x LCG often presents medium-height plants indoors (90–140 cm after training) with a 1.5–2.0x stretch during the first two weeks of flower. Nodes stack closely, yielding columnar colas and dense secondary spears. Calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable, making for efficient trimming and prominent bract swell post–week 6.
Expect dark forest greens that wash into violet and deep magenta under nighttime temperatures of 60–68°F (15.5–20°C) late in flower. Resin heads are abundant and bulbous, typically with milky-stemmed capitate stalks that withstand careful dry-trimming. In dialed rooms, trichome coverage is heavy enough to give buds a frosted, almost opalescent sheen.
Bag appeal is high, with buds ranging from golf-ball nuggets to elongated, lance-like tops. Orange-to-copper pistils contrast sharply against purple panels and crystalline trichomes. On average, trimmed colas weigh dense for their size, hinting at 500–650 g/m² indoor yield potential under optimal conditions.
Aroma and Flavor
Aromatically, PM x LCG combines solventy floral-gas with bright confection. The top note often lands as lemon zest and cherry syrup over a background of violet, glue-stick, and diesel. Breaking a cured bud releases deeper layers of berry sorbet, vanilla sherbet, and faint incense.
On the palate, expect a front-loaded citrus snap that transitions into cherry-berry gelato, then finishes with a peppery, inky gas. The exhale is sweet with lingering sherb cream, while the retrohale pushes floral and grape skin. In many phenos, the “marker” tone reads like an aldehydic, slightly varnish-like twang that accentuates the gas without masking the fruit.
Flavor persistence is notable, with terps remaining expressive through a full joint or several bong pulls. In vape formats, especially at 350–390°F (177–199°C), the lemon-cherry candy dominates early, while the diesel-floral base grows stronger as temperature increases. Proper cure preserves this trajectory for 8–12 weeks, with minimal terp drop-off when stored at 58–62% RH.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While individual lab results vary by phenotype and cultivation, Permanent Marker x LCG tends to track with its high-testing parents. Indoor, dialed phenos commonly return 23–30% THC by weight, with many lots clustering around 25–27% THC. Total cannabinoids often land in the 26–34% range, with minor cannabinoids contributing 1–3% beyond THC.
CBD typically remains low (<1%), though occasional phenos show trace amounts between 0.1–0.4% CBD. CBG appears more often, with 0.3–1.2% CBG reported on similar gelato-heavy hybrids, especially when harvested at moderate amber trichome ratios. THCa percentages may test 25–32% before decarboxylation, depending on lab methodology and moisture.
Potency expression correlates strongly with light intensity and VPD management. Cultivators who maintain 800–1000 µmol/m²/s PPFD in bloom with CO2 at 1000–1200 ppm often report the highest THCa outcomes. Conversely, excessive heat or overfeeding late flower can depress total cannabinoid output by 5–15% relative to a well-balanced run.
Terpene Profile, Chemistry, and Volatiles
Dominant terpenes typically include limonene (0.6–1.2% by weight), beta-caryophyllene (0.4–0.9%), and linalool (0.2–0.6%). Support players often feature myrcene (0.2–0.8%), humulene (0.1–0.4%), and alpha- or beta-pinene (0.1–0.3%). Total terpene content in premium cuts often ranges from 1.8–3.2%, with top-shelf samples occasionally exceeding 3.5%.
The lemon-cherry uplift aligns with limonene and linalool synergy, while the “marker” and gas impressions likely derive from complex interactions among caryophyllene, humulene, and volatile aromatics beyond the standard terp panel. Some batches display faint violet or grape-like tones suggestive of ionone-like compounds—aroma-active molecules linked to floral, berry, and makeup-counter notes. Although not routinely quantified in cannabis COAs, these volatiles can materially shape the nose and finish.
For solventless extraction, the robust trichome head structure and terpene density are favorable. Fresh frozen runs often report 4–6% yield from whole plant wash (WPFF), with exceptional phenos approaching 7–8% under optimized conditions. Hydrocarbon extracts readily capture the cherry-candy top and fuel base, but post-process temperature control is key to preserve lighter citrus fractions.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
PM x LCG generally delivers a fast-onset euphoria within 2–5 minutes of inhalation, peaking at 30–45 minutes, and tapering over 2–3 hours. The headspace is expansive yet coherent, with many users reporting uplifted mood and sharpened sensory detail in the first half. As the session deepens, a comfortable body melt sets in without immediate couch-lock, especially at moderate doses.
At higher intakes, the Permanent Marker side can assert itself with heavier eyelids and a gradual, warm sedation. LCG-leaning phenos tend to remain brighter and more social, pairing well with conversation, music discovery, and culinary activities. Overall, this strain feels suited to late afternoon and evening, though microdoses may support creative work earlier in the day.
Common side effects include dry mouth, red eyes, and transient dizziness in sensitive users. Like many 25%+ THC cultivars, dose discipline matters—novices may prefer a single small hit or a low-temp vape draw to gauge intensity. Users prone to anxiety should start low; limonene-forward lots can feel stimulating before the body effects arrive.
Potential Medical Applications
Anecdotal reports and cannabinoid-terpene trends suggest potential utility for stress modulation and mood uplift. Limonene and linalool have been studied for anxiolytic and mood-elevating properties, while caryophyllene may engage CB2 receptors that modulate inflammation pathways. In practice, some users report short-term relief for stress, ruminative thoughts, and situational low mood.
The gradual body relaxation can be compatible with relief from tension-related discomfort and post-exertion soreness. Caryophyllene and humulene may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory benefits, while myrcene can deepen physical calm in late-session phases. While not a sedative by design, higher doses in the evening may assist with sleep onset for certain individuals.
Because THC can exacerbate anxiety or tachycardia in some, careful titration is essential. Patients with low THC tolerance might opt for vaporization at low temperatures or blended THC:CBD regimens. As with all cannabis use, medical choices should be made in consultation with a qualified clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapies.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Training, and Nutrition
Permanent Marker x LCG thrives in controlled indoor environments with steady VPD and strong, even canopy lighting. Target 75–82°F (24–28°C) in veg with 60–70% RH, and 68–78°F (20–26°C) in bloom with 45–50% RH, dropping to 40–45% RH in the final two weeks. Ideal VPD ranges: 0.9–1.1 kPa in veg, 1.1–1.4 kPa in bloom.
Light intensity should reach 400–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD in veg and 800–1000 µmol/m²/s in bloom for photoperiod plants. Under CO2 enrichment at 1000–1200 ppm, advanced growers can push 1000–1200 PPFD if leaf temps and transpiration are dialed. Maintain a daily light integral (DLI) around 30–40 mol/m²/day in bloom for balanced development without bleaching.
Nutrition in coco/hydro typically tracks EC 1.4–1.8 in veg, 1.8–2.0 early bloom (weeks 1–3), 2.0–2.3 mid bloom (weeks 4–6), and taper to 1.6–1.8 late bloom (weeks 7–9). pH targets: 5.8–6.2 for coco/hydro and 6.2–6.8 for soil. Cal-mag support is important under high-intensity LEDs; aim for 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg baseline in solution.
Training responds well to topping at the 3rd–5th node, followed by low-stress training and a single or double-layer SCROG. Expect a 1.5–2x stretch; plan canopy area accordingly to avoid overcrowding and larf. Strategic defoliation at day 21 and day 42 of flower improves airflow and light penetration, particularly for resin-heavy colas.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering, IPM, Harvest, and Post-Processing
Flowering time generally falls between 63 and 70 days for most phenotypes, with some Marker-leaners happier at 70–77 days for full resin maturity. Many cultivators harvest at cloudy with 10–15% amber trichomes to balance euphoric clarity against physical relaxation. Cooler nights (60–68°F / 15.5–20°C) from week 6 onward can coax purples without sacrificing resin.
Yields of 500–650 g/m² are achievable in optimized indoor SCROG runs, while SOG methods may produce 350–500 g/m² with shorter veg. Outdoor, well-managed plants in 45–65 gallon containers can produce 800–1200 g per plant, with long-season, in-ground specimens occasionally exceeding 1500–2000 g. Dense bud structure requires vigilant airflow and RH management to preempt botrytis late season.
IPM should be proactive: introduce beneficials (e.g., Amblyseius swirskii for thrips/mites and A. cucumeris for thrips) early, and alternate bacterials/fungals like Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Avoid elemental sulfur after week 2 of flower to protect trichomes and final flavor. Fans should create gentle leaf flutter throughout the canopy, with under-canopy airflow preventing humidity pockets.
For drying, 60/60 conditions—60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH—for 10–14 days preserve volatiles and color. Slow the dry by maintaining gentle airflow that moves air around but not directly at the buds, and aim for 0.8–1.0 lb/ft³ dry-room plant density. Cure in airtight containers at 58–62% RH for at least 3–4 weeks, burping minimally once a stable equilibrium is reached to reduce terpene loss.
Phenotype Selection, Seeds vs. Clones, and Stabilization
Expect two broad phenotype camps: gas-forward Marker-leaners with violet florals and a varnish-ink top note, and candy-fruit LCG-leaners emphasizing lemon-cherry gelato sweetness. Intermediate phenos combine both, delivering a sherb-cream body with diesel-floral edges. Structure typically remains compact across the population, with short-to-medium internodes and strong apical dominance.
Clone-only cuts sourced from reputable growers minimize variability and protect against mislabeled stock—a common risk in hype genetics. If hunting from seed, pop at least 6–10 seeds to increase your odds of finding a keeper with both flavor density and resin output. Record PPFD, EC, and environmental data to ensure you’re comparing genetics, not environmental artifacts.
Stabilization priorities include terpene retention post-cure, trichome head retention for solventless processing, and mold resistance in dense colas. Selections that resist foxtailing under high PPFD while maintaining color and nose are especially valuable. If breeding forward, consider in-crossing toward phenos with 3%+ total terpenes and high wash yields to preserve both flavor and versatility.
Consumer Guidance, Formats, and Storage
For flower, a soft grind preserves trichome heads and prevents terp dusting. Joints and low-temp dabs highlight the candied citrus early, while bongs and high-temp rigs emphasize the gas and pepper finish. Vaporization between 350–390°F (177–199°C) presents the broadest flavor arc.
In concentrate form, live rosin captures the lemon-cherry nose with a creamy sherb mid-palate. Hydrocarbon extracts elevate the diesel and floral-ink side, often testing at higher total cannabinoids; look for terp numbers above 7–10% in sauce or badder for expressive flavor. Pre-rolls perform well, but airtight storage is critical to avoid terp fade.
Store at 58–62% RH in opaque, airtight containers between 55–65°F (13–18°C). Avoid frequent burping after cure stabilization to limit terpene volatilization. Under good storage, PM x LCG maintains aromatic vibrancy for 8–12 weeks, with gradual softening of the lemon pop thereafter.
Comparative Context and Market Position
Compared to str
