If you’ve swung through TikTok lately and came across influencers who are casually discussing “gardening” or asking if someone wants a “garden gummy” you might think that it’s about homegrown veggies or a quirky trend for snacks. This slang that’s popular on social media has an even deeper meaning and represents the subtle shift in culture that’s occurred in the discussion of cannabis online. So, what are garden gummies exactly, and why are they taking over TikTok feeds?
What Are Garden Gummies?
The term “garden gums” is used to refer to THC-infused edibles, specifically marijuana gums. It’s a clever method to bypass social media’s censorship. On platforms such as TikTok which are heavily monitored and moderate the content that contains hemp or marijuana-derived substances, such as delta-8 and delta-9 THC users are forced to get creative. Instead of using “THC gummy” or “weed edible,” they say “garden gummy.” This is code. It’s community. And it’s growing quickly.
So, what exactly are garden gummies? These are just cannabis Gummies, but with a different name. This is a clever disguise to skirt the rules of platforms like TikTok.
What Does Garden Gummy Denote? It’s More Than You Think!
The garden gummy is more than just a THC candy. It’s a symbol of an entire movement in the world of culture. It lets users be themselves, share their stories in a way that is open, and allows the use of marijuana without having to worry about being banned or shadowbanned. The word “gardening”, which has become synonymous with cannabis use in all its forms is now used to describe the process.
If someone asks “Want to Garden with Me?”, they are unlikely to be talking about soil or seeds. You’re welcome to smoke, cool down or even pop a garden gum.
Origin of the Trend
The trend can be traced back to the TikTok’s Natalie Benson. She coined the term “gardeners” as a smart method of discussing cannabis within the app without violating community guidelines. Her term was quickly adopted and, within a few months, a whole subculture, dubbed “gardeners” was beginning to take off.
With more people taking part the garden gummies morphed into an electronic wink, the language of those who are part of the conversation. This is a great illustration of how communities on the internet change and adapt to maintain conversations, even under algorithmic scrutiny.
Moderators on Social Media What’s their job?
What’s the point of this? Moderating social media content is an essential element. TikTok has strict policies on content that is drug-related, just like many other platforms. Even educational or legal posts on marijuana could be deleted. Users respond by using coded words like “gardening” to preserve the freedom of expression and community.
It’s a game of digital cat and mouse. Users discover innovative ways of communicating when platforms limit their options. And in the process, phrases like garden gummy are transformed into objects of culture born out of necessity, and sustained by the power of creativity.
Reflecting a broader shift in the social landscape
The growth in popularity of gums for garden reflect a change in the attitude towards cannabis. Cannabis, once considered to be a subculture, is now part of the mainstream and is especially popular due to the legalization of cannabis spreading across the world. The use of terms such as “gardening” however, doesn’t just provide a means to get out of the law, but a return to normalization and identification.
The garden gummy’s not simply a censorship hole but a reflection on changes in the generational attitude towards openness, acceptance, and community.
Final Thoughts
The next time someone mentions “gardening,” or offers you a garden gum take note that they’re not discussing lawn care. They’re taking part in a social phenomenon that’s rooted in creativity, humor, and the ever-evolving online language.
If you’re an “gardener”, or even just curious to know what garden gummies are can give you a better understanding of how communities have adapted to the digital age. Gummies are capable of saying much more.