From Trowels To THC: How ‘Gardening’ Became A Euphemism For Weed On TikTok

You might think that if you look through TikTok and see celebrities casually use the term “gardening,” or ask if anyone wants a “garden gum” they’re discussing gardening at home or some bizarre snack trend. The slang is a viral phenomenon with an even deeper meaning and represents the subtle shift in the culture when people discuss cannabis online. What are gummies from the garden and why have they taken over TikTok?

What Are Garden Gummies?

In the end, the term “garden gummies” is a euphemism for cannabis-infused edibles and specifically weed candy that can be used in a creative way to get around social media restrictions. On platforms such as TikTok which have a high level of surveillance and moderate content that involves hemp-derived or marijuana-related substances such as delta-8 and delta-9 THC users have to come up with their own. They don’t have to say “THC gum”, “weed edible” but “garden gum.” This is code. It’s community. And it’s spreading fast.

What are garden gummies, precisely? They’re just cannabis chewing gum with a new label. It’s a clever disguise to avoid the strict rules of platforms such as TikTok.

Garden Gummy Significance: It’s more Than You Think

The significance of garden gummies isn’t just treats that contain THC. It’s a symbol of a larger popular culture, and a way for users to express themselves freely or share their experiences, and to make cannabis usage acceptable without being censored, flagged or completely exempted. The word “gardening” in its current form is a reference to the use or use of cannabis.

When someone says, “Want garden with me?” it’s unlikely that they are talking about soil or seeds. You’re invited to smoke, chill, or chew a garden gum.

The Origin of the Trend

Natalie Benson is credited with being the first to initiate the trend. The term was coined by her to ensure she was not in violation of community rules when discussing cannabis-related content on the TikTok app. The term was quickly used, and in only a few months, there was a whole subculture, dubbed “gardeners”, began to flourish.

As more people joined in the conversation, garden gummies became an electronic wink that became a common language among those in the know. It’s an excellent example of how internet communities grow and change to keep conversations alive, even when they are under the scrutiny of algorithms.

Moderators on Social Media What are their responsibilities?

Why all of this? Moderation of social media is an important factor. TikTok as well as other platforms, enforces strict guidelines concerning content that contains drug-related content. Even legal or educational posts on marijuana could be deleted. People respond by using phrases that are coded, like “gardening” to preserve freedom and community.

It’s essentially a game played as digital cat-and-mouse. Users come up with innovative ways of communicating as platforms tighten their restrictions. In the process, terms like garden gummy become the cultural objects that were born out of necessity, and sustained by the power of creativity.

Reflecting a wider shift in social norms

What’s fascinating is how the popularity of garden gummies reflects changing attitudes toward cannabis. Marijuana was once thought to be a fringe religion, has now become ingrained into the mainstream, particularly when legalization expands all over the world. The acceptance of terms like “gardening” indicates that it is not just as a temporary solution, but a renewal of identity and normalization.

The garden gummy is not an censorship-related hole, but rather a reflection of the shift in attitudes of generations towards openness, acceptance, and community.

Final Thoughts

When you next hear someone say “gardening,” or offers you a garden gum, keep in mind that they aren’t talking about lawn maintenance. Participants are part of an evolving cultural phenomenon rooted in humor, resilience, and online language.

If you are an “gardener”, or even simply interested to know what garden gummies are will give you the knowledge of how communities have adapted to the digital age. A gummy is capable of communicating a lot more.