What is THC gum?

THC gum, also known as weed gum, refers to chewing gum that’s infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main intoxicating compound found in cannabis.

THC gum can be useful if you’re seeking an alternative to other consumption methods like smoking and ingesting edibles.

Continue reading to learn how THC gum is made, its potential benefits, and how to use and dose it.

What is THC chewing gum?

Unlike cannabis edibles, which are ingested, THC gum is a type of cannabis product that’s chewed and eventually spit out.

This allows THC and other cannabis compounds to absorb through your oral mucosa, which is the thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of your mouth. By delivering cannabinoids through your oral mucosa and rapidly into your bloodstream, THC gum takes effect much more quickly than edible cannabis products.

THC gum is a relatively new product that’s sold in a variety of milligram (mg) doses and flavors, including classic options like mint and bubblegum.

Benefits of THC gum

Most THC gum is made with cannabis extract, which contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds.

Some cannabis compounds may help with certain health conditions, such as:

• Pain
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Inflammation

THC chewing gum may also offer some advantages over other product types:

• Fast absorption: Because it’s absorbed through your oral mucosa, THC gum takes effect quickly compared to edibles, which are ingested and absorbed through your digestive tract.
• Discreet: THC gum can be consumed more discreetly than many other types of cannabis products, including vaporizers and smokable flower.
• Low in calories: THC gum is a low-calorie alternative to certain cannabis edibles, like gummies and brownies, which can be enjoyed in moderation but may not be best suited to an individual’s health needs over time.

Risks and drawbacks of THC gum

While THC gum does deliver some cannabinoids effectively through the lining of your mouth, it may do so inconsistently.

Experts have suggested that when people use cannabis products on the oral mucosa, at least some cannabinoids are unintentionally washed away by saliva and absorbed through the digestive system.

THC gum, therefore, may not provide the most predictable experience compared with other cannabis products. THC absorbed through the mouth while chewing will lead to fast-acting effects, but any THC that’s swallowed and digested could lead to strong, unexpected effects hours later.

That said, cannabis is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, but it can still cause some side effects, such as:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Confusion
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• A fast heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

You can lower the risk of these side effects by opting for a low dose of THC, such as 3 to 5 mg.

Cannabis interacts with several common medications. If you take any medications, speak with your doctor before using any cannabis products, including THC gum.

Chewing gum that contains a high amount of sugar may lead to dental issues, including cavities. Frequent gum chewing may also increase your risk of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a jaw disorder that can lead to pain and a clicking sensation while chewing.

How to use and dose THC gum

THC gum is used just like other chewing gum products. Many manufacturers recommend chewing THC gum for at least 10 minutes to get the product’s full effects.

THC gum products are often sold in 3 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg doses per piece, with some brands offering 20 mg of THC or more per stick of gum.

When choosing the strength of your THC chewing gum, consider your:

• Health needs
• Tolerance to THC’s intoxicating effects
• Personal preferences

Consider the “start low and go slow” approach by opting for a low dose of THC, like 3 mg, and gradually increasing the strength only as needed and tolerated.

The bottom line: THC gum is a fast-acting, discreet cannabis product

THC gum is discreet and can take effect quickly. And it’s easy to dose, as each piece contains the same amount of cannabis extract.

Keep in mind that THC gum may be absorbed inconsistently and provide less predictable effects than other formulations, such as inhalable or edible products.

THC gum may be a good option if you’re seeking an alternative to high-calorie edibles, or if you want a fast-acting product that doesn’t require inhalation.

If you’re using cannabis to help manage symptoms of a health condition, ask your doctor or a Leafwell pharmacist for personalized guidance on using THC gum.

Resources

• A meta-opinion: cannabinoids delivered to oral mucosa by a spray for systemic absorption are rather ingested into gastro-intestinal tract: The influences of fed / fasting states. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17425247.2019.1653852
• Does gum chewing increase the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in individuals with gum chewing habits? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25203577/
• Oral mucosal drug delivery. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003088-200241090-00003 

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