In the relatively short amount of time that cannabis has become medically, or in some states, recreationally legal, cannabis products have continued to evolve.
While edible marijuana products have been around in some form or another for many years, new and innovative products like cannabis-infused butter, badders, honey, candy, and more, have emerged over the years.
And just a few years ago, THC-infused gum joined the list of unique cannabis products on the market.
In this article, you’ll discover what THC-infused gum is, how it works, and what the benefits and risks are when using it.
In 2021, a Colorado edibles company called Joyibles began selling JoyGum to dispensaries for the first time.
JoyGum was the first CBD and THC-infused chewing gum on the market. Essentially, they infused the active compound found in cannabis into chewing gum. Weed gum releases THC and other cannabinoids into the mouth, which allows it to enter the bloodstream directly.
THC gum dosing follows the state standard laws, meaning it typically comes in 5 to 10 mg per piece of gum—similar to many other edibles. For medical consumers in certain states, it might be possible to find options up to 20 mg per piece of gum.
Most THC-infused gum products today come in classic mint or bubble gum flavors, but new flavors will likely continue to appear on the market as other companies release more versions of THC gum. This cannabis product can be used for both medical and recreational purposes, depending on the state.
However, while technically an edible, the way THC chewing gum is absorbed into the body works differently than other edibles.
Some users prefer cannabis consumption methods like edibles or tinctures if they prefer not to smoke or vaporize. However, weed gum might just be more similar to a tincture than edibles.
Instead of users “eating” this edible like with other edible THC forms, the cannabis plants’ compounds are absorbed through the oral mucosa. It’s a thin, moist layer that covers the inside of your mouth.
This method of consuming cannabis is closer to that of sublingual tinctures and sprays because of its quick absorption pathways through the oral mucosa versus being digested and metabolized like edibles.
The main way THC gum works is by this sublingual method of consumption. THC gum users can put the piece of cannabis gum under their tongue to allow the cannabis compounds to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Or, when chewing the THC gum, some of the compounds will be naturally absorbed under the tongue or around the inside of the mouth during this process.
The cannabis compounds are also absorbed through the buccal mucosa, the tissue that lines the inside of the cheek and lips. Capillaries within these membranes mean instant access to the systemic circulation, which results in a pretty rapid onset of effects from THC gum.
The effects of the sublingual method can be felt between 15 and 30 minutes after consumption and last, on average, a few hours.
However, this versatile gum can, and likely will, also produce effects that are closer to typical weed edibles.
The mechanical action of chewing is meant to release the cannabis compounds for sublingual absorption, but also differently when some of the compounds mixed with saliva are swallowed.
Many THC gum consumers have reported that the effects of this gum are also similar to those of other cannabis edibles. In other words, you can experience a more delayed, stronger dual-onset high effect long after using weed gum.
This delay occurs because the THC mixed with saliva that you swallow when chewing the cannabis gum is also metabolized in the body. The liver then converts THC into a more potent substance — 11-hydroxy-THC. Effects can be felt about 60 to 180 minutes after chewing THC gum and last up to 6 and 8 hours.
This means THC gum consumers might get a double effect—the one felt after the THC is absorbed in the oral mucosa and the effects felt after cannabis is metabolized in the body.
Because THC is uniquely deprived and processed by the body when using THC chewing gum, the onset and duration of the high could vary significantly for each individual and potentially each time you use the gum.
THC chewing gum is not only unique compared to other edible cannabis products on the market, but it also has its own set of benefits.
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Discretion and versatility. Similar to other edibles, THC chewing gum is an incredibly stealthy way of consuming cannabis that doesn’t bother others around you and is also easy to bring with you without being too obvious.
Research is very limited as this product is still new in comparison to other cannabis products, but it is believed it provides both anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. Plus, due to the multiple methods that the gum’s contents are absorbed in the body, THC gum can have both fast-acting effects and extended effects later on.
Like other cannabis products, this gum can offer numerous commonly-occurring therapeutic benefits, such as:
Because this gum has effects that are partly sublingual and partly metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, this can be a concern for its results.
Some studies even question how well the oral mucosa absorption method works for cannabis consumption. In some instances, saliva can unintentionally wash it away before it’s instead swallowed versus being absorbed in the mouth.
The gum-chewing method of cannabis consumption, in general, offers a more inconsistent administration since not all cannabis compounds will enter the bloodstream through the mouth, which will have a quicker effect. Other cannabis compounds will end up being digested and metabolized for a delayed, stronger, long-lasting high. It might be hard to control how much of this compound is absorbed versus swallowed and metabolized.
Essentially, this inconsistency makes weed gum’s onset and effects more unpredictable when compared to traditional methods like eating a cannabis gummy or smoking weed. Cannabis gum consumers may find that within an hour or so after consumption and feeling the original effects, they are hit with a harder high in about an hour, which might be a bit unexpected.
This unexpected high could be problematic if someone consumes more than one piece of gum thinking the original onset of effects is too minimal, only to be hit hard with effects later after metabolism. For this reason, until you know how and when this gum affects you, it’s best practice to wait before consuming multiple pieces of gum in a short window of time.
Since this is a fairly new product compared to flower and other edibles, only limited flavors, terpenes, strains, and cannabinoid options are currently available.
JoyGum: Since its original debut, this product by Joyibles has released several flavor options such as blue raspberry lime and mango, with some even offering zero sugar or calorie options. Most options offer 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD per piece of gum.
Kaya: Offering vegan options, Kaya chewing gum comes in a minty flavor with 5 mg of CBD (no THC) and 10 pieces of gum per pack.
THC chewing gum is an innovation in the evolving cannabis product. It offers a unique blend of discretion, versatility, and therapeutic potential, making it an appealing option for those seeking alternatives to smoking or traditional edibles.
With its rapid sublingual absorption and delayed metabolized effects, cannabis gum provides a distinctive dual-onset experience.
However, this can also mean more variability in its effects and duration. The gum’s absorption process through the oral mucosa can be inconsistent, and the product’s novelty means that options for flavors, strains, and dosages remain limited compared to more established cannabis products.
As research and consumer demand grow, this cannabis product is likely to become more refined, offering potentially greater consistency and variety.
For those curious about new ways to experience cannabis, THC gum offers a discreet and potentially effective option, blending convenience with the therapeutic effects many cannabis users seek.
THC chewing gum is a cannabis-infused gum that delivers THC and other cannabinoids into the body through both oral absorption and digestion, offering a unique and discreet way to consume cannabis.
THC gum works by releasing cannabis compounds through the oral mucosa, such as under the tongue and cheeks. Chewing also allows some compounds to be swallowed and metabolized in the liver for a delayed effect. Some of the active ingredients may be partly swallowed and metabolized differently.
The effects of THC gum can begin within 15 to 45 minutes through oral absorption, while digestive effects may take 60 to 180 minutes, with the combined high lasting 6–8 hours.
Unlike traditional edibles that rely entirely on digestion, THC gum offers faster absorption through the mouth in addition to the slower, stronger effects from digestion.
The effects of THC gum can be inconsistent due to variability in absorption, and some users may experience a delayed, stronger high when the cannabis is metabolized in the liver.
Most THC gums contain 5 to 10 mg of THC per piece, with some medical options offering up to 20 mg per piece.
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