Everything You Need to Know About the "Gardening" Trend on TikTok

If you’re a cannabis enthusiast on social media, you may have seen some creators and content that are part of the “gardening trend” on TikTok and Instagram. We know what you’re thinking – but this movement on social media isn’t about DIY videos on how to plant flowers or start a vegetable garden. 

It's a diverse community of cannabis enthusiasts who proudly identify as “gardeners” on social media. The name is a witty reference to the common cannabis terms like flower, bud, leaf, and grass to skirt censorship and cleverly signal to other 'gardeners' the topic of their content. 

“Gardening” content creators share content about all things cannabis in an age when legalization and cultural acceptance are becoming increasingly normalized in the United States and Canada, among other countries worldwide. 

This movement has had a significant impact in opening new ways forward for many enthusiasts and companies in the industry to continue to raise awareness of the benefits of cannabis, create an inclusive culture, and break stigmas while doing it. 

Where The “Gardening” Movement Started

Though the origin of the “gardening” movement can’t precisely be traced, this movement roughly began during the COVID-19 Pandemic, following the growing expansion of legal access to cannabis in Canada and the US. 

As the world was on lockdown, many cannabis enthusiasts and content creators had spare time on their hands. With this time, many self-proclaimed gardeners began sharing educational resources, product recommendations, sesh rituals, and “day in the life” casual videos to inspire and educate enthusiasts of diverse experience levels. 

Even though this movement has been called a “trend” on social media, it has proven to be a powerful force in uniting cannabis enthusiasts of all kinds, spanning Generation Zs to Generation X, to create a more open and de-stigmatized discussion around the plant and its complex culture. 

Why Is “Gardening” Becoming So Popular?

It’s no secret that cannabis is becoming legalized in more and more states across the US and continues to expand in Canada since its legalization in 2018. Cannabis has not only become a rival to alcohol’s popularity among Gen Zs and Millennials – it’s become a valued remedy for other purposes, like pain management and stress relief. 

Here’s why Generation Zs and Millennials are choosing cannabis: 

• They recognize the harmful effects of alcohol use in comparison to the perceived benefits of cannabis, creating common terms like “hangxiety” and “Sunday scaries” for severe hangovers. 

• They tend to prefer natural alternatives and choose cannabis for its natural forms and healing properties.

• With healthier alternatives for recreational substances like cannabis, they are willing to create a new culture that evolves away from normalized drinking habits created by past generations.

• As Cannabis has become more socially acceptable, identifying as a stoner is no longer a requirement to enjoy the plant. So, they are using cannabis more casually to elevate and complement their existing lifestyle. 

• Cannabis offers more variety and options for personalization, with thousands of strains and unique methods of enjoyment, so anyone can find something they enjoy. 

• Cannabis culture is no longer exclusionary. Anyone and everyone can enjoy cannabis if enjoyed safely and responsibly, which appeals to the inclusive values of these generations. 

These new shifts in cannabis culture are the main reasons for the gardening movement’s growing popularity. As attitudes of acceptance and normalcy around cannabis have evolved, seeing content that reflects and perpetuates that culture makes a renewed sense of community among a new generation of enthusiasts. 

“Gardening” Trends on Social Media 

This niche area of social media has continued to flourish over the years, with many specialized topics and representations of the unique ways enthusiasts enjoy and use their cannabis.

Here are some of the top trends and topics we’re loving on Gardening TikTok: 

• Sharing personal preferences and product recommendations 

• “Garden with me” content, a twist on “get ready with me” content for creators to connect with their audience authentically while doing everyday
  tasks

• Trying new alternatives to traditional cannabis consumption like THC “liquors” and drinks 

• Pairing cannabis with wellness practices and fitness – meditating, slow mornings, journaling, reflection, yoga, pilates, running, at-home workouts

• Using cannabis to make everyday tasks more fun + productive – including cleaning, organizing, working from home, etc.

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• Gardening Moms / Parents who share content on how to use cannabis safely + responsibly in these roles 

• Content sharing relatable cannabis experiences 

• Inclusivity of all enthusiasts, from stoners to casual consumers 

• De-stigmatizing cannabis use through education, busting stereotypes, and paving new ways forward.

• Education of the cannabis basics – properties of strains, methods, safe consumption, and navigating tolerance breaks 

The Impact of the “Gardening” Movement On Cannabis Culture 

The “gardening” community created on TikTok by content creators and consumers alike has ushered in a generation with a new approach and outlook on cannabis culture. 

This online community fosters a new space where inclusivity, community, destigmatization, and education can thrive, opening the gates for anyone and everyone to feel welcome in the cannabis industry. This branches away from some aspects of existing cannabis culture, which, for the most part, has been male-dominated. 

Within the garden community, parents, women, athletes, creatives, professionals, and stoners alike can interact and continue to expand the growing acceptance of cannabis within society and dismantle the negative connotations associated with it. 

However, it’s important to note that, like any corner of the internet, it is wise to be careful of misinformation and recognize when cannabis use is being promoted irresponsibly. It’s always best to check reliable sources for information surrounding cannabis use. 

The Future Of The “Gardening” Movement 

As this movement continues to evolve and grow, it has the potential to shift attitudes around cannabis use and de-stigmatize its use in marginalized communities and medical contexts. 

As a movement, this side of the internet has already proven influential in creating new opportunities for brands to collaborate with influencers, provide new products and experiences, and continue to bring awareness to cannabis use as the industry evolves and expands in new directions. 

The “Gardening: Trend Reviewed 

The “gardening” movement on social media is an exciting development for the cannabis industry and community, allowing for more expansion, evolution, and acceptance of the cannabis culture. 

This trend, which can be explored on Instagram, TikTok, and X, is ushering in a new generation of enthusiasts who are breaking barriers and redefining inclusivity within the cannabis space while creating new pathways forward for breaking stigmas and making cannabis culture more approachable. 

Happy gardening!