For nearly thirty years, I’d been conditioned to conceal every aspect of my medical and recreational cannabis use from family members, coworkers, and friends who were not in the know. So it’s no wonder that after eight months of legalization I still can’t wrap my head around the access I now have to new cannabis products. Illinois cultivators seem to be coming up with more strains and more infused products every month.

And to help break thirty years of conditioning, I want to sample every single Illinois cannabis product. And nothing makes me giddier than reviewing brand new products. So when Progressive Treatment Solutions launched Sweet ReLeaf Crush Gum, of course, I was totally in. The new infused chewing gum comes in two flavors: Tutti Fruitti and Peppermint.

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I sampled the peppermint. The package consists of thirty pieces of flavored gum. Each piece of gum is dosed at 2.5mg of THC and contains a strong peppermint (and not a hint of cannabis) smell and taste. The flavor rivals any non-infused brand gum, and the taste lasts just as long. This makes the gum discreet and useable almost anywhere for those microdosing throughout the day or for new consumers of cannabis.

Full discloser, I am more of a macro doser than a micro doser. But the Sweet ReLeaf Crush Gum has changed my outlook on how I can include microdosing into my daily medical needs. Instead of microdosing throughout the day, which does not supply the pain relief I need, I found my own ways to incorporate the chewing gum into my medicinal treatment. I call it “Add On” dosing.

The advantage chewing gum has over traditional edibles is that gum is sublingual dosing, which absorbs in the mucus membrane of the mouth. The chewing gum’s THC effects come on faster and stronger than the longer onset for edibles. I have to consciously think about not swallowing while chewing the gum to make sure the THC is completely absorbed in my mouth, and if possible, under my tongue.

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When I have morning muscle pain and tightness and I have to push-mow the yard, I chew three pieces of gum to take off the edge. The micro dosing works perfect for accomplishing physical activity early in the day. But eventually, after my physical work is done, microdosing is not enough for me. But that’s when I “Add On” dose. The Crush Gum is perfect to “Add On” to whatever buzz I already have, especially when in public.

When the board meeting upgraded from a conference phone call in which I smoke throughout to a Zoom meeting, I smoked up before the meeting and “Added On” a few pieces of gum to get me through the excruciating pain of “’Bored’ Meeting Nausea Syndrome” (I think that’s a proper medical term). Or when I have to hit the bong three times to brave grocery shopping around others. It’s nice to “Add On” a couple pieces of gum to chew while my facemask traps the smell inside. It’s like a peppermint secret I keep from the other shoppers.

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After eating at an outdoor establishment, I also enjoy chewing a few pieces of gum without having to leave the table. And waiting bored in the office for a meeting, I chew a couple pieces just for fun. I’m sure I’ll find a several more ways to incorporate the chewing gum into my healthcare. PTS has so many products I already enjoy, I can’t wait to sample and review whatever’s next.

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FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

Effects & Medical Attributes are based on anecdotal evidence. Individual experiences can be varied.