Wake and Bake: How To, The Benefits, Tips, and Strains to Try

Wake and bake refers to the act or practice of consuming marijuana immediately upon waking up ^[1]. It's a slang term deeply rooted in cannabis culture.

But where does the term "wake and bake" come from? No one knows for sure but it probably came from 1960s fans of Grateful Dead. They would smoke weed immediately after waking up, particularly on the high stoner holiday of 4/20 ^[4].

According to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, the US leads the world in waking and baking, with just under 22% of American weed smokers saying they love to hit it in the A.M. ^[2].

For many cannabis consumers, it's like their version of that morning cup of coffee that gets everyone up and energized for the day ahead.

From a scientific standpoint, smoking weed this early in the day can help achieve the following effects:

• Relieve the pain of going to work

• Elevate the taste of bacon and eggs

• Temporarily resolve marital conflicts

• Improve the likability of husbands, wives, and colleagues

To get the most out of your wake-and-bake experience, it's important to approach it mindfully. Here are some tips to optimize your morning cannabis routine:

Waking and baking can be a bit of a shock to the system if you're not used to it, so do some preparation the night before. Make sure you have all of your supplies ready to go and prepare your body and mind for the experience.

Some things you can do to prep for a wake and bake before work include:

• Grind Your Weed: Baving your weed already ground up will save you time in the morning and make it easier to roll a joint or pack a bong bowl.

• Set Out Your Supplies: Make sure you have everything you need within reach, including a lighter, grinder, papers, etc.

• Have Snacks Ready: Wake and bake can give you the munchies, so it's always a good idea to have some snacks nearby.

• Drink Some Water: Staying hydrated is important, especially if you're going to be smoking weed.

• Stretch: This will help get your blood flowing and wake you up a bit before you start smoking.

• Pack Your Work Stuff: Not just your regular work clothes and stuff, but stuff like eye drops that you might need when you are baked.

Selecting an appropriate strain is key to a successful wake and bake. Sativa-dominant strains are generally recommended for their energizing and uplifting effects ^[7].

Look for strains with terpene profiles that promote alertness and motivation, such as limonene, pinene, and terpinolene.

Green Crack: A popular sativa strain that is known for its energizing and uplifting effects. Perfect for when you need a little extra boost to get through your day.

Super Lemon Haze: A citrusy hybrid strain that is perfect for when you need to be productive but also want to enjoy a little bit of euphoria.

Maui Wowie: A classic sativa strain with tropical flavors that will help you feel uplifted and motivated throughout the day.

Preparing a nutritious breakfast beforehand can help you avoid overindulging in the munchies later on. Consider eating your meal before getting baked to combat cravings for junk food. Keep your meals simple and ready-made to avoid having to cook while high.

Smoking weed can dehydrate you, potentially causing a cottonmouth and dry cough. Make sure you have plenty of water on hand throughout the day to stay hydrated. Drinking ample water may also help curb the munchies, as much of the craving is caused by dehydration.

One of the most important things to remember when waking and baking is to take it slow. If you're not used to smoking weed first thing in the morning, it can be easy to get too high, too fast. Start with a small amount of weed and take your time smoking it. You can always smoke more if you need to.

Wake and bake can be a great time to get things done, but only if you have a plan. Before you start smoking, take a few minutes to think about what you need to do and how you're going to do it. Write them down on a list to remind yourself if you need to.

Shuffle important meetings and tasks to another day. If you have anything important to do on your wake and bake day, move them towards the end of the day when you will be less baked.

Wake and bake days are meant to be fun, slow, and chill. Stay away from things that can make you stress, become anxious, or panic.

While we do not recommend going to work high, some people are able to function at jobs while high especially if you use a Sativa strain.

If you really can't get to work because you're too high, take a day off. Everyone has a plan until your CEO suddenly walks in and decides to have a one-on-one catch-up.

Be prepared for all kinds of situations. Find a buddy at work who can look out for you in case you run into something sticky.

The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in the effects of wake and bake. This system, which is present throughout the body, helps regulate mood, appetite, pain, and other functions ^[3].

Interestingly, studies have found that anandamide levels are lowest in the morning and increase throughout the day ^[5]. This means that when you wake and bake, you're introducing THC into your system when your natural endocannabinoid levels are at their lowest.

The combination of low anandamide and high THC could potentially intensify the effects of cannabis in the morning.

Other research suggests that regular cannabis use may lead to a decrease in natural endocannabinoid production over time ^[5]. So, chronic wake and bakers might have even lower morning anandamide levels, which could further amplify the impact of their AM toke.

While more research is needed to fully understand the science behind wake and bake, it's clear that the timing of cannabis use to your body's natural endocannabinoid rhythms can influence the intensity and nature of the experience.

Waking and baking can offer several potential benefits for both recreational and medical cannabis users. While it may not be for everyone, many find that starting the day with a toke helps them feel more relaxed, energized, and ready to tackle their tasks.

The biggest benefit of baking in the morning is stress relief. For those grappling with conditions like depression or anxiety, a measured and mindful wake and bake session could potentially provide an emotional boost ^[6].

The uplifting effects of certain strains may contribute to a cheerful and optimistic mindset, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

Another advantage is increased appetite. Cannabis is well-known for its appetite-stimulating effects, commonly referred to as the "munchies." For individuals struggling with maintaining a healthy appetite, getting high in the morning might assist in jumpstarting their hunger and promoting better nutrition intake.

Certain strains, particularly Sativas, are associated with increased energy levels and mental stimulation. This cerebral enhancement may spark inspiration and help users feel more focused and productive in creative pursuits ^[7].

However, it's important to approach wake and bake with moderation and mindfulness. Overindulgence or using strains that are too sedating, like India strains, could lead to grogginess and impaired functionality.

For medical cannabis users, waking and baking can be an effective way to manage chronic pain symptoms throughout the day. By consuming cannabis in the morning, patients may experience relief from pain, inflammation, and other symptoms that can impact their daily functioning.

However, medical users need to approach your wake and bake routine under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Dosage adjustments may be necessary to avoid excessive drowsiness or impairment, especially if the patient needs to work or drive.

Consulting with a knowledgeable cannabis clinician can help medical users develop a personalized wake-and-bake routine that maximizes symptom relief while minimizing side effects.

They can also guide you in selecting the right strains and products for morning use, based on the patient's specific needs and preferences ^[7].

Overall, wake and bake can be a valuable tool for medical cannabis users looking to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. But it's crucial to approach it mindfully and with professional support to ensure safe and effective use.

When selecting the ideal strain for your wake and bake session, we recommend using a Sativa-dominant strain as they are known for their energizing and uplifting effects.

Some popular strains for morning use include:

• Strawberry Cough: This sweet-scented sativa provides energy and stress relief to start your day on a positive note.

• Pineapple Express: Famously energetic, this strain pairs well with your morning cup of coffee or juice for a refreshing boost.

• Sour Diesel: Fast-acting and cerebral, Sour Diesel addresses symptoms of chronic pain, depression, and stress to help you confidently face the day ahead.

By selecting appropriate sativa-dominant strains with energizing terpene profiles and using moderation in dosing, you can craft the perfect wake and bake experience to elevate your mornings and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

While waking and baking can offer short-term benefits, it's crucial to consider the potential long-term effects of this practice. Regular weed smoking can lead to tolerance development, impact sleep patterns, and have psychological considerations.

The more frequently you consume THC and the higher the doses, the quicker your tolerance will build ^[8]. As tolerance increases, you may find yourself needing more cannabis to achieve the same effects.

To avoid escalating doses, it's recommended to take tolerance breaks or limit your wake and bake sessions to once every few days.

While cannabis can help induce sleep, regular cannabis consumption may affect the quality of your sleep. THC has been found to reduce the amount of time spent in REM sleep, the dreaming stage of sleep ^[9].

This can lead to REM rebound when you stop using cannabis, causing more intense dreams. CBD, on the other hand, may help regulate sleep patterns without impacting REM sleep.

Chronic wake and bake routines can have psychological implications. Some users report decreased motivation, memory issues, and increased anxiety over time ^[10].

You need to be proactive in monitoring your mental well-being and take breaks if you notice any negative effects. If you find yourself relying on getting high in the morning to cope with daily life, it may be time to reevaluate your relationship with cannabis.

If you're looking to reap the potential benefits of morning cannabis use without the intense psychoactive effects, there are several alternatives to the traditional wake and bake routine. Here are a few options to consider:

Microdosing involves consuming very small amounts of THC and/or other cannabinoids to achieve potential therapeutic benefits without experiencing the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis use ^[11].

This method allows you to enjoy the possible benefits of cannabis while staying alert and focused.

A common approach is to start with a 2 mg dose of THC per day and gradually increase by 1 mg per day. It is also common to split the daily dosage into a morning dose and an evening dose.

Low-dose edibles, tablets, cannabis drinks, or tinctures with a low THC content are ideal for microdosing.

Strains high in CBD and low in THC can provide a more balanced and less intense experience. CBD may mitigate the potential psychoactive effect of THC, making it a good choice for newer patients or those seeking a gentler morning wake and bake experience.

Look for strains with energizing terpene profiles, such as limonene and pinene, to boost your mood and motivation without the strong cerebral effects of high-THC varieties ^[13].

Adjusting the timing of your cannabis use can help you find the right balance for your morning routine. Consider starting with a small dose and gradually increasing until you find the "sweet spot" where you experience relief while maintaining focus ^[12].

On weekdays, opt for milder strains with lower THC levels to avoid excessive drowsiness or impairment. Save the more potent strains for weekends or days when you have fewer responsibilities.

By exploring these alternatives to the traditional wake and bake experience, you can tailor your morning cannabis routine to your specific needs and preferences.

Wake and bake is a popular morning ritual for many cannabis enthusiasts, offering potential benefits such as stress relief, increased appetite, and enhanced creativity.

However, don't overdo it. As with all weed consumption, practice mindfulness and self-awareness by considering factors like strain selection, dosage, and long-term effects.

For those looking to explore alternatives, options like microdosing, using CBD-rich strains, or adjusting consumption timing can provide a more balanced experience.

In the end, whether opting for a traditional wake and bake bong hit or exploring alternatives, the key is to listen to your body and find what works best for you.