“Wake and bake” refers to the consumption of cannabis shortly after waking up. Although it’s not for everyone, incorporating marijuana into a morning routine isn’t uncommon. According to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, over 20% of American cannabis enthusiasts partake within one hour of waking up. “Wake” means waking up and “Bake” is slang for the feeling of being high. While some people might not find smoking in the morning to be useful, there are some benefits to using marijuana in the morning.
Effects of Using Marijuana in the Morning
Consuming marijuana in the morning can feel much more intense. A lot of the information around “wake and bake” practices isn’t scientifically proven, people speculate that the increased intensity could be due to fasting during the sleep period. When the body has been without nutrients for hours, cannabinoids have no other processes or chemicals to compete with.
Another logical explanation is that the high just feels more intense. Many of us tend to be groggy or lethargic when we first get up in the morning. Combining our natural drowsiness with the sometimes-sedative effects of marijuana might intensify that effect.
Emerging research does point to a potential chemical reason for why the effects of an early morning joint might feel much more potent than one smoked in the evening. Every individual has an endocannabinoid system composed of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. One study found that the levels of anandamide, a major endocannabinoid in this system, are three times higher when waking than at the end of the day.
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. It makes sense that if three times more of these neurotransmitters are in action, the effects of cannabis may be more powerful.
How to “Wake and Bake” the Right Way
Here are a few tips to help medical marijuana users to have an enjoyable experience.
- Choose strains with less myrcene. Strains lower in myrcene and higher in limonene and terpinolene may have more uplifting, energetic effects. This can help reduce the sedative effects that marijuana can sometimes have.
- Don’t smoke weed on an empty stomach. You don’t have to have a full pancake breakfast, but our bodies definitely function best with a good fuel supply.
- Avoid strains with very high THC. Though those strains can be seen as more “stimulating,” they can also lead to paranoia.
- Start slowly and use common sense. Waking and baking is appropriate for some circumstances but not all. For instance, don’t experiment with morning joints if your work is hazardous or involves operating heavy machinery. And don’t plan your first “wake and bake” trial for a day when you have something particularly challenging or important to do.
Benefits of Smoking in the Morning
Positive effects of consuming medical cannabis in the morning include:
- You start the day relaxed and without stress. Those appointments or tasks you were anxious about suddenly seem much more doable.
- Food is appealing. If you aren’t a big eater in the morning, smoking marijuana can make you more driven to cook and eat something delicious.
- THC and caffeine can be complementary. The right amount of marijuana paired with your favorite coffee can supply the perfect balance of stimulation and relaxation.
Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland
If you’re considering “waking and baking,” we recommend starting slowly. Select a strain you’re familiar with that has given you a stimulated or energetic feeling in the past.
At Dispensary Works, we are a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program.
Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs and to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
