Everyone has heard of the classic morning wake-and-bake ritual. The 2017 Global Drug Survey found 22% of cannabis users partake within 10 minutes of waking up, while 35.4% of participants in a 2023 study on the wake-and-bake phenomenon reported using cannabis soon after waking up.
Whether it’s to relieve stress, give you energy, or just shake off aches and pains, cannabis is a popular morning routine for many. But what happens when you smoke in the morning and are there healthier alternatives?
That’s exactly what this blog is for–we’re breaking down the science and sharing tips and tricks for your next wake-and-bake session. We’ll also review which products at a modern cannabis dispensary are best for morning usage and how to get the most out of your next morning session
Why Using Cannabis In the Morning Hits Differently
Although there’s no scientific evidence (largely due to marijuana being listed as a Schedule 1 drug, which reduces access to study it for medical reasons), many say cannabis “feels stronger in the morning.” There are two leading theories behind why people believe this.
One is that your body is low on nutrients due to sleep. THC connects with CB1 receptors, which is what makes you feel high, relaxed, or energized. Like taking any other medication on an empty stomach, cannabinoids can have a higher impact in the morning because your body is naturally drained and craving replenishment.
The second theory is somewhat backed by scientific research. Our body naturally creates endocannabinoids which regulate our circadian rhythms and more. Certain endocannabinoids are more active while we’re asleep, while others are more active when we’re awake. Wake-and-bake introduces phytocannabinoids during this transition, making the wake and bake feel like it hits harder.
Of course, that’s only partially why it’s so popular to wake and bake.
5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Next Morning Session
People wake and bake for a variety of reasons, ranging from lifestyle choices to medical conditions. The impacts can be very different, depending on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of the strain you choose, dosage, and how you take it.
Here are five tips to get the most out of your next morning session:
1. Choose the right strain.
For some people, wake-and-bake helps shake off morning grogginess, helping them wake up faster. It also helps to focus, similar to morning coffee. In these cases, a sativa or sativa-dominant hybrid strain like Jack Herer with a higher concentration of THC-a is appropriate.
It also eases aches and pains for those living with chronic conditions, joint pain, fatigue, etc. For these cases, an indica or indica-dominant strain like Granddaddy Purple is best. High-CBD strains or even CBD concentrate can be helpful to relax and avoid couchlock.
Terpenes also play a role in how your body reacts to cannabis, so look for uplifting terpenes like limonene or pinene to help focus. Avoid terpenes like myrcene which have sedative effects.
2. Start Out Light
Regardless of your reasons for waking and baking, it’s best to ease into your morning without overwhelming your senses. It’s easier to increase your dose than it is to undo cannabis you already consumed. As Hunter S Thompson famously said, “Buy the ticket. Take the ride.”
Microdosing is a popular option to receive the benefits of consuming cannabis without getting high. A typical dosage in a recreational or medical marijuana dispensary is 10mg, and you can microdose by splitting it into quarters so you only take 2.5mg at a time. If that’s not enough, try another until you find your optimal morning weed dosage.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Something
Whether you wake and bake or not, it’s important to hydrate in the morning. The majority of our body is made of water, and drinking water in the morning can help lubricate your insides. For a wake-and-bake sesh, it also helps avoid cottonmouth and keep things smooth.
A light bite afterward can also help even out your high and sharpen focus.Various studies prove the old adage true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The American Heart Association, for example, found that 74% of people who skip breakfast do not meet two thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamins and minerals.
You can even combine your wake and bake with breakfast.
4. Try Vaping or Edibles in Low Doses
Smoking may not be optimal first thing in the morning for you. It can stink up both you and your house, while putting your lungs at risk. Vaping is easier to control than smoking and smoother on your throat first thing in the morning.
Of course, you don’t have to inhale it at all–cannabis dispensaries offer a wide variety of edibles, tinctures, oils, dissolvable strips, drink mixes, and more. You can wake and bake with a simple additive to your normal morning coffee, juice, pancakes, and more. Both cannabis butter and hemp seeds make for a delicious and nutritious additive to oatmeal and omelettes.
And breakfast isn’t the only part of your morning routine. Let’s talk about how to integrate cannabis into other aspects of your ritual.
5. Pair It with Your Morning Routine
Everyone has a different morning routine, and not everyone is as intense as fitness influencers. Journaling, affirmations, yoga, and other activities stimulate your mind and body while setting a positive tone for the day.
Find ways to integrate cannabis into these routines, and don’t stick to just consumption. Topicals can be used during your skincare and hygiene routine, while cannabis-derived terpenes make for a great essential oil or candle to create the perfect atmosphere. If all of this sounds too complicated, don’t be scared to ask for help. That’s what we’re here for!
Fine Fettle Can Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Next Sesh
The Budtenders at Fine Fettle can help you pick the perfect strains and products to match your needs and morning routines. They are experts in cannabinoids and terpenes and can help you understand everything you need to know.
Stop by one of our cannabis dispensaries in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Georgia. Or explore our online menu to find the right products to fit your wake-and-bake needs.
