Wake & Bake Science!

You get out of bed, find your medical cannabis stash, and allow the sweet rush of relief to spread throughout your body and mind. In cannabis culture, there is a term for this early-morning marijuana session—it’s called 'wake and bake.'

Come morning time, any medical marijuana that you consumed the night before is likely to have worn off completely. For patients using medical marijuana for symptomatic relief from things like chronic pain or nausea, reaching for marijuana first thing in the morning can be just what the doctor ordered.

If you are relatively new to marijuana, the do’s and don’ts of the wake and bake session are likely foreign to you. We’re going to explain the science of the wake and bake to allow you to incorporate morning marijuana in the best way possible.

The Science Behind Waking & Baking

Cannabis connoisseurs will often tell you that marijuana can have a greater impact on you first thing in the morning. While there have been no studies on this phenomenon, it makes sense when you think about it.

Right when you wake up, your body is highly sensitive to anything that you put into it. Your brain is just beginning to work up to its full capacity, and your body has burned through its stored nutrients while you slept.

Imagine having a cup of coffee or alcohol first thing in the morning (brunch lovers have likely indulged in both). You are likely to notice the effects much more so than you would a few hours later.

Similarly, if you have medical marijuana before you do anything else, the effects may hit you harder. Because of this, it is wise to start with a lower dose than you normally would. Slowly work up until you find what works best for you.

The Best Strains for Your Wake and Bake Session

Choosing the right marijuana product is crucial when you use your medicine early in the day. You do not want to be slowed down too much, particularly if you have chores, work, or social obligations.

Medical marijuana can be broken down into a variety of strains. Each of these strains contains a unique mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavanoids within. The different concentrations of cannabinoids like CBD and THC results in vastly different effects on your mood, energy, and cognition.

As a result, you will typically find dried flower broken into two groups: indica or sativa. Indica strains are more sedative, and as such, are an excellent choice for when you don’t have much to do. Sativa strains are known to be more energizing, with some people claiming to notice enhanced creativity and focus. As such, sativa strains are typically the best choice for a wake and bake session.

Some of the best strains for a wake and bake session are as follows:

Sour Diesel

Durban Poison

Green Crack

AK 47

Blue Dream

Pineapple Express

Although these are just a few recommendations, most sativa strains will do the trick. Talk to your local budtender to help you pick the best strain for you.

Another factor that you should consider is the quantity and ratio of both THC and CBD. THC is the active compound in marijuana that results in weed’s intoxicating effects. CBD appears to counteract some of THC’s side effects. Many people claim that having a higher CBD to THC ratio makes it easier to go about the day being productive and energetic.

Morning Marijuana Tips

After you choose your sativa strain, you are just about ready to go. There are a few other quick tips that can help you have the best experience.

1. Get Ready After You Wake and Bake: Most of us don’t want to go about the day smelling like weed. If you wake and bake by smoking a cannabis product, get ready afterward. This can help keep your hair, breath, and clothing smelling fresh and clean.

2. Eat Something Before You Consume: Some people find that morning THC impacts them more than it does later in the day. Eat some food before you wake and bake to give your body the nutrients it needs for mental and physical energy.

3. Have Some Coffee: If you feel overly tired after you have your cannabis therapy, have some coffee or black tea to help keep you alert.

4. Try Different Products: Some people may prefer a vape pen or tincture over bud first thing in the morning. These alternatives have a less obvious odor and offer more exact dosing.

Waking and baking can be extremely helpful when you need symptomatic improvement early in the day. Just be careful to find the right strain and not to overdo it. Start with a small hit of a sativa, and keep some CBD on hand if you feel like you have had a bit too much THC.