Why Does Wake ‘n Bake Work So Well to Get Me High?

Wake and bake is a term that is commonly heard within cannabis communities.

And if you’ve been part of the inner circle of folks who knows just how great it can be to get high first thing in the morning, you know all about wake and bake. This is when you add smoking weed or eating an edible to your early morning regimen – which can hit you like a train of THC. Some people, they like it and well… truth be told, I am one of them. However, I always wondered why wake and bake worked so well to get me high. So, I did a little digging and found that it’s not just your imagination or a groggy feeling that seems to linger inside your brain. Wake and bake is a real thing that takes advantage of your natural endocannabinoid receptors in the brain before your nervous system gets going.

What’s Happening When I Wake ‘n Bake?
When you use a cannabis product first thing in the morning, before your brain has time to fully “wake,” your nervous system is still in a resting state. Because your brain is filled with neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, cannabis is very closely involved in your sleep/wake cycles.

Also essential to a variety of mental processes including appetite, mood and memory endocannabinoids are a morning must! Dosing early in the day allows you to take advantage of the cannabinoid receptors already in your brain before any stressors hit your nervous system. For this reason, you can gain a deep resonating high with a wake and bake session. You can even incorporate wake ‘n bake with other morning rituals like a meditation, stretching, or tea.

Should I Try Wake ‘n Bake?
Wake and bake isn’t something that everyone can do during the week. But some days, there isn’t any other way to greet the sun.

If you want to try wake ‘n bake, follow these 5 key tips (for not screwing it up):

1. Make Baking Your Priority. When you want to get in a wake and bake session, make it your #1. That means that you smoke or pop an edible in your mouth before you shower or brew your coffee and make breakfast. Ideally, you’ll want the cannabis you use to compliment your natural healthy lifestyle meaning that you can add it to your coffee and breakfast morning routine. Just prioritize the “bake” above anything else, or your morning session will lose its potency.
2. Set a Limit. When you want to wake and bake it is important to realize that, “Hello! You still have a bunch of other stuff you have to do today!” So, make it easy on yourself and set a timer on your smartphone or watch so you don’t zone out. It’s pretty common to want to just chill out as soon as you wake and bake. After all, your bed is right there.
3. Don’t Rush. In the morning, your wake and bake session quality counts heavily on NOT moving hastily. Take your time with a morning toke and give yourself plenty of permission to relax. There is no need to use your most expensive, high-potency strain, or do large rips. You can simply greet the day with any low dose product you want to. It’s a great way to ease into other, more intense cannabis potencies you have planned for later in the day.
4. Get Fresh. You have a whole day planned after your wake and bake session. However, some people out in the real world would expect that you do not show up smelling like you added marijuana to your morning routine. Even if nobody cares, it may be a good idea to keep your cannabis habits on the low down by freshening your breath, eyes or clothing before leaving the house for the day if you wake and bake.
5. Grab a Drink! Most people will forget to grab themselves an extra beverage as they head out for the day. But when you wake and bake – you need one. So, don’t forget your water, juice or tea to keep the cottonmouth at bay and maintain your hydration.

Loving Your Morning Just Got Easier
There is something about inhaling invigorating terpenes of limonene, eucalyptol, borneol and more along with your regular morning routine. And if you are one who enjoys that WHAM of THC first-thing in your day – you’re not alone! According to a 2017 Global Drug Survey about 22% of Americans get lit within 1 hour of waking up. This could be because it alters their perspective and allows them to clear away any brain fog before hitting the pavement. That’s all good! You don’t have to wake and bake everyday though. For you, it may only be a treat on easy Sunday mornings, but you’ll know when wake and bake is right for you.

Britany Artwohl

Brittany Artwohl is a health and wellness specialist based out of sunny Arizona. There, she has worked for over 15 years as an aqua fitness trainer, lifeguard and coach. Today, Brittany contributes to publications including Mountain Weekly News and Vital Updates as she lives a natural outdoor lifestyle.