So why do people engage in wake-and-bake? Some research suggests that many use marijuana in the morning to manage social anxiety. Interestingly, these individuals tend to consume less marijuana later in the day than their non-wake-and-bake counterparts. However, they experience more marijuana-related consequences overall.
Among young adults, regular morning marijuana use may serve as a coping mechanism for stress related to school or work. A recent study of 409 participants found that wake-and-bake users remained high for longer periods and exhibited heavier overall marijuana consumption, mirroring patterns seen in early-morning alcohol or nicotine use.
Surprisingly, the study did not identify a direct link between wake-and-bake habits and typical negative effects like impaired coordination or heightened anxiety. This finding raises important questions about how extended periods of being high may affect users over time.
Future research will need to explore whether morning marijuana use influences daily performance or motivation, especially in academic or work settings.
One notable finding of the study was that wake-and-bake users with higher levels of social anxiety were more likely to feel withdrawn or avoid social interactions on the days they used marijuana in the morning. This aligns with previous research showing that individuals with elevated social anxiety tend to experience stronger cravings for marijuana.
In conclusion, wake-and-bake appears to serve as a coping strategy for some, particularly in managing social pressures or cravings. However, this behavior is also a marker of high-risk marijuana use, and its long-term effects on health and daily functioning require further investigation.
Leah Zuroff, M.D., M.S.
Contributing Author
Dr. Zuroff completed medical school at the Perelman School of Medicine, where she concurrently received a Master of Science in Translational Research.
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