If you’ve ever cracked your eyes open in the morning and thought, “I could go for a smoke right now,” you’re not alone. The wake and bake is one of cannabis culture’s most recognizable rituals, a morning tradition that has been practiced, debated, and celebrated for decades. At Torches NYC, we’re all about honoring the full culture of cannabis, and that means understanding where these rituals come from and what makes them stick.
So where exactly did the wake and bake start? The story runs deeper than you might think. Let’s dive in…
Origins of the Wake and Bake
The exact origin of the phrase is honestly a little hazy, which feels appropriate. Most cannabis historians trace the habit itself back to the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, when hippie communities began weaving cannabis into everyday life. Deadheads, the devoted and tie-dye-clad fans of the Grateful Dead, are frequently credited with popularizing the ritual of starting the day with a joint. For the Dead’s touring community, cannabis wasn’t just recreational. It was ceremonial, communal, and deeply tied to a lifestyle built around freedom, music, and living outside mainstream convention.
The term “wake and bake” itself came a little later. According to Merriam-Webster, the first documented use of the phrase dates to 1987. The catchy rhyme helped it spread quickly through stoner culture, comedy, and music throughout the late 80s and 90s. By the time cannabis culture had its mainstream pop culture moment in the 1990s, the phrase was already baked into the lexicon.
How Wake and Bake Became a Cultural Touchstone
Through the 1990s and 2000s, the wake and bake moved well beyond niche hippie culture and into mainstream pop culture. Films, music, and comedy specials leaned into morning smoke sessions as shorthand for a laid-back, unbothered lifestyle. It wasn’t just a habit. It became a symbol.
At the same time, the types of cannabis available were evolving. The legendary strains of the counterculture era, like Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, and Maui Wowie, gave way to increasingly potent and diverse genetics. Sativa-dominant varieties became especially sought after for morning use, prized for the energizing and uplifting qualities they might offer. The idea that you could choose a strain specifically suited to your morning needs started to take hold.
By the time cannabis legalization began sweeping across the United States, the wake and bake was no longer just a stoner cliche. For millions of adults, it had become a genuine morning ritual, much like coffee or meditation.
The Science Behind Why Wake and Bake Hits Different
There is a real reason why that first session of the day tends to feel more potent. Every person has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors, enzymes, and naturally produced cannabinoids that plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and more. Research has shown that endocannabinoid levels actually fluctuate throughout the day.
One study found that anandamide, a key endocannabinoid sometimes called the “bliss molecule,” is about three times higher right after waking compared to right before sleep. That elevated baseline may mean your system is primed to respond more intensely to THC early in the morning.
There’s also a simpler explanation. After hours of fasting during sleep, there are fewer competing substances in your system. THC has less to contend with, which may amplify its effects. The National Institutes of Health has noted that morning cannabis use tends to produce longer periods of being high compared to later-day sessions.
This is worth keeping in mind when you’re choosing what to consume and how much.
Wake and Bake in the Legal Cannabis Era
Legal recreational cannabis has transformed the wake and bake from a slightly illicit morning habit into something you can plan with intention. Today, adults 21 and over in New York State can walk into a licensed dispensary and pick exactly what they want for their morning routine, whether that’s a potentially energizing sativa flower, a low-dose edible, or a vape pen that might deliver a precise, manageable dose.
A 2017 Global Drug Survey found that over 22% of American cannabis consumers reported consuming within an hour of waking up. That number has likely grown as legal access has expanded and stigma has continued to loosen.
What has changed most dramatically is the quality and variety of options. The wake and bake your grandfather (or maybe your older sibling) knew was limited to whatever was available. Today, you’re choosing from hundreds of cultivars with distinct terpene profiles, defined effects, and tested potency. The art of the morning session has never been more refined.
Best Products for a Wake and Bake at Torches NYC
Choosing the right product for a morning session matters. You generally want something that may support energy, focus, or a calm, clear-headed mood rather than something that might have you back on the couch by 9am.
Here’s what tends to work well:
Sativa-Dominant Flower: Strains rich in limonene and terpinolene terpenes are popular for morning use. People often report feeling potentially uplifted and mentally active rather than heavy or sedated. Browse our flower selection for options that match that profile from brands like Doobie Labs, Mini Mart, Grocery, Find., Weedubest, Preferred Gardens, and more.
Vaporizers: A vape pen gives you a measured, consistent dose without the commitment of sitting down with a full joint. Great for people who want to incorporate cannabis into a morning routine alongside other tasks. Easy to use, easy to control. Some of the most popular vape brands we carry at Torches include STIIIZY, MFNY, Mfused, Ayrloom, Jaunty, and Rove.
Low-Dose Edibles: If you want longer-lasting, mellow effects that carry you through the morning, a low-dose edible taken early can be genuinely effective. Brands like WYLD, Camino, and Wana offer precise dosing that takes the guesswork out. Just factor in the slower onset.
Pre-Rolls: For the purists. Grab a Jeeter, Akron Bloom, STIIIZY 40s, MFNY, or Sluggers 5pk and keep it simple. Some rituals don’t need to be complicated.
Check our staff picks if you want a curated shortlist from people who actually think about this stuff daily.
Buy Wake and Bake Essentials at Torches NYC
Torches NYC is located at 12 E 42nd Street, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, steps from Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal. We have the best selection of wake and bake supplies you’ll find in the entire city.
Whether you’re picking up before your morning commute or stocking up for a slow Sunday, we’re open Monday through Wednesday from 8am to 11pm, Thursday and Friday from 8am until midnight, Saturday from 11am to midnight, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm.
All products are available for express in-store pickup or Manhattan delivery for adults 21 and over. No medical card required. You can also join our rewards program to earn points on every purchase.
The wake and bake has a rich history. Make sure yours starts with the right product.