In recent years, the legal landscape of cannabis use has undergone a drastic change in America. With easier access to cannabis products, their use has grown – leading many young adults to approach it without considering the risks of regular cannabis use. One high-risk cannabis use behavior is dosing shortly after waking up, also known as “wake-and-bake.”
As many states legalize recreational cannabis, individuals over 21 have easier access to cannabis-based products, which often leads to easier access for younger adults as well. With cannabis products within reach, understanding young adult cannabis use patterns has become more important. In a recent poll, more than 25 percent of young adults in the country reported recent and regular cannabis use.
Not only has young adult cannabis use increased, but so has the potency. Cannabis sativa has over 500 distinct chemicals, with the most significant and well-known components being cannabidiol [CBD] and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]. Cannabis products can include any product that is derived from the plant; however, marijuana products encompass the parts that contain high levels of THC, which produces the drug’s psychoactive effects.
Throughout the last several decades, the average THC content of cannabis has substantially changed and cannabis products have seen an increase in this potent ingredient. THC content in dabs, oils, and edibles is being found in much higher percentages, and these products are often readily available.
However, while the potency has increased, the legalization of cannabis-based products throughout the U.S. has also led to increased use – and many young adults are failing to recognize the consequences of daily cannabis use. Some even perceive driving under the influence of cannabis to be of relatively low risk when compared to the perceived risks of driving under the influence of alcohol, but studies for both have shown risks.
One high-risk cannabis use behavior is dosing shortly after waking up, often referred to as “wake-and-bake.” This is often done before an individual has even gotten out of bed in the morning. The web hosts numerous articles surrounding this topic, including recipes for edible breakfast ideas, and songs that glamorize the behavior of smoking as a relaxing way to begin the day. The regular use of cannabis in the morning has also been linked to coping with or managing the demands of school or work.
Starting the day by smoking cannabis may be done for various reasons, such as coping with social anxiety, reducing nausea and vomiting, and treating migraines and seizures. One study showed adolescents and young adults reported that when they regularly took more hits of cannabis in the morning, they used less cannabis throughout the remainder of the day. However, wake-and-bake users also reported experiencing more significant cannabis-related consequences than those who did not start the day with cannabis.
A recent study, of 409 young adults also found that wake-and-bake cannabis use was positively associated with the number of hours high, which is consistent with research showing morning cannabis use may be associated with the amounts of cannabis smoked throughout an overall day. This finding is also consistent with studies that showed individuals who used nicotine and alcohol immediately after waking tended to use more of their preferred drug.
The study showed that individuals who started the day with cannabis were not directly related to the number of acute negative cannabis consequences, such as impaired coordination and performance, anxiety, suicidal ideations/tendencies, and psychotic symptoms. This was an unexpected result because of the strong linkage between wake-and-bake use and greater hours high, which led to an expectation of a positive association between hours high and negative consequences.
Future studies will have to further investigate this mystery, with authors suggesting future studies focus on the specific consequences relevant to using cannabis early in the day, like any changes in levels of motivation or performance at work or in school.
