There’s something different about mornings. The sun hits softer, the pace is slower, and if you’re doing it right, there’s an iced coffee in one hand and a joint in the other. Wake and bake season? Yeah—it’s here.
For a lot of people, that first toke of the day is more than just a habit—it’s a ritual. 22% of U.S. cannabis users say they love starting their day with a wake and bake. And if you’re doing it right, a good morning sesh isn’t about getting wrecked before breakfast. It’s about easing into the day with intention. Just like some people journal or meditate, others light up. It’s not about zoning out—it’s about tuning in, setting the tone, and letting the day unfold from a hazier place.
We’re breaking down the best strains for an AM toke—ones that keep your head clear and your vibe light. You’ll get a few ideas for building your wake and bake routine, along with some low-key tips to ensure your sesh stays smooth all summer and beyond. Let’s get into it.
WTF Is Wake and Bake?
Wake and bake is exactly what it sounds like—lighting up first thing in the morning, usually before breakfast or jumping into the day. Some say the ritual gained popularity back in the ’60s, thanks to Grateful Dead fans who knew how to start their day on a high note. Since then, it’s become a laid-back staple in cannabis culture.
For some, it’s an occasional treat. For others, it’s part of a daily routine that makes the morning feel a little softer, a little brighter. A wake and bake isn’t about checking out—it’s about easing in. It can spark creativity, take the edge off, or just help you slow down and actually enjoy your coffee.
Whether you’re easing into a solo morning, kicking off the weekend, or warming up for the day ahead, the right strain can make all the difference. No alarms (maybe), no rush—just good weed, good energy, and a slow start to whatever’s next.
What Makes a Good Morning Strain?
Not all weed hits the same, especially when the sun’s just coming up. A solid morning strain should keep you clear-headed, uplifted, and functional. You want something that boosts your mood, maybe gives you a little spark, without tipping you into couch-lock or overthinking your entire existence.
When you’re shopping for AM and daytime cannabis, terpenes are your best friend. Look for strains with Limonene (bright, citrusy, good for mood), Pinene (keeps the mind sharp), or a touch of Caryophyllene (for a calm, balanced body feel). These help create that easygoing high where your brain’s still online and your vibe is high-key calm.
For summer wake and bakes specifically, fruity or citrus-forward strains are the vibe. Think orange zest, pineapple, lemon peel—flavors that wake up your senses and embrace the season. Whether rolling up or hitting a cart, lighter, terpene-rich strains are the move when the day’s just starting.
Top Strains for a Wake and Bake Sesh
Picking the right strain for a morning sesh is serious business—and lucky for you, Stairway Cannabis knows what’s up. Our budtenders have tested the lineup, fine-tuned the vibes, and pulled together their go-to picks for a smooth, functional high that keeps your head clear and your day moving.
Super Lemon Haze
This one’s a classic for a reason. Super Lemon Haze is bright, citrusy, and is known to provide an instant mood lift, much like sunshine in smoke form. It’s great with iced coffee and good tunes, especially if you’re trying to shake off sleep and ease into a feel-good flow.
Clementine
If summer had a flavor, it’d probably be this strain. Clementine is citrusy, smooth, and known to bring an easy, sociable energy. Great for beach mornings, farmers markets, or just kicking it with friends while the sun’s still low.
Jack Herer
Need a little creative boost? Jack Herer is your guy. It’s known to be uplifting, clear-headed, and makes you want to write, draw, or talk about weird ideas over breakfast. Good for solo sessions or mellow collabs.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison keeps it clean and focused. It’s a go-to strain known for mental clarity and staying dialed in—ideal if you’re heading out for a hike or walk or just want to feel like you’re operating at 100% without feeling too “on.”
Maui Wowie
Tropical vibes only. Maui Wowie is known to bring light euphoria and a relaxed-but-happy energy that feels like a vacation, even if you’re just sitting on your porch. Smooth, fruity, and perfect for lounging.
CBD-Dominant Strains
Not everyone wants a full THC blast in the morning. A high-CBD, low-THC profile is known to provide a calm, steady focus without the buzz. Great for nervous minds or anyone easing into wake and bake territory for the first time.
The best part? You don’t have to limit yourself to just one way to enjoy these strains. Stairway keeps them stocked in multiple formats—think fresh flower, easy pre-rolls, and smooth vape carts—so you can wake and bake however you vibe. Just ask your budtender what’s in stock, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Pair It With: Morning Rituals and Routines
Wake and bake gets a bad rap sometimes—like it automatically means spending the rest of the day glued to the couch. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. In reality, starting your morning with a little cannabis can be a way to set the pace—not slow it down. It’s about moving with intention, not inertia.
Mindful movement
Cannabis and light physical activity can go hand in hand. Whether it’s a walk around the block, gentle stretching, or a short morning yoga session, moving your body can help enhance the clarity and calmness certain strains bring. It’s a great way to stay present and shake off any lingering grogginess.
Coffee and Stillness
A classic pairing for a reason. Sip your favorite brew while you let your wake-and-bake strain settle in. Take the time to sit with the moment—no notifications, no rush. Cannabis can make even 10 quiet minutes feel like something meaningful.
Grounding Rituals
Tapping into your senses is one of the easiest ways to stay grounded. Try watering your plants, stepping outside barefoot, lighting incense, or just listening to the sounds around you. A calm, clear strain can help you settle into the moment without zoning out.
Journaling and Reflection
Cannabis can open up creative and introspective pathways, making it a great companion for journaling. Whether you’re jotting down dreams, planning your day, or doing a gratitude list, a light high can help organize your thoughts and boost focus without distraction.
Low-Pressure Tasks
If productivity is more your vibe, lean into simple wins. Making your bed, tidying up, or prepping a solid breakfast can feel extra satisfying when you’re riding the early effects of a functional morning strain. It’s all about building momentum without burning out.
Starting your day slowly doesn’t mean wasting it—it means owning it. When paired with intentional routines, a morning cannabis sesh can help you feel more centered, more creative, and more connected to whatever the day brings.
Wake and Bake Tips
A good wake and bake hits differently when you ease into it. If you’re pairing weed with coffee (which, honestly, is elite), make sure you stay hydrated—especially first thing in the morning. That combo can sneak up on you.
Keep THC levels in check if you’ve got things to do later. The goal is to float through the morning, not blast off into space. And if you’re new to morning seshes, start small. One or two hits might be all you need to dial in.
Pro tip: if weed hits you harder on an empty stomach, grab a light snack first—something simple to keep you grounded. And depending on your plans, tossing some water, eye drops, and sunglasses in your bag is never a bad idea. Chill vibes are always better when you’re prepared.
Find Your Wake and Bake Flow at Stairway Cannabis
A good morning sesh isn’t just for weekends or warm weather—it’s a ritual you can lean into any time of year. It all comes down to choosing strains that match your mood, your goals, and how you want to start the day. Whether you’re looking to ease in slowly or spark some focus, the right weed can help you move through your morning with more intention (and better vibes).
Need help finding your perfect wake-and-bake strain? Swing by Stairway Cannabis and ask a budtender—we seriously have some of the best in the game, and they’ll help you dial in exactly what you’re looking for.
Shopping online? Find your perfect strain with our Virtual Budtender, Terpli. Just answer a few quick questions, and it’ll match you with strains based on terpenes, effects, and how you like to vibe.
Key Takeaways
- Wake and Bake Isn’t About Zoning Out—It’s About Easing In: A morning sesh can help you start the day with more clarity, calm, and intention when you choose the right strain.
- Strain Choice Matters—So Do Your Rituals: Uplifting, functional strains like Super Lemon Haze or Jack Herer pair perfectly with light movement, journaling, or a slow coffee moment.
- Stairway Makes It Easy to Find Your Perfect Morning Strain: Whether you’re shopping for flower, pre-rolls, or vapes, our budtenders (or Terpli) can help you dial in exactly what works for your morning flow.