The practice of ‘wake-and-bake,’ consuming cannabis shortly after waking up, is becoming increasingly popular among young adults, especially as a way to manage social anxiety. This trend, highlighted by Gary Wenk Ph.D. in a recent Psychology Today blog post, is causing concern among experts.
According to Wenk, a professor at Ohio State University, over 25% of young adults in the United States reported regular cannabis use recently. This rise coincides with the growing normalization of cannabis and its increasing potency. This demographic often underestimates the risks associated with marijuana use, perceiving it as less harmful than alcohol.
The morning ritual of cannabis consumption, while seemingly harmless, is linked to increased cannabis use throughout the day. A study involving 409 young adults, highlighted by Wenk, found that those who engaged in wake-and-bake reported being high for longer periods during the day. Interestingly, despite this extended period of being high, Wenk notes that early morning use was not directly connected to an increase in immediate negative effects like hyperemesis syndrome or impaired coordination.
The psychological motivation behind wake-and-bake is particularly concerning. Many young adults use cannabis early in the day to cope with the pressures of school or work or to prepare for social interactions. Wenk’s insights underscore the need for further research to explore the specific consequences of early cannabis use, especially regarding motivation and performance in academic or professional settings.
Supporting Dr. Wenk’s findings, a recent study from Leafwell revealed that over 40% of young medical marijuana patients cite anxiety as their primary condition. As more individuals increasingly rely on cannabis for anxiety relief, the risks associated with wake-and-bake behavior, along with the underlying anxiety drivers, require closer attention and public health intervention.
