Roughly half of the US population (over 18) drinks coffee. That’s about 150 million people in America alone. Approximately 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide.
In addition, most coffee drinkers (nearly 70%) have their first (and often only) cup of coffee first thing in the morning (or whenever they start their day).
On a (sort of) related note, according to a 2017 Global Drug Study, over 20% of American cannabis consumers take their first toke of weed within 60 minutes of waking up.
The two key takeaways here?
First, Americans love coffee, especially in the morning. And secondly, 1/5 of American cannabis users like to “wake and bake.”
All of which begs an undeniable question: Why not combine cannabis and coffee?
It’s a question we’ve been kicking around at Cannawayz.com quite a bit, mainly because cannabis users often inquire about the pros and cons of mixing cannabis and coffee, especially as a “starting your day” combo.
So, let’s explore the benefits, drawbacks, and best practices of mixing cannabis and coffee.
The Benefits of Combining Cannabis + Coffee
Caffeine, the main chemical compound in coffee, is a stimulant. It activates your Central Nervous System (CNS), generally making you feel more awake, alert, and energetic. THC, the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis, impacts the body’s endocannabinoid system, inhibiting the CNS, which can alter and sometimes dull your senses.
As such, you might guess these two competing forces cancel each other out. But in reality, they can enhance each other and improve the overall experience of both your morning cup ‘o joe and your wake-n-bake joint.
How so?
Studies have suggested that consuming cannabis while drinking coffee increases CNS neurotransmitters, like dopamine. AKA, the “feel-good" chemical that produces feelings of euphoria.
The intense and potent aromas and flavors accompanying quality cannabis and coffee are known to raise and sharpen sensory levels. And chemical compounds in cannabis are believed to stimulate adenosine receptor activity, which is likely to boost your “caffeine buzz.”
Many cannabis and coffee combo users note that THC increases coffee’s stimulating effects. Wake and bakers who also consume coffee report feeling more energized, alert, creative, and motivated. Research also indicates that caffeine in low levels heightens and lengthens your cannabis high.
The Drawbacks of Combining Cannabis + Coffee
Caffeine is believed to slow down the rate at which the body’s endocannabinoid system metabolizes THC, so it lingers in your system, and the effects last longer. As such, combing cannabis and coffee is likely to make it more difficult to relax.
Also, the caffeine in coffee, as noted above, is a stimulant. Meanwhile, stimulants of any kind can make people anxious and jittery. The THC in cannabis can also cause some people to feel anxious and even induce paranoia and panic attacks. And in combination, caffeine and THC can overstimulate users, heightening anxiety and prompting irrational paranoia.
Additionally, a study from the UK indicates that combining cannabis and coffee can increase short-term memory loss more than just cannabis use alone.
How To Combine Cannabis And Coffee in Your Morning Routine
As with using any new substance, it’s critical to be aware of how it affects you. And while you may be comfortable with the effects of cannabis and coffee individually, in combination, the pair are third, a new substance with which you technically have zero experience.
All of which is a long-winded way to say: Take it slow. Start with a toke or two of cannabis alongside your morning java. Once you have a sense of the effects, steadily increase your cannabis consumption until you find the proper equilibrium.
Experiment with different strains. The energizing impact of Sativa strains may seem to make more sense in a wake and bake context. But it could be the calming effects of Indica strains strike a better balance with caffeine’s stimulating effects.
Also, try both smoking cannabis flower and vaping cannabis concentrate. One or the other intake method could produce more pleasing effects when combined with coffee.
The Cannabis and Coffee Combo Isn’t For Everyone
Though plenty of cannabis users report loving their cannabis and coffee wake and bake routine, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
But it might be worth investigating if you’re curious and open to a bit of experimentation.
Looking For Some Cannabis to Pair With Your Coffee? Order From a Cannabis Delivery Services!
No time or desire to visit your local dispensary? No worries! You can order all your favorite cannabis strains and products online from a cannabis delivery service. These services are fast and convenient and typically offer same-day home delivery.
Plus, in most legalized areas, medical marijuana delivery services and recreational delivery services are available.
To find a local provider, do an internet search for “weed delivery near me,” and you’ll discover many area vendors.
To locate an area provider, do an online search for “weed delivery near me.”
Place an order online, and a driver will deliver the goods right to your front door, usually on the same day.
Medical marijuana delivery services and recreational marijuana delivery services are both available in most legalized areas.
Do a quick internet search for “weed delivery near me,” and you’ll find plenty of local providers.