Nothing compares to a wake n’ bake to start the day on a centered and positive note. Some like to start every morning with a nice toke to set the tone, others save it for weekends or holidays. Some wake and bake out of necessity for a brighter morning free from pain, illness, or even the occasional hangover.
No matter the reason for the ritual, we present to you ten great strains with which to start the day. You’ll find a plethora of flavors, effects, and vibes below. Who knows, you might even find your new fave.
Strawberry Cough
Sometimes you just want something sweet to start your day, and this sweet-scented strain is the perfect choice with its uplifting effects. A potent sativa, Strawberry Cough gives you the energy to get you out of bed while melting away stress from the night before or whatever lays ahead.
Durban Poison
The heart-pumping effects of this South African landrace strain are well documented. American breeders have created some impressively flavorful Durban Poison crosses that bring strain into the pantheon of a new generation. Sour Durban, Durban Lime, as well as Cannarado’s Grape Durban are just a few examples of Durban’s glow-up. San Francisco’s Sense Cannabis presented an exquisite Sour Durban at the 2024 Hall of Flowers.
Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express got most of its fame through the film of the same name, but it has stood the test of time thanks to its wide availability and popular energetic effects.
Think of this strain as the proverbial bucket of cold water splashing over your tired head and shocking you out of bed. Plus, its citrus flavors will pair perfectly with your morning cup of OJ and scrambled eggs.
Super Boof
The origins of this strain start with Cali breeder Blockhead, who created parent strain Blockberry using Black Cherry Punch and Tropicanna Cookies from Oni Seeds. Mobile Jay selected a pheno which he named Superboof (not to be confused with Ze Boof by Trichome Tortoise). Also a beautiful choice for rosin lovers, Super Boof helped put strong citrus terps back on the menu with its citrus flavor and uplifting effects.
Sour Diesel
We know. Sour Diesel is always on the wake and bake lists. But after quizzing smokers at the sesh on their go-to breakfast buzz, Sour D is still the top answer. While the origins are often debated, the general consensus is that this is a mix of Chemdog and Super Skunk. Gassy and pungent, those terps have been described as fresh tennis balls, old chemicals, kerosene, rubber, and even citronella candles. Any way your senses describe it to your brain, those terps are unmistakable once your nostrils have had a taste. The functional yet inspiring high is why Sour D is often recommended for taking on a bunch of chores, enjoying a hike, or working from home.
Green Crack
This strain, controversially named, has a reputation that precedes it. Sometimes called “Green Crush” or “Mango,” Green Crack is a Skunk #1 cross that produces an intense physical and mental buzz. Leafly users reported losing their concept of time, making this effective choice to greet the day, regardless of when you actually wake up. This is a classic, and one that’s also relatively easy to find in flower, preroll or cartridge form.
Devil Driver
Michigan’s Tiki Madman bred this speed demon that continues to light up the roads two years since it dropped. Blending Cannarado’s Sundae Driver with Melonade not only serves to lift your spirits, but wrap you in a comfortable blanket of I-don’t-give-a-f*ck—call it Devil Driver. If that’s not a beautiful way to start the day I don’t know what is. This madman masterpiece reaps terps like grape taffy, effects that energetic, uplifting, and cerebral, per Leafly reviewers.
Apples and Bananas
The 2019 Compound Genetics/Cookies collaboration produced hits for a ton of different cannabis brands, including Apples and Bananas. This strain starts as a cross between Platinum Cookies x Granddaddy Purple, crossed to Blue Power. That then gets crossed with Gelatti.
Floaty body feels and stress relief and most commonly associated with this strain, along with a flavor that’s fruity but with a sour apple edge. Extremely euphoric, this might not make you want to get out of bed and work, but it’s important to remember the weekend Wake n’ Bake too.
ATF
Known as Matanuska Thunder F*ck or Alaskan Thunder F*ck, this is another classic with origins in the Matanuska valley area of Southcentral Alaska. Others say the name referred to any good weed coming out of that area during the ’70s and ’80s. It’s said that this was a NorCal sativa that got crossed to a Russian ruderalis plant, that was later mixed with Afghani genetics. ATF is one of those strains tha causes those bursts of physical energy and focus. When you have some big projects ahead, this is the wake n’ bake you want to reach for.
Jack of Diamonds
Biscotti x Jack Herer, this new release is part of Connected’s effort to bring uplifting strains to the forefront. JOD represents a combo of a strain that’s known for energizing effects, and one that’s great for insulating yourself against the outside world. Together, they cover you in Teflon and let you move through the morning without anything sticking to you. Chosen by the smokers from a pheno box sold in stores, Connected told us the hunt to find JOD received more responses than any other time they’ve ever asked fans to vote on a new strain.
