Whether it’s for sleep assistance or pain management, marijuana has become part of the everyday routine for many who use it regularly. But is there a “best” time to get high?
It will prove difficult for a true cannabis lover to find a time of day that isn’t suitable for getting high. There is, of course, the morning wake and bake. Then there are the periodic afternoon sessions that are suitable for all sorts of people, from those on long hikes in the wilderness to medical users trying to manage their pain. Once the sun starts to set, those who spent the day at the office unwind with a joint, while others wait until after dinner to pop an edible before they begin their evening routine.
Sure, weed has found a home at nearly every time of day, but which time is the best for getting high? While everyone may have a different time they prefer, is it considered better to get high in the daytime or at night?
Why Consuming Marijuana in the Day Is Better
People use cannabis for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes little thought goes into the timing of its consumption, while in other instances it is methodically planned. Regardless of which camp you fall into, there are many occurrences when consuming marijuana during the day is the best time to enjoy its benefits.
Marijuana For Pain
One of the most common (and growing) reasons medical marijuanas use cannabis is to control pain. In fact, as we have reported, there is evidence that cannabis can be more effective than opioids at managing chronic pain. When using marijuana for pain it is either used before activity as a preventative, or in response to pain. Either way, it is most common to use marijuana during the day to manage pain in order to get through the day. This ensures the day is met with as little difficulty as possible.
Marijuana as a Stimulant for Activity
The notion that weed turns you into a loafing couch potato was debunked long ago. In fact, as more people use and experiment with cannabis they find that it can even have the opposite effect. Marijuana, with certain strains in particular, can act as a stimulant of sorts, and even inspire physical activity.
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“When we run, our bodies actually produce endocannabinoids, a naturally occurring form of THC which, along with endorphins, are responsible for the runner’s high that athletes enjoy,”according to Outside. In other words, weed helps motivate people to work out more eagerly. Sure, some people exercise in the middle of the night, but the vast majority of active individuals see most activity in the daylight hours. This makes getting high in the daytime the preferred time for those using marijuana for physical activity.
Using Marijuana to Improve Your Morning Mood
For the individual who says they aren’t a morning person, cannabis in the daytime might be just what you need to change the morning perspective. According to a study on cannabis use and the morning time, “Immediately following cannabis use, men and women reported higher positive and lower negative effects than they did that morning. These positive consequences probably reflect the immediate “good drug” feelings associated with cannabis.” So for those who struggle with bad moods and thoughts in the morning, using cannabis to re-align you can be effective, but it must be done in the daytime for best results.
Why Consuming Marijuana at Night Is Better
Nighttime cannabis use also has its perks, even if they are mostly all different from those seen in the morning. Whether it’s for safety reasons or sleep assistance, marijuana has become part of the nightly routine for many who use cannabis regularly.
Safer Alternative to Alcohol
Happy hour, the after work “wine” down and a beer after a long day are all engraved into the social psyche when it comes to post-work relaxation. Unfortunately, alcohol dependence can lead to some major health issues, not to mention deadly accidents. Marijuana has become a popular alternative to alcohol in these situations, as we have reported. This helps mitigate negative experiences associated with habitual alcohol use.
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Kent Hutchison, who co-authored a study examining alcohol’s effects on the brain, told Medical News Today,”While marijuana may also have some negative consequences, it definitely is nowhere near the negative consequences of alcohol.” Unless you work the overnight shift, this benefit is only experienced when using cannabis in the twilight and evening hours.
Minimize Risk and Adverse Side Effects
While safer than alcohol, cannabis does not come without its share of risk factors. There are all sorts of less-than ideal side effects, from perception problems to potential paranoia. For those concerned about these side effects, it is often best to use cannabis in the comfort of your own home and with the peace of mind knowing that all the day’s errands are completed. “Some patients may prefer to use THC only before bed, or at other times when impairment does not impact their work, hobbies, or ability to function in daily life,” according to GoodRx.
Sleep Aid Benefits
As we have reported previously, cannabis is often used as an effective sleep aid for those struggling to get a proper night’s rest. Both THC and CBD help many who struggle with rest for numerous reasons. If you use cannabis as a sleep aid, the odds are you need to take it at night.
Final Thoughts: Which is Better, Daytime Or Nighttime?
When attempting to answer this question, you need to ask yourself why you are getting high in the first place. If you are trying to correct a morning mood, manage pain or increase your activity levels, then daytime is definitely the way to go. If you use cannabis as a sleep aid or replacement for alcohol, then the nighttime is the right time.
