Wake and Bake: The Humboldt Routine, The Goats, and The 90s Funk Connection.

For those of you who came of age in the haze of the early '90s, the phrase "Wake and Bake" is  a cultural fingerprint. It's the sound of the needle drop, the smell of that perfectly rolled blunt, and the rhythm that defined a generation. The correlation between the classic Humboldt routine and the 90s hits are more significant than you might think.

Cannabis is a vehicle for connection to moments in time. We're talking about that specific era where conscious hip-hop was blending with raw, soulful funk, creating a unique vibe that anchored the morning ritual. Nowhere was the sentiment better captured than in the music that poured out of Philadelphia. This was the moment rap and rock were becoming best friends, laying down complex, genre-bending tracks that required a certain mental state to fully appreciate.

The most perfect soundtrack for that early morning ritual? "Wake N Bake" by The Goats. Need a refresher? Click the image below to jam out.

It perfectly summed up the philosophy of the early-to-mid '90s: "late to bed means late to rise. It’s the wake and bake baby when I open my eyes." That lyric is a mission statement. It encapsulates the deep, immersive funkiness of the time. A sound so heavy and complex that it was built for a meditative, elevated mind.The Wake and Bake ritual was driven by more than just The Goats. The entire scene contributed to this relaxed, yet creatively focused atmosphere:

• The Roots brought that raw, live-band energy, proving hip-hop could be played, not just sampled.

• A Tribe Called Quest dropped smooth, intelligent beats that felt as fresh as the morning air, perfect for contemplation.

• Beastie Boys evolved from party punk to sophisticated samplers, providing an irresistible, cool-kid soundtrack.

  
  

The overall energy of the time was about grounding. Slowing down the world, finding your flow state, and seeing the world in warmer, more soulful tones before the daily grind began. The morning session was the catalyst for creative readiness.

The Wake and Bake is often misunderstood as simply a way to get high first thing in the morning. In reality, for many, it was an essential tool for the artistic and focused mind. That first big hit provides a momentary "freeze" of the mental static. It wasn't about sleeping in; it was about waking up better.

While the ritual is ancient, the phrase "Wake and Bake" became fixed in our cultural lexicon in the late 20th century, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the cannabis community. The term was spread widely through film and comedy, providing a universally understood shorthand for the cannabis lifestyle, often associated with a laid-back, anti-establishment attitude. The widespread adoption of the tobacco-wrapped blunt in the '90s (the "Philly Blunt" being a regional favorite) created a longer, slower, and more ceremonial smoke session, perfectly fitting for the intentionality of a morning routine. However, the most significant popularization came through music like The Goats. By lyrically cementing the practice, it went from a sub-culture activity to a defining characteristic of the era’s most revered artists.

The genetics have advanced exponentially since the days of simple street weed, but the desire for that soulful, grounded morning ritual remains. You can still tap into that deep, centered energy with today's full-spectrum products.

At The Ganjery, we curate medicine that respects the past while embracing the science of the present. We focus on strains that deliver complex, layered effects; the kind that enhance music, elevate mood, and provide that perfect, reflective moment of focus.

This year, we’re taking the Wake & Bake spirit beyond history and culture and straight into the heart of Northtown Arcata. We’ve partnered with our friends at Northtown Coffee to bring some seriously good-morning energy to the neighborhood. Whether you’re rolling into the day slow and steady or gearing up for a full Humboldt hustle, we wanted to create a morning ritual that feels welcoming, local, and unmistakably Arcata.

To celebrate the collaboration, we’re launching a Wake Up & Bake Up Morning Deal that rewards you for enjoying your favorite local spots:

Wake Up with Northtown Coffee & Bake Up with The Ganjery

Buy any 2 FRESH JAYZ Joint Pack at The Ganjery and get a Super Shroom Mocha a 12oz brewed coffee at Northtown Coffee for just $1

or

Make any purchase at Northtown Coffee and get any 2 FRESH JAYZ Joint Pack for $2 at The Ganjery.

These offers are valid every day before noon, and purchases must be made on the same day—just show your receipt and you’re good to go. A little coffee, a little cannabis, and a whole lot of Humboldt flavor. The deal will probably change or evolve over time, but these are the details at the time of the writing this post. Enjoy!

But more than a morning deal, this partnership is about supporting the small businesses that keep our community vibrant. Northtown Coffee and The Ganjery are both rooted in local culture, built by people who care about this place and the folks who live here. Collaborations like this are a reminder that when local shops work together, we all grow stronger. After all, when the tide elevates, all ships rise with it—and this Wake & Bake collab is our way of lifting the whole neighborhood of Northtown Arcata, one good morning at a time.

Stop by & Stay Hi. Let’s talk about that nostalgia, explore what’s new, and find the perfect product for your current Wake and Bake ritual.