710 Day Explained: What 710 Means and How to Celebrate It
If 420 is the cannabis world's flower holiday, then 710 is its oilier, more potent counterpart. Every July 10, fans of oils, wax, and rosin mark the day with dabs, deals, and new product drops. This guide covers what 710 means, where it came from, the main types of concentrates you will find, and how people celebrate.
What Does 710 Mean?
The number 710 is a bit of wordplay. Flip it upside down and "710" reads as "OIL," a nod to cannabis oils and concentrates. Try it on a calculator or in big capital letters for the full effect. Since the digits also map neatly to July 10, that date became the unofficial holiday for everything extract-related, which is why you will also hear it called Oil Day or Dab Day.
It is a simple visual trick, but it stuck. Because the "oil" connection was so easy to remember, 710 quickly became the shorthand for concentrate culture.
The Origins of 710 Day: How the Dab Holiday Began
710 is the younger sibling of 420, and like its big brother it has a murky origin with a few competing stories. What is clear is that 710 emerged much more recently, alongside the rise of the highly potent concentrates and oils that are now staples of the adult-use market. The number was chosen because it spells "OIL" upside down, and that piece of visual wordplay is the only widely agreed-upon reason July 10 became the date.
As for exactly how it started, a few origin tales circulate:
- One credible account traces it to a group chat of hip-hop and cannabis fans who wanted a new holiday after feeling 420 had become too mainstream, and settled on a day to celebrate the concentrates they loved.
- One urban legend claims someone dropped an oil cap upside down and asked a mechanic what the "710 cap" was for, which stuck the number to oil.
- Another ties it to the Grateful Dead, who helped spread 420 and were said to have lived at 710 Ashbury Street.
However it began, the association of 710 with concentrates goes back to at least the early 2010s, evidenced by early Urban Dictionary entries and online chatter. By 2013 there were already 710 festivals and media coverage in cities like Denver and Los Angeles. Over the last decade the holiday has grown from an inside joke into a recognized day for brands, dispensaries, and enthusiasts to celebrate extracts.
710 Day vs. 420: What's the Difference?
Both are cannabis holidays, but they celebrate different parts of the plant's world. In short, 420 leans toward flower, while 710 puts concentrates in the spotlight.
| 710 Day | 420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | July 10 | April 20 |
| Focus | Concentrates and oils | Flower |
| Origin | Upside-down "OIL" | Long-running flower tradition |
| Typical activity | Dabbing | Smoking flower |
Types of Cannabis Concentrates to Explore on 710
The heart of 710 is the concentrate itself. "Concentrate" is an umbrella term for products made by extracting the most desirable compounds, mainly cannabinoids and terpenes, from cannabis flower. The result is far more potent than flower, and it comes in a wide range of textures and consistencies. Here is a brief breakdown of what you will find on a Zen Leaf menu:own.
- Shatter is a hard, brittle concentrate that is opaque in color and snaps like glass when broken. It offers a robust flavor profile and can be dabbed or added to flower.
- Crumble is made by melting down shatter and whipping it so air pockets form, creating a fluffy, honeycomb-like texture that is a little more fragrant than shatter.
- Badder is whipped longer than crumble until it reaches a smooth, creamy, peanut-butter-like consistency. It is very fragrant and easy to handle with a dab tool.
- Live sugar is extracted from fresh-frozen flower to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes. It is a collection of micro-THCA crystals, or diamonds, suspended in a flavorful terpene sauce.
- Distillate is a golden liquid extract high in THC. It is often a THC isolate, sometimes with strain-specific terpenes added back, and it is versatile enough to dab, add to a snack, or infuse into homemade edibles.
- RSO is a full-extract cannabis oil made with room-temperature ethanol, which retains a broad range of plant compounds. It is potent and is typically taken orally or added to food rather than dabbed.
- Kief is a collection of trichomes, the frosty, resin-rich parts of the plant. It is most often sprinkled onto flower, though it can also be pressed into rosin or used in edibles.
- Live rosin is a solventless option made by agitating fresh-frozen flower in ice water to gather the trichomes, then refining and pressing them with heat and pressure for a flavor-rich concentrate.
And a quick shoutout to cannabis vapes: while they may not be the first thing you picture, the golden oil inside the cartridge is a concentrate too.
Want to go deeper? Explore the full cannabis concentrate guide for more on each texture.
Why Concentrates? The Appeal of Dabbing
To appreciate 710, it helps to understand why so many consumers enjoy concentrates in the first place. Dabbing, the practice of vaporizing a concentrate on a heated surface and inhaling the vapor, is the highlight of the holiday for many. A few reasons it has such a following:
- Fast onset. Dabbing and other forms of vaporizing are among the quickest ways to feel effects, which some consumers prefer over methods that take longer to set in.
- Potency. Concentrates are called concentrates for a reason. These extracts often test well above the potency of flower, so a little goes a long way.
- A cleaner experience. Dabbing skips papers and wraps and produces less lingering plant material, which many find tidier than traditional smoking.
- Flavor and terpene character. When potency is not the only goal, concentrates can deliver an intense, true-to-strain flavor, especially at lower temperatures with a product like live rosin.
Because concentrates are so much stronger than flower, the golden rule is to start small. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming.
What Can You Expect on 710 Day?
By July 10, the concentrate world tends to come alive. Expect dispensaries to roll out sales and bundles on concentrates and dab gear, and many brands time new extract releases to the date. It is common to see limited live resin and rosin drops, accessory discounts, and events centered on concentrates.
For consumers, 710 is a good moment to explore a new texture, upgrade a piece of gear, or simply enjoy a favorite concentrate. If you are new to dabbing, it is also a low-pressure time to ask questions, since concentrates are front and center.
Here are some of our favorite things about dabbing:
Rapid Cannabinoid Absorption
Dabbing (and other methods of vaping) are among the fastest ways to introduce those precious cannabinoids, namely THC, into your system. Whether you seek immediate pain relief, instant relaxation, or just want to get the party started as fast as possible in a recreational state, dabbing cannabis oils and waxes will get you there quicker than nearly any other consumption method out there.
Maximum Potency
Concentrates are called concentrates for a very good reason. To create marijuana concentrates, the cannabinoids and terpenes are isolated…in a concentrated form. These high-potency extracts often boast upwards of 70% THC per gram, and measure at ~25mg THC per grain of rice-sized piece.
Less-Mess Consumption
Dabbing eliminates the need for papers and wraps, and you can also say goodbye to cleaning up stems and other plant matter every time you use cannabis. This results in a cleaner experience overall, both for your personal space and your body. With dabs, you’re inhaling the desired THC, CBD, and other compounds while eliminating some of the additional undesirable substances associated with traditional smoking.
Robust Flavor and Terpene Preservation
When pure potency isn’t your main concern, you might be interested to hear that concentrates have intense flavor profiles, just like effects. Low temp dabs are touted as some of the best ways to experience a strain, especially if it's live rosin you’re dabbing.
How to Choose Your Concentrates
With so many options, picking the right concentrate comes down to a few simple considerations.
- Understand the textures. Shatter, crumble, badder, live sugar, distillate, and rosin each have their own flavor, potency, and feel. Some are easier to handle than others, so texture matters as much as strength.
- Consider the extraction method. Concentrates fall into two broad camps. Solvent-based products use substances like butane or CO2, which are purged after production, while solventless products such as rosin rely only on heat and pressure. Each approach affects flavor, purity, and texture, so it is worth knowing which you prefer.
- Ask a Cannabis Advisor. If the menu feels overwhelming, the Cannabis Advisors at your local Zen Leaf can point you toward consumer favorites and help match a concentrate to your experience level.
Ways to Celebrate the Dab Holiday
Celebrations range from low-key to community-wide. Here are a few ways to mark the occasion:
- Try a new concentrate texture, like live resin or rosin.
- Upgrade a piece of gear, such as a fresh quartz banger, a carb cap, or an e-rig.
- Take advantage of 710 deals on concentrates and accessories.
- Share a low-key dab session with friends who are 21 and older.
- Check out limited 710 product drops before they sell out.
- Dial in your technique by experimenting with the best dab temperatures for flavor versus vapor.
If you want a more social spin that does not involve going out, and you are in an adult-use state, consider a small concentrate tasting at home. Encourage guests to bring their own so everyone can compare textures, and remember that most public spaces are not cannabis-friendly.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the 710 Holiday
A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth, enjoyable 710. Keep these tips in mind:
- Plan ahead and check dispensary deals early, since popular concentrates sell out fast.
- Clean your rig and banger beforehand so the flavor is at its best.
- Start low and go slow, especially with high-potency concentrates.
- Keep water nearby and pace yourself through the day.
- Stock up on the essentials, including your concentrate, a carb cap, and cleaning supplies.
Above all, dab responsibly. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming.
If You’re in a Recreational State, Host a Concentrate Tasting Party
If you want a more social spin on 710 Day that doesn’t require going out on the town (remember, most public places aren’t cannabis-friendly, nor can you consume in public in most states), consider grabbing a few concentrate options and hosting your own tasting party. Cut costs by encouraging guests to "BYOC" (bring your own concentrates) to add to the smorgasbord. Just remember to consume responsibly!
Zen Leaf Dispensaries: Your Trusted Partner for 710 Day Fun
Whether you are a longtime dabber or just concentrate-curious, 710 is a great excuse to explore. Zen Leaf stocks a wide selection of lab-tested concentrates, often with special drops and deals around July 10. Find a Zen Leaf dispensary near you and consult with a Cannabis Advisor to plan your celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team of authors is not just a group of writers; they are dedicated cannabis experts and pharmacists with years of experience in the industry. Each member brings a unique perspective, combined with a deep understanding of cannabis' therapeutic benefits, emerging research, and regulatory landscape.
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