When most people think of cannabis holidays, 420 immediately comes to mind. But in recent years, another date has carved out its own place in cannabis culture: July 10th, or “710.”
Known as the day to celebrate cannabis concentrates, oils, vapes, and extracts, 710 has become a global phenomenon. Its rise reflects the evolution of cannabis consumption, the artistry of extraction, and the community’s embrace of innovation.
Origins of 710
The term “710” is a playful twist on numbers. Flip “710” upside down, and it spells “OIL.” This clever discovery gave birth to a new holiday centered on cannabis oils and concentrates. While 420 dates back to the 1970s, 710 is a much more recent creation, emerging in the early 2010s as dabbing and concentrate culture gained traction.
Early adopters of 710 were concentrate enthusiasts who wanted a day to celebrate their preferred consumption method. Online forums like Grasscity, social media, and underground communities helped spread the word, and pioneering concentrate brands like 710 Labs further amplified the culture by showcasing the artistry of extraction. By 2011 and 2012, hashtags like #710 began appearing, and the date July 10th was cemented as the official day to honor cannabis oils.
The Rise of Concentrates
To understand 710, you have to appreciate the role of concentrates in cannabis history. Concentrates are potent extracts made by isolating cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. They come in many forms such as shatter, wax, rosin, live resin, distillate and each represents a different technique and flavor profile.
- Early Hashish: Cannabis concentrates are not new. Hashish, made by compressing resin glands, has been consumed for centuries across the Middle East, India, and North Africa.
- Modern Extraction: In the late 20th century, new methods like butane hash oil (BHO) revolutionized potency and purity.
- Dabbing Culture: By the 2000s, dabbing using a heated surface to vaporize concentrates became a defining ritual, paving the way for 710’s popularity.
710 emerged as the perfect counterpart to 420, highlighting the artistry and science behind extraction.
Key Milestones in 710’s Growth
The holiday’s expansion can be traced through several milestones:
2011 and 2012: The term “710” gains traction online, especially on Instagram and cannabis forums.
2013: The first 710 Cup is hosted by High Times, giving concentrates a mainstream stage.
Mid 2010s: Dispensaries begin offering special deals on July 10th, mirroring the retail culture of 420.
Late 2010s: Legalization across U.S. states fuels innovation in extraction, making concentrates more accessible and diverse.
2020s: 710 becomes a global celebration, with events, festivals, and marketing campaigns uniting concentrate lovers worldwide.
High-profile, consumer-focused events, such as the Arizona-based Errl Cup, exemplify this trend by providing an educational and competitive platform for concentrate appreciation.
Cultural Evolution: From Niche to Mainstream
At first, 710 was seen as a niche holiday for hardcore dabbers. But as legalization spread, concentrates became more approachable. Today, consumers range from medical patients seeking precise dosing to recreational users exploring new flavors. 710 also reflects broader cultural shifts:
- Technology: Advances in extraction equipment and lab testing elevated concentrates from underground products to regulated, high quality offerings.
- Community: Social media amplified 710, turning it into a digital holiday where enthusiasts share dab videos, product reviews, and memes.
- Commerce: Dispensaries like The Hemp Spectrum and brands embraced 710 as a marketing opportunity, offering discounts, limited releases, and educational events.
Who started 710?
There isn’t a single person credited with “starting” 710. The holiday emerged organically in the early 2010s from concentrate enthusiasts who noticed that flipping “710” upside down spelled “OIL.” Online forums, social media, and dab culture spread the idea, and by 2011–2012 the term had gained traction. High Times helped cement its legitimacy with the first 710 Cup in 2013, but the holiday itself was born from the cannabis community rather than one founder.
