The society around cannabis has changed a lot in the previous ten years. In the past, people would inhale flower in pipes, bongs, or joints. Now, they get high by using oils and extracts. “710” is now the cannabis version of “420.” This has caused a tremendous number of novel, potent, and tasty cannabis products to come forth.
But how did we arrive at this point? What is 710, and why are oils and extracts becoming so popular? Let’s look at how cannabis oils and extracts have become the most popular products in modern cannabis culture and how 710 has grown.
Understanding 710: A New Code for Cannabis Concentrates
If you flip the number “710” upside down, it spells “OIL.” Much like 420 became the unofficial code for all things cannabis, 710 has emerged as the symbol for cannabis oils, concentrates, and dabbing culture.
July 10th (7/10) is now widely celebrated as “Dab Day”, a holiday where cannabis enthusiasts come together to enjoy concentrates like wax, shatter, budder, live resin, and oil. Think of it as the concentrated cousin to 4/20 – just a little hotter, a little more intense, and a lot more focused on potency.
The Evolution of Cannabis Consumption
For decades, cannabis was consumed in its raw flower form. Users would roll joints, pack bowls, or light up bongs. While effective, smoking cannabis flower typically delivers lower THC concentrations – usually between 10% and 30%.
As cannabis legalization spread and technology improved, the industry began experimenting with extraction methods to isolate cannabinoids like THC and CBD from the plant. The result? Concentrates that are often 2 to 5 times more potent than traditional flower.
These products offered something new: cleaner, more powerful, and often more flavorful experiences. This shift paved the way for the rise of 710.
What are Cannabis Oils and Extracts?
Cannabis oils and extracts are concentrated forms of cannabinoids and terpenes. They come in many forms and are consumed in a variety of ways.
Popular Types of Concentrates:
- Wax: Soft and gooey, easy to handle. Often used in dab rigs.
- Shatter: Glass-like and brittle. Known for purity and potency.
- Budder: Whipped and creamy texture, offering rich terpene flavor.
- Live Resin: Made from fresh frozen plants, preserving full flavor and aroma.
- Rosin: Solventless extract using heat and pressure.
- Distillate: Highly refined oil used in vape cartridges and edibles.
- CBD Oil: Non-intoxicating extract focused on wellness benefits.
Each type has its own method of production, consistency, and cannabinoid profile. These products allow consumers to tailor their experiences with precision.
The Art and Science of Extraction
Extraction is both a science and an art. The goal is to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from unwanted plant matter, such as chlorophyll and cellulose.
Common Extraction Methods:
1. Solvent-Based Extraction:
- Uses substances like butane, propane, or ethanol.
- Produces products like BHO (butane hash oil), shatter, and wax.
- Must be carefully purged to remove residual solvents.
2. Solventless Extraction: - Uses heat and pressure (e.g., rosin presses).
- Considered cleaner and more natural by many users.
3. CO2 Extraction: - Uses supercritical carbon dioxide.
- Popular for producing vape oils and tinctures.
- Safer and more environmentally friendly.
Each method affects the final product’s purity, flavor, and effect.
The Dabbing Culture
The rise of concentrates gave birth to dabbing, a method of flash-vaporizing cannabis extracts using a heated surface called a nail, typically attached to a dab rig (a type of specialized bong).
How Dabbing Works:
- A small amount of concentrate (a “dab”) is placed on a hot nail.
- It vaporizes instantly.
- The user inhales the vapor through the rig.
Why People Love Dabbing:
- Potency: Dabs can contain 70%–90% THC.
- Flavor: High terpene content provides rich taste.
- Efficiency: Less product, faster effect.
However, dabbing also comes with a learning curve and higher tolerance risk. It’s not usually recommended for beginners.
Why 710 Took Off: The Appeal of Extracts
1. Potency and Efficiency
Concentrates offer powerful effects with smaller doses. For medical users and recreational enthusiasts alike, this is a big win. A single hit of concentrate can be equivalent to several puffs of flower.
2. Flavor Explosion
Thanks to terpene preservation techniques, modern extracts often boast superior taste compared to flower. Live resin and rosin, for example, deliver intense flavor profiles – from fruity to piney to gassy.
3. Discretion and Convenience
Vape cartridges and pens filled with cannabis oil are easy to use, portable, and low-odor, making them ideal for on-the-go use. Unlike lighting a joint, hitting a vape pen can be done discreetly and quickly
4. Innovation and Variety
The extract market is dynamic and ever-evolving. From sugar wax to THC diamonds, the diversity is staggering. Consumers can try new textures, strengths, and terpene blends regularly.
Health Considerations: Are Concentrates Safe?
As with any substance, moderation and education are key. Concentrates are generally safe when produced in regulated environments and consumed responsibly.
Things to Watch Out For:
- Overconsumption: High THC levels can overwhelm new users.
- Contaminants: Unlicensed products may contain residual solvents or pesticides.
- Tolerance Build-Up: Frequent use can lead to diminished effects over time.
For these reasons, many experts recommend starting with small doses and choosing lab-tested products from licensed dispensaries.
The Future of 710: What’s Next?
As 710 continues to gain popularity, we’re likely to see:
1. More Sophisticated Extraction Tech
Innovations in extraction will yield cleaner, more potent products with even better flavor profiles.
2. Expansion of Cannabinoid Profiles
Beyond THC and CBD, extracts are beginning to feature lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THCV, offering new therapeutic possibilities.
3. Mainstream Acceptance
As vape pens and oils become more common, even casual or curious consumers are joining the 710 movement. The stigma around “getting high” is being replaced by a focus on wellness, experience, and choice.
4. 710 Celebrations
Much like 4/20, expect larger and more widespread 710 events, festivals, and product launches – both in-person and online.
Conclusion
The rise of 710 marks a new chapter in cannabis history. What started as a niche movement among extract enthusiasts has blossomed into a mainstream trend, celebrated by consumers, producers, and innovators alike.
From dabbing live resin at home to vaping discreetly on the go, oils and extracts offer something for everyone. As technology and legalization continue to evolve, so will the options for how we consume cannabis.
Whether you’re a seasoned dabber or just curious about concentrates, 710 is an invitation to explore the rich, potent, and flavorful side of cannabis culture. Happy 710 – and may your next dab be tasty, clean, and powerful.
