We’re celebrating 710 by learning about the origin of the holiday, and be sure to peruse the deals happening at GreenPharms dispensaries in Mesa and Flagstaff
If you’re oriented at all with cannabis culture, you are undoubtedly familiar with 4/20, the unofficial holiday for stoners. You may even be aware of the purported origins of the holiday—a piece of folklore forever etched into the annals of marijuana’s cultural zeitgeist:
As the story goes, five kids from San Rafael High School met daily at 4:20 p.m. to search for treasure—an abandoned marijuana plant left behind by a member of the Coast Guard. They’d pile into a car, and, equipped with some herb and a treasure map, they’d set out for adventure. Eventually, their code indicating that it was time to smoke, “420,” was picked up by Deadheads and pot journalists, and the rest is history.
Increasingly, the cannabis community has come to observe another date, 7/10, albeit with a much more basic origin.
Origins of 710
The term “710” cleverly stems from flipping the word “OIL” upside down, forming a playful nod to cannabis concentrates. Unlike the universally recognized 420, which celebrates all forms of cannabis, 710 focuses specifically on oils, waxes, and shatters—products that have surged in popularity over recent years.
That’s it. No fascinating origin story involving treasure hunters or the Grateful Dead or ostensible gonzo journos—just an ordinary, everyday word oriented in a manner that calls to mind a particular calculator-based joke made by many a snickering middle-schooler.
However, that stopped cannabis users—specifically those who enjoy dabbing—from venerating this newest of “high” holidays, celebrated every July 10th.
Art of Dabbing
If, by chance, you’re uninitiated with dab culture, don’t feel bad. Compared with the roughly 2500 years that smoking cannabis has been “a thing,” inhaling vaporized concentrated cannabis extracts, or dabbing, is a relatively new way to blast off into the outer reaches of the mind.
Dabbing has emerged as a popular method for consuming cannabis concentrates. This technique involves vaporizing the concentrate on a heated surface and inhaling the vapor. Dabbing is not only efficient but also perceived as a healthier alternative to smoking, as it avoids combustion and reduces the inhalation of carcinogens. The precise temperature control allows users to extract the full flavor profile of the concentrate, providing a richer sensory experience.
Dabbing is often achieved using a rig, many of which are similar to bongs in appearance, with one main difference. Whereas a bong utilizes a bowl that is packed with cannabis flower, dab rigs use dab nails, also referred to as “bangers,” into which concentrates are loaded. The banger is heated to a high temperature, typically from a blowtorch, before the concentrate is applied to the heated apparatus and subsequently inhaled.
Of course, there are a number of other methods including cold start and the use of a hand held device or nectar collector.
Benefits of Dabbing
Dabbing offers numerous advantages over traditional smoking methods. The heightened potency allows users to achieve desired effects with smaller quantities, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run. Additionally, the absence of combustion results in a cleaner, smoother experience, which is gentler on the lungs. This method provides a swift and intense onset of effects, appealing to those seeking immediate relief or recreational enjoyment. Moreover, the variety of concentrates available—such as shatter, wax, and live resin—offers a wide range of experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Rise of Cannabis Concentrates and the 710 Holiday
710 first began gaining mainstream attention as far back as 2012, although its entry into the culture precedes this by at least a year or two, with albums referring to the dabbing phenomenon having been released in 2011 by artists reportedly having learned about it the year prior. Incidentally, 2011 was also the year that 710 made its way into the Urban Dictionary lexicon.
By the time LA Weekly wrote about 710 in a 2013 article titled “710 is the new 420,” the concept was already well on its way to becoming a commonplace fixture in cannabis culture.
Cannabis concentrates have since experienced a remarkable increase in demand, driven by their high THC content and versatility. Traditional cannabis flowers typically contain between 10-30% THC, while concentrates can exceed levels of 80-90%. This unparalleled potency appeals to seasoned users seeking a more intense experience, making concentrates a significant part of the cannabis landscape. The concentrated form allows for a variety of consumption methods, each offering a unique experience.
The versatility of cannabis concentrates is another factor contributing to their popularity. They can be consumed in various ways, such as dabbing, vaping, or adding to edibles, each method providing a different onset time and intensity. This flexibility allows users to tailor their consumption to their preferences and needs, whether they seek immediate effects or a more prolonged experience.
Additionally, the production of concentrates often involves advanced extraction techniques, which can preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids, enhancing the overall flavor and therapeutic benefits. As a result, cannabis concentrates have become a preferred choice for both recreational and medical users, solidifying their place in the evolving cannabis market.
Celebrating 710
Whether you’re a seasoned dabber or a newcomer to the world of cannabis concentrates, 710 is the perfect day to celebrate these powerful products. Mark your calendar for July 10th and join the festivities.
This weekend, dispensaries all across greater Phoenix, and Arizona at large, will be taking part in commemorating 7/10, with many hosting their own celebrations and festivities. Presumably, millions of dollars in discounts, doorbusters, raffles and samples will be doled out.
Meanwhile, a number of parties will commemorate the occasion, and stoners far and wide will undoubtedly challenge each other to determine who can take down the biggest dab. Of course, that’s to say nothing of the individuals who prefer the solitude of their home base when it comes to observing the Christmas of concentrates, or dabber’s Diwali or hashy Hanukkah, if you will.
The Future of Cannabis Concentrates
As the cannabis industry continues to innovate, the future of concentrates looks promising. Ongoing advancements in extraction techniques and product development are expected to drive the popularity of concentrates even higher. More consumers are likely to explore these potent products, seeking efficient and effective ways to enjoy cannabis. The industry is also moving towards creating more user-friendly and accessible concentrate products, which will further broaden their appeal.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements in extraction methods, such as supercritical CO2 extraction and rosin pressing, are making it easier to produce high-quality concentrates. These innovations ensure that consumers receive a purer and more potent product, free from harmful solvents and impurities. As the market grows, we can expect to see an increase in the diversity and quality of concentrates available.
With more states opting into the legal cannabis market, word about the wonderful world of wax is spreading rapidly. Given the seemingly exponential growth of the cannabis community, and the concentrate contingent in particular, this year’s 710 celebration is sure to consist of the largest assortment of oil lovers to date.
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GreenPharms is more than just a dispensary. We are a family-owned and operated company that cultivates, processes, and sells high-quality cannabis products in Arizona. Whether you are looking for medical or recreational marijuana, we have something for everyone. From flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals, to accessories, apparel, and education, we offer a wide range of marijuana strains, products and services to suit your needs and preferences. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Visit our dispensaries in Mesa and Flagstaff, or shop online and get your order delivered to your door. At GreenPharms, we are cultivating a different kind of care.
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