420, Concentrated: What is the 710 “Dab Holiday” Anyway?

Cannabis enthusiasts have always been creative and innovative, especially when it comes to ways to enjoy their favorite plant. Of course simply rolling one up is always an option, but for some cannoisseurs, the art of getting high (or seeking quick relief) has come to involve an assortment of concentrated cannabis and high tech devices, from e-rigs to torches and cases full of glass and quartz bits that come together in an array that’s quite intimidating to the uninitiated.

For this rare breed of weed nerd, simply sparking one up wouldn’t quite do. They even took bubble hash to another level! And so the dab was born, and from the early hot butter knives warmed on the coils of the stove for “honey oil” hits to today’s fanciest Puffco with custom glass attachments and a 3DX chamber–the tasty terpy clouds of vapor are the holy grail.

A much less widely known holiday coalesced around dab culture and those who preferred concentrates—710. Since flipped upside down, 710 looks like OIL. July 10th soon became synonymous with dabs the way that April 20th became the de facto “weed holiday.” Of course 710 doesn’t have quite as cutesy of a cultural origin story as the 420 group of high schoolers in Marin with a treasure map to a fabled weed grow, but it’s definitely become a big part of cannabis culture in the last decade or two.

A VERY large dab of delicious cannabis concentrates. We recommend starting with a small amount and warming up to this.

What Is a Dab?

If you’ve ever watched someone torch up what looks like a tiny chemistry lab before taking a hit that makes them cough like a dragon and then giggle like a kid, you’ve witnessed the art of the dab. At its core, dabbing is the consumption of cannabis concentrates—high-potency extractions like wax, shatter, live resin, rosin, and hash oil—via vaporization.

Unlike flower, which is typically around 15–25% THC, concentrates can test upwards of 70–90%, making dabs a next-level experience. Created with various extraction methods that have evolved over the years, more refined methods have led to modern extracts that preserve the essence and full flavor of a cannabis cultivar and deliver a terpene rich and flavorful experience, especially when produced with a solventless extraction process and dabbed at low temperatures.

The concentrated power of the products and complexity of consumption methods has sometimes led to dab culture being a bit exclusive or intimidating. But just like with wine or whiskey, connoisseurship has helped create a more refined, approachable experience, especially for the adventurous traveler.

The Birth of 710: Dab Day Origins

The 710 holiday has murky but intriguing roots. Around 2010, internet forums and message boards began to catch on to the idea that “710,” when flipped upside down, spells “OIL”—a nod to hash oil and other concentrates. One of the earliest mentions was in a track by rappers Task & Linus titled “Boil That Oil,” and soon after, events and social media posts started to coalesce around July 10th as a day to celebrate all things dabs.

What started as an insider reference has grown into a national—if niche—cannabis holiday. Today, 710 is celebrated in much the same way as 420: with festivals, product launches, sesh parties, and sales focused on concentrates, vapes, and cutting-edge cannabis tech.

A Dab Renaissance: From Torch to Tech

While early dabbers used rudimentary tools—think butter knives on stovetops or modified soldering irons—the modern dabber enjoys a suite of devices engineered for optimal flavor and precise temperature control. Brands like Puffco, Dr. Dabber, ISPIRE and Carta have created sleek, user-friendly devices that make entering dab culture a lot less intimidating.

These innovations have helped shift dabbing from hardcore subculture to a more elevated experience. Live rosin tasting flights, terpene-focused pairings, and educational “dab bars” at consumption lounges are helping introduce concentrates to a broader, more discerning audience.

A Puffco Hot Knife loads up a massive dab of cannabis concentrates into a Puffco Peak, just one of many high tech dab gadgets.

Celebrating 710 as a Cannabis Traveler

So how can you, the canna-curious traveler, celebrate this potent and flavorful holiday without feeling overwhelmed? Here are some travel-friendly ideas for exploring 710 while on the road:

1. Visit a Consumption Lounge

Cities like West Hollywood, San Francisco, and Las Vegas offer licensed cannabis lounges where you can try dabs in a safe, social environment. Many have dab bars with on-site guidance and a variety of devices so you can sample concentrates without the stress of setup or cleanup.

2. Take a Concentrate Class

Some cannabis tour companies and hash production facilities (like Heritage Mendocino’s hashery in Ukiah) offer beginner-friendly demonstrations or classes on dabbing and concentrates. You can learn about extraction methods, terpene profiles, and see how concentrates are made.

3. Enjoy a Dispensary Dab Flight

More dispensaries and lounges are offering curated concentrate “flights” similar to wine or beer tastings. Sample a few grams of live resin, rosin, or shatter with suggested pairings or effects—great for discovering your preferred texture, potency, and terpene flavor.

4. Book a 710-Themed Travel Experience

Some cannabis tours and event producers build experiences around 710. Think hash-making demos on a Mendocino farm, or a dab-and-dine experience at a private chef event in Denver. These curated adventures are perfect for travelers looking to celebrate with local flair.

5. Try Vape Tech on the Go

Not ready to torch up? No problem. Portable vape pens and cartridges offer a simple, discreet way to explore concentrates. Look for brands that prioritize clean live resin or solventless rosin for a flavorful experience on your own terms.

At Heritage Mendocino in Ukiah, you can see their concentrates being made through a window in the shop.

Final Hits

710 may not be as well-known as 420, but it’s just as worthy of celebration—especially for those curious about the next level of cannabis experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned dabber or simply a traveler looking to explore new horizons in flavor and effect, July 10th is your invitation to try something bold.

So pack your travel rig (or just your curiosity), and get ready to explore the world of 710. It’s time to rise and dab!

Vape pens are a discreet and convenient way to enjoy concentrates on the go.