If you have spent any time around or in the cannabis community, you likely have heard about 420. Today, it's a global cultural phenomenon for weed smokers. Over the last couple of years, 710 has also become very popular in the cannabis community. In this article, you will learn about 420 meaning，710 meaning, and the cultures surrounding them.
1. What does 420 mean?
You probably think that 420 would be an excellent time for you to hit a joint, and you are right. This is because the number 420 is used as a symbol for celebrating the cannabis culture. Thus, the day, April 20 (420), and the time, 4.20, be it day or night, are dedicated towards this celebration.
Generally, 420 became a thing over time as marijuana gained more popularity and visibility worldwide. Whether you are a weed user or not, it usually feels like the world is about to celebrate an important traditional day like Mother’s Day every April, thanks to the buzz created around 420. This buzz has come to be known as "420 fever."
Welcome the Millennials
Part of this buzz is thanks to the Millennials, who are more outgoing and free speaking than Gen Xers. The 420-movement started as an official and "secret" holiday for the hard stoners. This was at a time when Marijuana use had an extremely negative stigma and was criminalized in many parts of the world.
Millennials pushed for the change of perceptions on the pot and highlighted its numerous health benefits that could help society. The change in perceptions led to the legalization of the herb's use in various forms across the world. As a result, more people started coming out as pot users, and public celebrations became a thing.
Marijuana users organize "Smokeout" events in some countries to meet up, smoke, and party together. One such event held in Vancouver in 2019 saw more than 150,000 from all over the world people attending.
Separating the myths from the possible truth
The "420 fever" has created many myths on how the number came to be the backbone of the cannabis culture. Some claim that it's the police code for smoking in public in some cities. Others point out that a notorious band of musicians, the Grateful Dead preferred to sleep in hotel room number 420 during their tours. They would also get to smoke weed in their 420-hotel room. All of these myths are yet to be confirmed.
One of the possible truths about the origin of 420 is in the early 1970s from San Rafael High School, California. Here, a group of students would leave school at 4.20 to meet up for a smoking session.
It was not long before the people who interacted with the group of friends spread the term across the state, and it went on to catch on throughout the United States. So, it's most likely that stoned teenagers created 420, which is now a worldwide culture.
2. What is 710 mean?
You likely haven't heard of 710, and you aren't alone; many people haven't. The number 710 can be inverted to OIL, and it's meant to celebrate the smoking of cannabis oils and other extracts. Like 420, the 710 enthusiasts exalt smoking at 7.10 in the morning or the evening and celebrate July 10 (710) as their special day. In recent years, 710 has been gaining a lot of traction globally and is on track to become a weed holiday like 4.20.
The origins
The origins of 710 are yet to be verified, but reliable sources point out that it was mentioned on the Urban Dictionary as early as 2010. It was in 2011 that the number began getting associated with cannabis and its oils and concentrates. TaskRok of Highly Educated is also credited for coming up with the number.
During an interview with Leaf Online, he revealed that he had a lightbulb moment about the number while conversing with cannabis industry professionals from BeeHive Oil Clothing and HealthStone.
On July 11, 2010, TaskRok launched an album, "The Movement," with his music partner with a track titled "7.10." He also sings about dabbing marijuana several times in the album. Though TaskRok is credited as the originator of the 710 movements by cannabis industry insiders, he has always shared the credit with the community.
Going mainstream
A truth that faces no contradiction is when 710 became a popular cannabis industry culture. This was in 2013 when 710 as a cannabis culture garnered media attention. Weesmaps' Marijuana.com did an article talking about dabbing becoming popular.
On the other side, the LA Weekly did an article questioning whether 710 was on its way to becoming the new 420. The first official 710 events in the world, dubbed. The 710 Cup was held in the same year. The event wasn't held on 7/10 as that was a Wednesday, so the organizers opted to move it to Friday 12th till Sunday 14th.
All of these happening at around the same time allowed 710 to gain the momentum to go mainstream. The following year, the International Business Times and the High Times ran articles celebrating 710, and they christened the day "Dab Day." Getting such mainstream attention opened more people up to the idea that cannabis wasn't as bad as they might have imagined.
This enabled the legalization movement to gain popularity, and thus, marijuana was legalized in a lot more places. Today, more Marijuana users appreciate the dabbing culture and the 710 lifestyles.
3. Is 710 the next 420?
The big question on every Marijuana enthusiast's mind is – would 710 become the next 420. There is no clear-cut answer to this question as there are many dynamics to it. Firstly, 420 has been around for decades, and it will take 710 a couple of more years to get to where it is.
Moreover, 420 is all about smoking a joint which is more accessible to the masses. It's popular because all someone needs to 420 is weed and some hemp wrap. They could have grown the weed and dried it themselves, and they get to do their joints.
On the other hand, 710-ing is a more complicated process. One has to have the weed and access to a solvent like carbon dioxide or butane to extract the THC and other cannabinoids. The result is a sticky oil that the person has to place in a dab rig to inhale. One can also decide to buy cannabis oils and concentrates, but they are typically more expensive than just buying wide. You have to also fact to in the cost of a dab rig. All of this sophistication create a hindrance to 710 becoming as popular as 420.
This means that in places where people have no access to the oils and concentrates or can't afford the dabbing budget, they will be opting for 420. They can get to 710 once in a while when they have an opportunity, but 420 will be their primary source of a high. This is not the end of the story as there might come an invention that makes dabbing as easy as smoking a joint, and this will be a game-changer.
4. Take your 420 to 710 levels – low maintenance potency boost.
The Marijuana culture is all about experimenting and finding new horizons. Just because you don't have access to a dab rig, it doesn't mean that you have to give up hope on being part of the 710 culture. You can still get to enjoy 710 using the various forms of weed oils and concentrates available like powdered kief and wrapping wax.
Both of these options are low maintenance, and all you need is your smoking bowl or a joint. Once you set up your bowl, you can top it off with powdered kief or put wrapping wax around your joint. This takes a little more effort, but it will change your smoking game forever while giving you a chance to explore your 710 sides.
5. 710 Celebrations
You can hold 710 celebrations daily at 7.10 at dusk or dawn. You can have friends over or choose to go it alone if you are looking to explore your thoughts, ambitions, and imaginations. As the 710 lifestyle gets more popular, you can expect the 710 celebrations to start in your locality soon.
Take the initiative to assemble a group of like-minded friends and go for it. You will be surprised how many weed enthusiasts have been looking for an outlet like the one you will be creating.
If you are in a state where marijuana is legal, there are already a couple of 710 celebrations in existence. Oregon has Camp Sesh, there is the 710 Degrees Cup in Arizona, and Colorado has the Kush Masters 710 Celebrations. You can travel to these states to attend their 710 celebrations if you are looking for something better.
On the international front, there is usually a couple of 710 events organized in different countries where marijuana is legal each year. You can know where these events will be taking place by getting into 710 communities and forums online. You can also get your medical marijuana card online!