710: The Cannabis Holiday Hallmark Missed

The Forgotten Holiday

While 4/20 may be the most well-known cannabis celebration, there's another date that has become a favorite among concentrate enthusiasts - 7/10 or "Dab Day." Although you’ll be hard pressed to find a Hallmark greeting card for it, this “holiday” is deeply cherished by devout cannabis connoisseurs. 

The origins of this newer cannabis holiday stem from the cannabis concentrate community as a play on words - when you flip "710" upside down, it spells "OIL", referring to cannabis concentrates and extracts. That's right. At some point, someone, likely in an interpretive haze, flipped an old school Casio calculator upside down and was inspired to pronounce 7/10 as "Dab Day" - a nod to the dab rigs used to vaporize and inhale potent cannabis oils and concentrates.

While its origins may be tongue-in-cheek, 7/10 has gained serious traction as a celebration of the innovation and artistry of cannabis extracts. No longer just the domain of underground extract artists, concentrates have gone mainstream in a big way.

The Rise Of Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates like oils, waxes, shatters and other extracts have exploded in popularity in recent years. Concentrate sales jumped from around $1.9 billion in 2020, to $2.4 billion in 2022, according to data from the cannabis analytics firm Brightfield Group. They project concentrate sales will reach $3.2 billion by the end of 2024 as the potent products continue gaining popularity.

“Concentrates in U.S. markets are becoming more destigmatized over time,” shared Roger Volodarsky, CEO and Founder of Puffco, a leading concentrate device brand. “If you go back 10 years, there was a lot of fear and concern over anything related to cannabis concentrates because few people understood them. These days however, most consumers are engaging with concentrates in some way—even if it’s just a pre-filled vape pen—largely because there are just more approachable options available now. And while Puffco prefers high quality, load-your-own consumption, we’re seeing a greater sense of familiarity between the general public and the world of cannabis concentrates.” 

Vape Pens And Cartridges

The vape pen and cartridge segment, which is dominated by cannabis concentrate oils and distillates, grew a staggering 49% in 2023 across all legal U.S. markets. Vape pens now make up around 25% of total cannabis wholesale sales nationwide. Pre-filled cannabis vape cartridges were a $2.8 billion dollar market in the U.S. in 2023, up from $500 million in 2019 as more consumers opt for the convenience and potency of concentrates.

In California, the largest legal cannabis market, concentrates like live resin and sauce made up over a third (35%) of total cannabis sales in 2023, surpassing traditional flower for the first time. The demand for more potent, pure cannabis concentrate products is being driven heavily by younger consumers. Gen Z and Millennial consumers account for over 70% of all concentrate sales in legal U.S. markets.

Infused Pre-Rolls

The rise in infused pre-roll offerings has contributed to the accelerated growth in the cannabis concentrate market. Infused pre-rolls are made by combining cannabis concentrate with flower, resulting in a product with higher potency, stronger flavor, and an elevated price point. 

According to data from Custom Cones USA, by Headset, from April 2024, concentrate-infused pre-rolls accounted for 46.3% of sales in the pre-roll sector, and saw 8.47 million units sold in one month. Additionally, sales dollars have doubled since April 2022, jumping from $58.5 million to $110.6 million by 2024. 

“The most common thing customers are asking budtenders is what the highest potency products are, which has propelled the rise of infused pre-rolls across the industry. Right now, infused pre-rolls are the fastest growing segment and the top-selling pre-roll products, in fact, 9 of the top 10 pre-roll products on shelves are infused,” says Harrison Bard, CEO of Custom Cones USA.

As cannabis concentrates continue their rapid growth in popularity, the 7/10 "Dab Day" holiday celebrating these extracts is likely to keep expanding as well. Concentrates are redefining how cannabis is consumed across the country.

The Farmers Cup 710 Cannabis Competition 

Not every cannabis community celebrates the esteemed 710 holiday, but San Diego, California, hosts an exclusive event for the occasion. The 710 Edition of the Farmers Cup Cannabis Competition is a concentrate contest deeply rooted in cannabis culture, showcasing various categories, including rosin, vapes, infused prerolls, live resin, personal use, licensed goods, and best packaging, among others.

Founded in 2016, the Farmers Cup initially partnered with the local farmer's market to boost the visibility of small-scale cannabis cultivators and brands. In its early stages, the competition primarily featured Southern California products. Over time, the Farmers Cup has expanded to include offerings from across the state, including top-tier brands from Northern California.

Joshua Caruso, Founder of the Farmers Cup, explains, "Our primary goal has always been to give small farms, homegrows, and brands the chance to gain extensive exposure in the vast cannabis consumer market, which they might not have access to otherwise."

Exploring Devices

I invited several members of the San Diego Farmers Cup team to share their insights and expertise in reviewing this year's 710 products.

G PEN MICRO+

The G Pen Micro+ is a compact and versatile vape pen designed for both wax concentrates and 510 thread cartridges. Pretty cool, already.

It features a food-grade silicone mouthpiece, a Micro+ tank composed of a ceramic and quartz coil, and an 850mAh battery with USB-C fast charging. The vape pen incorporates advanced cartridge recognition technology to optimize temperature settings automatically and offers three distinct temperature levels that can be adjusted by pressing the control button three times. 

We tested the G-Pen with “Black Garlic” concentrate from WeedWoodz, an artisanal cannabis brand from Long Beach, California known for its multi-award winning wood-tipped infused preroll. With its intuitive adjustable temperatures, and vibrating readiness alert, the device allowed our team to indulge in the earthy, woody taste of the strain. 

One of our reviewers noted that the round bottom base prevents standing the pen up, and would prefer side charging. However, all-in-all, priced at $74.95, this solid device and carrying case make for a quality purchase for the versatile concentrate consumer.

PuffCo Pro + Peak Pro 3DXL Chamber

Competition is always beneficial, and all leading cannabis device manufacturers are well aware that Puffco dominates the e-rig market. This dominance isn’t attributed to being the cheapest either. Positioned at the higher end of the price range, Puffco has cemented itself as a worthy investment for serious dabbing enthusiasts.

The Peak Pro 

The Peak Pro is introduced as a significantly upgraded version of the already successful original Puffco Peak. This model boasts a 40% larger bowl, real-time temperature control, USB-C and wireless charging capabilities, along with Bluetooth app integration. Its ergonomic design features a grooved silicone base and an enhanced carb cap. The polished ceramic 3D chamber, included in the design, amplifies both flavor and efficiency, offering quicker heating and better battery life retention compared to the standard chamber.

Peak Pro 3DXL Chamber Gold 

The Peak Pro 3DXL Chamber Gold sets a new standard with a 78% larger bowl than the original, effectively doubling the vapor output. One of our testers said, “Its massively larger bowl is a cloud producing game changer." Compatible with all Peak Pro models and requiring updated firmware, this limited-edition chamber is perfect for larger dabs and extended sessions. This addresses one of the few downsides for heavy dabbers of the original model. Although its increased capacity can heavily drain the battery, it remains a crucial and impressive addition for any serious cannabis concentrate dabber.

Modül + Modul Dok Bundle

The Modül + Modul Dok Bundle is an innovative, customizable vaporization system recently launched by Stündenglass. It is specifically engineered to provide a highly personalized vaping experience. Stündenglass, a company originally founded by a former Apple employee, gained widespread attention after a viral video featuring Seth Rogen using their signature Stündenglass device (named after the German word for "hourglass").

In 2020, Grenco Science acquired Stündenglass and has since introduced the Modül vaporizer along with the Modul Dok, a docking station that enhances the device’s functionality and user experience. The Modül vaporizer features a variety of adjustable settings for precise temperature control, while the Modul Dok offers benefits such as extended battery life, additional storage, and convenient recharging capabilities.

It’s compact enough for easy travel, fun, engaging, and produces a delightful hit as a Cup Farmer illustrates below.

The Chalice by Made In Xiaolin

Made In Xiaolin, a Colorado-based cannabis brand, is celebrated for its luxurious cannabis products, especially their meticulously crafted Cannagars, which are prized for their slow burn and use of premium flower and concentrates. Recently, the company unveiled a completely different product—an elegant and sophisticated bespoke vapor cup device.

“The sheer novelty and presentation of The Chalice makes it a very socially enjoyable experience, with a wow factor," said Christopher, one of the Cup team reviewers.

We tested the Chalice with Stone Road’s latest concentrates, "Sugar" and "Sauce." Stone Road, a brand known for its single-source, 100% naturally produced, unfiltered cannabis from seed to sale, delivered a sublime and flavorful experience that was not overwhelming. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, or not even interested in cannabis, Stone Road’s engaging and creative website is worth a look in and of itself. 

Thermal Twist Injector Bundle by Crossing

The next product really got the Farmers Cup team and me excited: the Thermal Twist Injector Bundle by Crossing Technology. This versatile and highly regarded vaporizer kit masterfully combines performance with affordability. The device is renowned for its smooth and efficient vapor production, catering to a wide spectrum of vaping preferences, from light sips to deep, potent hits. As one Reddit user exclaimed, "WOW. This thing slaps."

The Thermal Twist Injector heats up incredibly quickly, making it suitable for anything from light, terpy sips to eye-watering rips. Key features include options for a solid core made from either Stainless Steel or Titanium and a hybrid variant known as the Ruby Twist, which incorporates 230 gem-cut rubies for superior heat retention and enhanced flavor. The bundle is comprehensive, including essentials such as a Crossing Technology PID, a 20mm coil with handle, a glass bowl with passthrough, a coil heat guard, and various adapters and accessories.

The Farmers Cup team and I put the stainless steel version to the test. One seasoned dabber described the vapors as "liquid terps," while another remarked, "I wouldn't be able to own one of these; I'd dab all day." Personally, I found the vapors produced by the Thermal Twist Injector to be the closest thing I've experienced to those from the classic Storz + Bickel Volcano.

The ball-less design of the Thermal Twist Injector offers a unique vaping experience without compromising on quality. Its affordability makes it an enticing option for both newcomers and seasoned users seeking a reliable and high-performing vaporizer.

The G Pen Hyer

The G Pen Hyer is a versatile e-rig designed for use with both concentrates and dry herbs, and that alone made it appealing to us. It features a robust design with a convenient integrated battery and a user-friendly interface. The device is known for its powerful heating element, which allows for fast and even vaporization, ensuring a consistent and flavorful experience. Additionally, it supports multiple temperature settings, offering flexibility for different types of materials and user preferences.

The G Pen Hyer retails for $249.95, putting it at a high price-point, but buyers aren’t shy to call it a worthwhile purchase. “I was hesitant to spend so much on an e-rig, but the G Pen Hyer has been worth every penny. It's so much easier and cleaner than using a traditional rig, and the flavor is incredible,” said one Reddit user.

G Pen Hyer Vaporizer

Core 2.1 by Crossing

The Core 2.1 e-rig by Crossing is a remarkably affordable option at $135.99, especially compared to higher-priced alternatives. Does this moderate price equate to subpar quality? Absolutely not. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. A British reviewer expressed, “I finally got my hands on the Core 2.1 vaporizer, and it's the real deal! It's all over the internet with glowing reviews, and I can see why. Smooth hits, great flavor – this device lives up to the hype and then some. Happy toking!”

Given its stellar reviews, we invested some time testing this device. Our Cup reviewer commented, “The Core 2.1 works great and is even more affordable than my personal rig, the Vocus V Carta 2. It has a similar setup and comes with its own case. The deep chamber accommodates larger globs of concentrate.”

She added, “The 'clouds' size varies depending on the dab size, but the hit from the device is excellent. The battery life seems longer than my personal rig’s. Even after being left on for a few days, it still had a decent amount of battery left. It’s very similar to the Puffco Peak Pro and the Vocus V Carta 2. I really enjoyed its power.”

The Core 2.1 is a device that truly impresses, striking a balance between cost and quality that's difficult to beat. For anyone seeking a reliable, high-performing eRig without breaking the bank, the Core 2.1 is an excellent choice.

Tronian Omegatron Vapor Cup

The Tronian Omegatron Vapor Cup is both an eye-catching and compelling device designed to enhance your vaping experience. This innovative vapor cup features a unique Glass Core heating chamber, which provides smooth and flavorful vapor from concentrates. With its powerful 3150 mAh battery—the largest in the Vapor Cup segment—it ensures extended usage sessions. The Omegatron is easy to use and maintain, making it ideal for both seasoned vapers and newcomers alike.

One device reviewer remarked, "The Tronian is fun to use and has a wow factor, especially once the creamy clouds start flowing into the cup. It provides great value for the price." Our experience mirrored this sentiment, as the device embodies delicate simplicity and is engaging to operate.

Additionally, we’ve seen the Omegatron work well for vendors at events when used with straws for each consumer. Simply sip up the pure vapor.

DRINK VAPOR: Omegatron Vapor Cup Unboxing and Demo
Other Brands I Like

Ladylike

Ever wondered what constitutes exceptional cannabis branding? Look no further than Ladylike. The company’s logo, web design, brand values, and product offerings exude an elegant and sophisticated appeal that look like something straight out of Vogue Magazine. 

The distinguished brand specializes in premium hemp-derived products tailored for women, and is dedicated to eradicating the stigma associated with the use of plant-based therapeutic products. Ladylike's product lineup is meticulously crafted, offering a diverse range of products, including discreet edibles, vapes, and plant-powered solutions, designed to address various needs such as anxiety relief, mood enhancement, and insomnia management.

The company’s ancillary apparel and merchandise line perfectly complements the brand. Whereas some cannabis brands treat apparel as an uninspiring afterthought with a logo slapped on a Haynes t-shirt, Ladylike's design elements are intricate and highly professional. There’s a reason the Ladylike tie-die bucket hat is sold out: It’s colorful, yet subdued, with an unimposing logo that whispers, “I’m ladylike, but not entirely, and not always.” 

Although designed with women in mind, don’t let the name fool you. Ladylike's products are versatile enough to appeal to everyone, with an elegant vape that ‘hits strong enough for a man.”

Vessel

Vessel is the OG of vape pen design sophistication, and I'm not just saying that. Vessel was far ahead of its time in leading the industry with innovative cartridge pen designs. While other brands might add a premium product to their otherwise lackluster lineup, premium is the only standard Vessel knows when it comes to engineering stunning devices.

Owning a Vessel pen means you would be devastated if you lost it. Trust me, I know from experience; I’ve lost two Expedition models. The first one disappeared at a Benzinga Conference in Florida, and the second one at a hookah lounge in Vegas. 

Sometimes I still wonder what lucky Benzinga conference-goer walked away with my Vessel vape pen the first time. And my efforts to retrieve the second in Vegas were fruitless. 

Have a glimpse at sophistication. 

Hemper Subscription Box Delights

While there is no specific data on the number of cannabis or hemp subscription box companies and their success rates, industry veterans have observed many companies come and go. HEMPER has been a notable exception.

I featured the company in last year's "Benzinga's Inaugural 4/21 Gift Guide (Because 4/20 Was So Yesterday)," highlighting, "The challenge lies in consistently producing compelling products, delivery after delivery, to keep subscribers engaged."

Whether it’s their subscription box, or inventory of products, reasonable prices, cool gadgets, and things you didn’t know you needed but do now, HEMPER does it well. The two products they sent me did not disappoint. Fun, practical goods. 

The ultra-practical HEMPER Iso-Plex Iso Cleaning & Concentrate Tool Station at $34.99 will replace the cocktail glass and napkin set-up I’ve been using to date. And the HEMPER “Vapor Station” Dab Straw Station + Bubbler at $39.99 is fun and affordable device ideal for parties. 

Timeless Chemistree Vape Cartridge and CCELL Palm Pro Battery

The Timeless Chemistree vape cartridge delivers a compelling vaping experience for cannabis concentrate enthusiasts. Known for its rich and robust flavors, this cartridge is designed using high-quality materials to ensure longevity and consistent performance. The Chemistree strain is particularly beloved for its balanced high and potent effects, making it a versatile option for both recreational and medicinal users.

The cartridge features a 510-thread connection, making it compatible with a wide array of vape batteries, including, notably, the CCELL Palm Pro. Users will appreciate the seamless and uninterrupted draw that the Chemistree cartridge provides, ensuring each puff delivers the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.