Industry Insights: Tap Into Concentrate Curiosity for 710 Sales

Attract new customers and increase sales on Dab Day with concentrates that appeal to diverse cannabis consumers.

As the cannabis market evolves and matures, the 710 cannabis holiday is becoming much more than a celebration of concentrates. Yes, it pays homage to the technical mastery needed to create live resin, shatter, wax, and more, but it’s also an opportunity for brands and dispensaries to increase sales and attract new customers.

When analyzing 710 sales for the 2023 holiday, Headset recorded “an overall sales lift of 10.7% across US markets and 7.3% in Canada when comparing the Monday holiday to a typical Monday.”¹ More recently, Mintel noted significant increases in overall concentrate usage between 2023 and 2024.² Clearly, consumers are becoming more interested in concentrates.

Perhaps of equal importance, Dab Day is also an opportunity to deepen customer engagement and knowledge. Misinformation and confusion can deter both non-users and current cannabis users who have never tried concentrates. The holiday provides the perfect opportunity to introduce customers to various concentrate products they may enjoy for years to come.

So, what products will appeal to consumers? Is it all about dank, high-dose dabs? Are consumers looking for familiar favorites or extreme novelty? Discover what’s driving concentrate curiosity, learn what’s trending, and optimize your product portfolio for your most successful Dab Day yet.

Consumer Cannabis Behaviors to Watch for on 710

Even non-cannabis users are often aware of the 420 holiday. However, despite growing awareness of 710 among current cannabis consumers, it’s not so well-known. As a result, trying to forecast consumer behaviors for such a niche holiday can be tricky. 

Some consumers aren’t knowledgeable about concentrates and can be hesitant to explore these products. At the same time, they might unknowingly be enjoying a concentrate since many products incorporate them in some way (vapes, infused pre-rolls, etc.). While this may seem like a confusing maze to navigate, it’s also ripe with opportunities for brands who understand consumer behaviors and sentiments.

Between 2023 and 2024, concentrate usage increased from 30-35% among cannabis consumers. Traditionally, concentrates have appealed to consumers for their high-potency, efficiency, and novelty. However, Mintel explains that lesser-used formats like concentrates and drinkables are seeing usage growth, “driven by interest in customization, discretion and health-consciousness.” For example, vape pens are easier to use discreetly throughout the day and microdosing behaviors give consumers more control over consumption. “By sticking to small doses of THC, consumers can stay focused and productive with minimal side effects - an important factor in driving trial.” 

This might translate to carefully dosed concentrate-infused edibles, a low-dose live resin vape, etc. Conversely, a marketing campaign that educates shoppers on comfortable concentrate consumption can help them understand how existing products may already meet these preferences. Whatever the case, it’s about helping consumers customize their consumption experiences. Brands offering products that meet these demands can attract new shoppers who may have been too intimidated otherwise.

That being said, there will ALWAYS be consumers looking for high-potency concentrates. In 2024, a significant driver of product switching was potency, with 36% of shoppers between the ages of 22 and 34 “reporting that they purchase more potent products to cut costs, which often includes high-dose concentrates” according to Mintel data.

Formulating a product that meets the exact preferences of your desired consumer is vital, but brands also need to stand out from competitors who may be doing the exact same thing. For that, you’re going to want to enhance them with trending strains and flavors. 

Trending Cannabis Strains and Flavors for 710

While product attraction is still largely driven by price and recommendations from friends and family, 47% of recreational cannabis consumers Mintel surveyed said that “appealing flavor” was the most compelling motivation for product trial. 

Cannabis consumers are already incredibly diverse. Between longtime users and shoppers who’ve only recently begun purchasing cannabis products, demand exists for a wide variety of flavors and aromas. From gas-forward badder that authentically recreates the aromatic profiles of specific cultivars to fruity and floral oils that might not taste like cannabis whatsoever. 

Trending cannabis cultivars with built-in hype can appeal to consumers with an interest in things like Leafly’s Strain of the Year (Super Boof, White Runtz, etc.) or unique genetics (Blue Nerds, Grape Dosi #4, Thunderbird Cheese, etc.). Conversely, iconic strains like Blue Dream, Bacio Gelato, or King Louie XIII will resonate with long-time consumers with a penchant for cannabis history. 

Brands also have the ability to infuse products with flavors and aromas outside of cannabis. This is particularly important since younger consumers (52% of Gen Z and 49% of Millennials) enjoy experimenting with new tastes and are often attracted to new flavors and limited-time offerings.³

One option is leaning into familiar favorites or giving nostalgic flavors unexpected twists in new formats. Root Beer Float is an excellent example of this. It already toes the line between beverage and dessert, but now consumers can enjoy the sharp bite of sassafras and cream in a variety of concentrates. Something like Bubble Gum Burst, Midnight Mango Ice, or Classic Glazed Donut can create the novelty that some consumers want for the 710 holiday.

Cannabis Concentrate Product Types for 710

The number and variety of cannabis concentrate products is staggering. While this can be overwhelming for new consumers, it also means there’s likely a concentrate that fits their preferences. For brands, ensuring their products get into the hands of their preferred customers comes down to understanding what those shoppers want and need.

Live Resin, Shatter, Rosin, Crumble, and MORE

Many 710 celebrations revolve around these products since they’re prized for their potency, variety, and the unique extraction methods required to create them. They’re often incredibly aromatic, which can be very appealing.

Live resin, for example, is particularly popular for vaping due to its ability to preserve aromas well over time. The quality and potency of live resin can appeal to consumers who prefer premium products.

Diamonds, Sauce, Crumble, etc.

Advanced concentrates like high-purity diamonds and crumble offer unique consumption experiences. Crumble, for example, can be vaped, dabbed, or added to a variety of other products (joints, blunts, etc.). Consumers who are already familiar with these formats are drawn to premium products that offer high-intensity experiences.   

Vapes, Extracts, & Oils

For many consumers, their first experience with concentrates is in the form of a vape, extract, or an oil. Many concentrates can be vaped, giving consumers access to concentrates that are portable, discreet, versatile, and offer fast onset effects. These product types, along with infused pre-rolls and edibles, present a low barrier to entry for consumers who are curious about concentrates.

Not only are some of these products simply more familiar, but they appeal to consumers who would prefer to inhale vapor instead of smoke. New devices, limited-edition cartridges, and more can appeal to both novice and experienced users. Additionally, concentrates like distillate provide a blank canvas that brands can use to create unique flavor and aroma experiences that appeal to consumers.

Infused Pre-Rolls and Edibles

They might not be the traditional products people think of when talking about concentrates, but pre-rolls and edibles infused with concentrates offer several benefits to brands and consumers.

According to MJ Biz Daily, not only did pre-rolls show the largest increase in revenue among all categories between June 2023 and June 2024, but “Infused joints, which became the top-selling pre-roll category in the United States last year, have maintained an average 43.4% share of the segment in the markets Headset tracks.”⁴ 

Adding concentrates to pre-rolls gives consumers all of the benefits of pre-rolls (convenient, portable, ease of use, etc.) with increased potency and enhanced flavors and aromas. Similarly, gummies and chocolates infused with concentrates appeal to consumers who want non-inhalable products that are easy to use with controlled dosing and prolonged effects.

Introducing consumers to concentrates through familiar formats can help brands reach new consumers who might not be confident purchasing other concentrates.

Abstrax Tech | Optimize Your Product Portfolio for 710

From the authenticity of our Signature Series, our breakthrough discoveries in Cheesy Cannabis, or our Science of Exotic Cannabis research, we will always be at the forefront of cannabis aroma science — and we’ll help you apply our research to your products.

Have a signature flavor? Want custom experiences? Cultivar-specific aromas? With our expert formulation assistance, a database of over 1,000 strain profiles, and our high-intensity Cloudburst Technology, we’ll help you create endless flavor variations that keep your customers on the edge of their seats.

Deliver the same flavor in multiple applications to cement your signature flavor across product types. We have the technology and expertise to help you formulate products that attract new consumers and turn them into raving fans. 

Schedule a free consultation with our formulation experts and
optimize your product portfolio in time for 710!

1. Headset. (2023, July 12). DAB OF DATA: Recapping “Dab day” 2023. https://www.headset.io/blog/dab-of-data-recapping-dab-day-2023 

2. O'Donnell, Fiona. (2024, September 09). Recreational Cannabis Consumer – US – 2024. [Market Report]. Mintel. https://www.mintel.com/ 

3. DiGirolamo, Vince. (2024, December 31). Cannabis Retail: Positioning and Marketing – US – 2024. [Market Report]. Mintel. https://www.mintel.com/

4. Jackson, M. (2024, September 11). Pre-Rolls Spark Fastest Growth Category in the Cannabis Industry. MJBizDaily. https://mjbizdaily.com/pre-rolls-spark-fastest-growth-category-in-cannabis-industry/