Cannabis concentrates are powerful and popular, and “shatter” is one type that’s catching on. It looks like amber glass and packs a strong punch. Shatter’s catching eyes and gaining fans in the cannabis world for good reason.
Read on as we break down everything about weed shatter. What’s the buzz about? How safe is shatter weed? We’ve got you covered on all things shatter.
If you’re a seasoned user or just shatter-curious, we’re here to spill on why this concentrate is more than just a pretty piece of the cannabis scene.
What is Shatter?
Shatter is a translucent, solid form of cannabis concentrate that has a glass-like appearance, earning its name from the tendency to break or ‘shatter’ easily. This concentrate, also known as Butane Hash Oil (BHO), is a potent form of marijuana often used by dabbing enthusiasts due to its high purity and potency.
Characteristics
Danyal Swan, the author of What Is Shatter? Cannabis Shatter Explained, says that shatter is found in shades ranging from orange to amber. It is visually reminiscent of stained glass, with a brittleness that can vary in shade from dark amber to lighter yellow tones, similar to vegetable oil.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Shatter’s physical and chemical properties make it distinct from cannabis products. Its clarity indicates a lack of contaminants, which, along with its brittle texture, arises from the careful extraction and purification processes it undergoes.
This includes the removal of waxes and fats that could cloud the clarity of the final product. The purity of shatter can make it more potent than other forms of cannabis, with a high concentration of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis), which can provide more powerful effects.
The History of Shatter
Early Use of Cannabis Concentrates
People have been zeroing in on the good stuff in cannabis for ages. Way back in the 2nd century BCE, they already had tricks for pulling out the potent bits. It’s not a new game – just that now, we’re playing it with high-tech gear.
These early methods used simple mechanical presses or basic solvent extraction procedures to create more potent and portable forms of cannabis that could be used for medicinal, spiritual, or recreational purposes.
The Evolution of Extraction Methods Leading to Shatter
Here’s the progress from ancient techniques to modern-day practices.
| Time Period | Extraction Method | Description |
| Ancient Times | Mechanical Separation | Using hands or simple tools to separate plant trichomes. |
| 19th Century | Solvent-Based Extraction | Using ethanol or other solvents to extract cannabinoids. |
| 20th Century | Refinement of Solvent Extraction | Introduction of more selective solvents for higher purity. |
| Late 20th Century | Closed-Loop Systems | Safer, more efficient systems that recycle solvents. |
| Early 21st Century | Supercritical CO2 Extraction | A non-toxic solvent method, offering cleaner concentrates. |
| Modern Era | BHO and Precision Extraction | Butane Hash Oil (BHO) method perfected to create shatter. |
Milestones in Shatter Becoming Mainstream
- Rise of Medical Cannabis
More people wanted strong and clean cannabis products for health reasons, which included shatter.
- Better Equipment
New tools made it easier and safer to make shatter, leading to more people being able to produce it.
- Laws Changing
As more places started to allow cannabis use, there was a bigger market for shatter and other concentrates.
- Changing Views
As the negative views on cannabis started to change, more people became interested in trying different forms like shatter.
- Popularity of Dabbing
The trend of dabbing, which uses concentrates like shatter for a stronger effect, helped make shatter more popular.
Explore Shatter Products Available Online
| Product Name | Type | Description |
| Premium Shatter – Banana Kush | Hybrid (Ghost OG x Skunk Haze) | A balance of relaxation and elevation, with a flavour profile of sweet bananas and tropical fruit. |
| Premium Shatter – Cactus Cake | Hybrid (Indica-dominant or Sativa-dominant) | Can be either deeply relaxing or uplifting and energizing, depending on the variety, with a rich, earthy flavour. |
| Premium Shatter – Dosi Pie | Indica-dominant Hybrid (Do-Si-Dos x Cherry Pie) | Offers a body melt sensation accompanied by a sweet, earthy profile. |
| Premium Shatter – Mac 1 | Hybrid (Alien Cookies F2 x Miracle 15) | Known for its uplifting effects and creamy, fruity flavours. |
| Premium Shatter – Mint Chocolate Chip | Hybrid (SinMint Cookies x Green Ribbon) | A refreshing, minty flavour with a hint of chocolate, provides uplifting and euphoric effects. |
Weed Shatter Products: Effects and Duration
| Product Name | Expected Effects | Duration of Effects |
| Banana Kush | Euphoria, Creativity, Relaxation | 2-3 hours |
| Cactus Cake | Depending on the hybrid type. Relaxation or Euphoria, Happiness | 2-3 hours |
| Dosi Pie | Body Relaxation, Sedation, Relief from Anxiety | 2-3 hours |
| Mac 1 | Uplifted Spirits, Increased Focus, Happiness | 2-3 hours |
| Mint Chocolate Chip | Euphoria, Creative Boost, Physical Comfort | 2-3 hours |
Textures, Potencies, and Typical Consumption Methods of Shatter:
| Texture | Potency | Consumption Method |
| Glass-like | High-THC | Dabbing |
| Brittle | Varied CBD:THC ratios | Vaporizing |
| Sticky | High-terpene | Sprinkling over flower |
| Snap-and-pull | Balanced | Ingesting (as edibles) |
| Firm | Potency varies by strain | Dissolving under tongue |
More About Shatter Products
When analyzing shatter products in depth, one of the key factors is the extraction method used. Here are the steps in the extraction process for creating shatter:
Extraction Process of Shatter Weed
- Selection of Cannabis Material – High-quality dried cannabis, rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, is selected to ensure a potent final product.
- Solvent Introduction – Butane is the most common solvent used for shatter, hence the term Butane Hash Oil (BHO). The cannabis material is exposed to butane to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Solvent Purging – The solution is then purged of the solvent, usually through a combination of heat and vacuum, to ensure that no residual solvents remain.
- Cooling and Setting – The concentrate is cooled and set into a glass-like sheet. This process requires precision to maintain the right temperature and consistency.
- Fragile Handling – Once solidified, shatter is handled with care to avoid breaking it prematurely.
Shatter vs. Other Cannabis Concentrates
Here’s a comparison of shatter versus other popular types of concentrates like wax, budder, and oils:
| Concentrate | Consistency | Potency | Consumption Method |
| Shatter | Hard, glass-like, breaks easily | Very high (often above 80% THC) | Dabbing |
| Wax | Malleable, crumbly | High (varies more than shatter) | Dabbing, vape pens |
| Budder | Creamy, butter-like | High (flavourful due to terpenes) | Dabbing, vape pens |
| Oils | Liquid, varies from thick to runny | Varies widely (THC or CBD dominant) | Dabbing, vape pens, edibles, sublingual |
Conclusion
Shatter is a highly potent cannabis concentrate that requires careful and instructed use due to its high THC levels and the potential for solvent residue. Responsible consumption, including proper dosing and obedience to legal guidelines, is important for safety.
Getting into shatter? Just remember a few key things: know the legal side of it, don’t go overboard with how much you use, and always get it from places you can trust. Shatter’s on the rise, and if everyone plays it smart, it’s here to stay in the cannabis scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I consume too much shatter?
If you’ve consumed too much shatter, here are some steps to follow:
- Don’t Panic – Remember that while you may feel uncomfortable, the intense effects will pass.
- Find a Safe Space – Sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable place where you can relax and are free from hazards.
- Hydrate – Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help your body process the THC.
- Breathe Deeply – Practice deep breathing or meditation to help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Distract Yourself – Listen to soothing music, watch a familiar and comforting show, or engage in light conversation with someone you trust.
- Sleep It Off – If possible, try to take a nap or go to sleep. Resting can help your body reset.
- Eat Lightly – Light snacks can help people feel more grounded.
- Avoid More THC – Do not consume any more cannabis as it will increase the intensity of the effects.
- Ask for Help – If you feel unwell, don’t hesitate to contact someone you trust.
- Seek Medical Attention if Necessary – If symptoms are severe or you’re concerned for your health, seek professional medical help.
Can shatter be vaporized in any vape pen?
No, shatter cannot be vaporized in just any vape pen. Shatter requires a vape pen that is specifically designed for use with concentrates. These vape pens have features that standard vape pens for e-liquids or dry herbs lack, such as:
- High Heat Capability: Concentrate vape pens can reach the temperatures needed to vapourize shatter effectively.
- Specialized Heating Chambers: They have chambers designed to handle the sticky, solid consistency of shatter without causing damage to the pen.
- Compatibility with Concentrates: They come with attachments or coils specifically for concentrates to prevent clogging and ensure efficient vaporization.
Can shatter go bad?
Yes, shatter can go bad over time. Like many cannabis concentrates, shatter has a shelf life and can degrade due to various factors. Here’s what can contribute to the degradation of shatter:
- UV rays can break down cannabinoids and terpenes. They reduce potency and altering effects.
- Warm temperatures can cause the shatter to become runny, lose consistency, and degrade the quality.
- Oxygen can oxidize cannabinoids, changing their chemical structure and diminishing their quality and potency.
- Excess humidity can introduce moisture into the shatter, leading to mould or bacterial growth.
