If you are a new cannabis user, you have probably heard the term “shatter” before but are wondering what the heck it is!
Shatter is a concentrated form of cannabis, meaning it is derived from pure cannabis extracts. This means that it contains up to 90% cannabinoid content, making it a hard-hitting method that is far more potent than flower. In fact, shatter is considered one of the purest forms of concentrate, but its delicate nature can make it hard to work with. In comparison, regular bud only has 5-18% cannabinoid content.
With cannabis legalization taking hold all over the world, Shatter has become a global phenomenon. Looking to differentiate themselves from newbies, many long-time weed enthusiasts are using shatter to create their own separate identity within the cannabis industry.
shatter is considered one of the purest forms of concentrate, but its delicate nature can make it hard to work with…
How Is It Produced?
Shatter is produced by extracting the cannabinoid compounds, such as THC and CBD, from the marijuana plant. In order to separate the desired compounds (trichomes which contain THC and CBD, terpenes, etc), extraction machines and solvents are used to strip them from the plant.
In the case of shatter, the process uses butane as a solvent. Butane is filtered through plant material; as the butane passes through, it strips the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The remaining solution is then purged of any butane and foreign contaminants. Due to the use of butane, it is very dangerous to make at home as there can be residual solvents. However, cannabis labs have the necessary equipment and rigorous testing methods. Therefore, quality shatter has a very low risk for contaminants and instead results in a very flavourful and concentrated product, ranging from 60-90% THC.
When warm and freshly extracted, the consistency is similar to thick honey. However, when it dries the it is has a consistency similar to glass. As a result, it can easily “shatter” if dropped on a hard surface – hence the name.
How To Consume Shatter?
One of the most common ways to consume shatter is through the use of an “oil rig”. This rig is similar to a bong, in that it is a glass pipe. However, it has a titanium or glass “nail” in place of the bowl. The user would need a blow torch or electric element to heat the nail to 575 – 625 degrees Fahrenheit. At the temperature, when the shatter touches the nail, it gets vaporized instantly and is easily inhaled. This process is also known as “dabbing” and is not for beginners or individuals with low tolerance. Due to the high concentration of cannabis, one “dab” can result in an extremely intense high, which can be overwhelming for first-timers.
If you don’t have a rig, there are other ways to consume shatter. One method is to add a few drops of dab to your bowl, layered in between ground bud. Another option is to add shatter to your joint. Be careful to keep the concentrates away from the edges of the joint so the flame does not interfere and burn the THC.
Ready To Try It?
If you think you are ready to try shatter, visit our online cannabis dispensary to shop our selection. Similar to bud, shatter retains much of the strain qualities, just in a more pure form. At FairCannaCare we have a variety of pricing tiers and strains (Indica, Sativa and Hybrid) in our shatter selection in order to suit the needs of all our customers and patients.
