When starting their dabbing journey, many people decide to go for shatter. It has higher THC content and bigger numbers mean better, right? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for, as well as on your level of experience in concentrates and marijuana in general. This article will help you decide whether shatter is for you.
How to identify Shatter
Shatter is named after its tendency to shatter apart when dropped. This is due to its hard, brittle texture and the fact that the concentrate is pressed into wafer-thin layer.
The honey-amber to yellow Shatter layer is so thin, that it appears semi-translucent. Brittleness is more common in THCA based products. THC based Shatter tends to have a more taffy-like consistency. At room temperature, THC is a sappy oil, whereas THCA is a solid. The texture of the shatter is an indicator of the cannabinoid profile of the product.
From flower to Shatter
The main way the manufacture of shatter differs from other concentrates, is its post-extraction process.
- A starting cannabis material is selected. The quality and potency of the end product relies on the flower chosen. If the right strain of plant is chosen, the resulting shatter could contain up to 90% THC.
- A material column, which is a tank in a closed-loop system, holds the selected cannabis material for the process.
- Butane hash oil (BHO) is the most common solvent used to extract the trichomes, but carbon dioxide may be used. This solvent is chilled before use.
- The trichomes are released by slowly passing the solvent over the cannabis material.
- The solvent is vaporized from the solution with low heat and high pressure, after which it is cooled to be recaptured.
Shatter can be made with most cannabis material, usually using raw flower or trim. With the use of compression and heat, desirable cannabinoids are separated from the raw cannabis flowers. Then a solvent-induced vacuum purge gets rid of the unwanted plant material.
Methods to use Shatter
Your method of consuming shatter depends largely on how experienced you are with the product. If new to shatter, consider that it gives a very potent high – more so than other concentrates.
- An oil dab rig is the most efficient method to consume shatter, with the most powerful high. The concentrate is placed on a hot surface, called a banger. This can be made of quartz, ceramic or titanium. A nail is heated to about 600 F, then pressed onto the concentrate. The shatter concentrate will be vaporized and the smoke-free vapor can be inhaled via a mouthpiece.
- An e-nail is an attachment that can be used in conjunction with a regular dab rig for temperature regulation. The user still presses the e-nail onto the concentrate to vaporize it.
- An e-rig is a battery powered dab rig. It can be set to the user’s preferred temperature. This makes for a more consistent experience.
- Smoking shatter through a bong or pipe is viable, but not recommended. Shatter is placed on top of weed, with a ratio of 4 parts weed, 1 part concentrate. The thick layer of weed is to prevent the shatter from running down the stem. Be aware that shatter will clog a bong quickly. This can be difficult to clean.
- For beginners, a joint with shatter added can be a great starting point. The joint is rolled with a ratio of 2 parts bud to 1 part concentrate. The rolling paper is lined with the weed, before adding the shatter. Make sure the shatter is in the middle of the joint and not at the tip – you will burn up the THC before being able to inhale it.
- Shatter can be ingested orally, whether as is, or in an edible. Before doing so, it must be decarboxylated first. This can be done by cooking the shatter in an oven, at 250 F, for about half an hour. You can put the shatter on parchment paper or on an oven-safe pan. Once the shatter stops bubbling, it’s decarboxylated. It may now be refrigerated for a few minutes, to make handling easier.
Shatter is generally consumed via a dab rig. The other methods above, though possible, are not desirable and do not lead to a comparable high.
Shatter storage methods
If not stored correctly, Shatter can lose its potency and color. The method of storage depends on whether it is stored short, medium or long term. Climate may also dictate storage methods.
- Short term storage is a week or less. Shatter is spread out on parchment paper. The paper should be cut in such a way that, when folded, it completely covers the shatter.
- Medium term storage is considered up to two weeks. The same parchment paper method is used, after which the paper is placed in a seal container. This can be a jar or a sealed bag. This is then stored in a dry, cool and dark place.
- Long term storage is anything longer than two weeks. Once again fold the Shatter in parchment paper. Place it in an opaque glass jar and vacuum-seal the jar to prevent humidity. Place the jar in a freezer. Note that when removing from the freezer, the jar should reach room temperature before it is opened.
Ultraviolet light speeds up THC degradation, so shatter is best kept out of direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can also degrade the potency of your shatter, so short term storage in a refrigerator is advisable in warmer climates. Oxygen can affect shatter negatively, so keep it in airtight containers for best results. Containers should be high quality and unused, to prevent contaminants from being introduced to your shatter. They should also be opaque, to minimize the shatter’s exposure to direct light.
Why should you use shatter?
Shatter is ideal for experienced concentrate users, looking for a more intense experience.
- Dabbing shatter gives a very potent high with mind-altering qualities. Shatter has the highest THC content of all marijuana concentrates. With current technology, some products can have as much as 90% THC or more, compared to regular marijuana flower which typically has a THC content that ranges from 15-30%.
- The small quantity needed for an intense and long lasting high, is great for when just a little dab is sufficient. This “less is more” mentality is great for a certain type of person.
- For those who only dab occasionally, the long shelf life of shatter means that they can store it indefinitely.
- Shatter is very compact and easy to transport. The thin parchment paper fits in any pocket without being obvious to the casual observer.
- For those who are interested in the medicinal properties of marijuana, shatter has an immediate effect. When dabbing shatter, cannabinoids are released into the blood stream very fast. This allows them to deliver immediate psychoactive and therapeutic effects, for instant relief. THCA based shatter has been known to reduce nausea and vomiting, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties.
Why should you avoid shatter?
Shatter can be high maintenance as well as difficult to adjust to for inexperienced users.
- Shatter quality can vary greatly, depending on many factors. If the initial extraction or the vacuum purge is not performed correctly, the resulting shatter may be of a lesser grade. Residual solvent, high temperatures and agitation during manufacture can also affect the end product.
- Improper storage can render shatter impotent. It is very sensitive to heat and direct sunlight, so is more difficult to keep in a warmer climate. Long term storage requires special precautions.
- Over consumption THC can cause paranoia and anxiety. Shatter’s potent high is easy to misjudge – especially when consuming it for the first time. A single shatter ingestion can contain THC and other cannabinoids of up to 10 inhalations of medical marijuana.
- To consume shatter efficiently, a dab rig is required. The decent to high end models can be quite expensive. Lower end models may have low quality glass.
- The shatter itself can be hard to handle, compared to other concentrates. If not broken off carefully, pieces may shatter off the parchment paper.
Our conclusion on shatter
If great care is taken in the manufacture, transportation and storage of shatter, it can be a premium high. That high may be too much for a casual dabber. If so, see our articles on other more suitable concentrates and methods on this website.
If on the other hand you feel that this may be the concentrate for you, be sure to get yourself a beautiful dab rig from our partners at Royal Dabs!
