What is Shatter?
Complete guide to shatter - the glass-like cannabis concentrate. Learn how it's made, how to use it, and why it's one of the most popular concentrates.
What is Shatter?
Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate known for its hard, glass-like appearance and amber/gold color. It gets its name from its brittle texture - when you break it, it "shatters" like glass into smaller pieces.
Shatter is one of the purest forms of cannabis concentrate, typically containing 70-90% THC. This makes it significantly more potent than cannabis flower (15-25% THC) and even other concentrates.
How is Shatter Made?
Shatter is produced through BHO (Butane Hash Oil) extraction:
- Extraction: Cannabis is packed into a tube and butane is passed through, dissolving cannabinoids and terpenes
- Collection: The butane-cannabinoid solution is collected in a container
- Purging: Heat and vacuum are applied to evaporate the butane
- Cooling: The concentrate is spread thin and allowed to cool undisturbed
- Result: A translucent, glass-like sheet of pure concentrate
Warning: BHO extraction is dangerous and should only be done by professionals with proper equipment. Home extraction can cause explosions and fires.
Why Does Shatter Look Like Glass?
Shatter's unique appearance comes from its molecular structure. During production, the concentrate is left undisturbed while cooling, allowing molecules to align in an organized pattern. This creates:
- Translucent, glass-like appearance
- Brittle, snap-able texture
- Amber to golden color
- Stable structure that resists degradation
If shatter is agitated during cooling or exposed to heat/moisture, the molecules become disorganized, creating a wax or budder consistency instead.
Shatter vs Other Concentrates
| Concentrate | THC Range | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shatter | 70-90% | Glass-like, brittle | Purity, long storage |
| Wax | 60-80% | Soft, pliable | Easy handling |
| Budder | 60-80% | Creamy, butter-like | Smooth dabbing |
| Live Resin | 60-80% | Sauce-like, terpy | Flavor, full-spectrum |
| Distillate | 90-99% | Thick oil | Max potency, edibles |
| Hash | 20-60% | Solid, pressed | Traditional experience |
How to Smoke Shatter
Method 1: Dabbing (Recommended)
Dabbing provides the purest shatter experience:
- Heat your banger with a torch until red-hot
- Let it cool for 30-60 seconds (ideal temp: 315-450°F)
- Use a dab tool to place a small piece of shatter in the banger
- Cover with a carb cap and inhale slowly
- Exhale and enjoy the effects
Method 2: Dab Pen/Wax Vaporizer
Portable and convenient for on-the-go use:
- Load a small piece into the chamber
- Set temperature (350-400°F recommended)
- Press the button and inhale
Method 3: Add to Flower
Enhance your bowl or joint:
- Break shatter into small pieces
- Sprinkle on top of a bowl or mix into a joint
- Light and smoke as normal
- Note: Some potency is lost with this method
Shatter Dosing Guide
Shatter is extremely potent - proper dosing is crucial:
| Experience Level | Dose Size | Approximate THC |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Rice grain (0.01-0.02g) | 7-18mg THC |
| Intermediate | Small pea (0.03-0.05g) | 25-45mg THC |
| Experienced | Pea size (0.05-0.1g) | 45-90mg THC |
| High Tolerance | Large pea+ (0.1g+) | 90mg+ THC |
Start small! You can always take another dab, but you can't un-dab what you've already consumed.
Effects of Shatter
Due to its high THC content, shatter produces intense effects:
- Onset: Almost immediate when dabbed (seconds)
- Peak: 15-30 minutes
- Duration: 1-3 hours
- Intensity: Much stronger than flower
Common effects include euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, increased appetite, and pain relief. Effects vary based on the strain used to make the shatter (indica, sativa, or hybrid).
How to Store Shatter
Proper storage maintains shatter's quality and potency:
- Temperature: Cool, room temperature (avoid heat)
- Container: Silicone or glass jar, or parchment paper
- Light: Store in dark place - UV degrades cannabinoids
- Humidity: Keep dry - moisture causes degradation
- Handling: Use tools, not fingers (body heat softens shatter)
Properly stored shatter can maintain quality for 6-12 months. If it becomes soft, sticky, or changes color significantly, it may be degrading.
Is Shatter Safe?
When purchased from reputable sources, shatter is safe to consume. Key safety considerations:
- Lab testing: Buy from sources that provide lab results
- Residual solvents: Quality shatter has minimal butane residue
- Dosing: Start small due to high potency
- Tolerance: Regular use builds tolerance quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shatter?
Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate known for its glass-like, translucent appearance. It's made through BHO (butane hash oil) extraction and typically contains 70-90% THC. The name comes from its brittle texture that "shatters" when broken.
How do you smoke shatter?
The most common ways to smoke shatter are: 1) Dabbing with a dab rig and heated banger, 2) Using a dab pen or wax vaporizer, 3) Adding small pieces to a bowl of flower, 4) Sprinkling in a joint. Dabbing provides the purest experience and best flavor.
Is shatter stronger than wax?
Shatter and wax have similar potency (70-90% THC), but shatter is often slightly more potent because its stable molecular structure preserves cannabinoids better. The main difference is texture - shatter is glass-like while wax is softer and easier to handle.
Why is shatter so potent?
Shatter is potent because the extraction process concentrates THC and other cannabinoids while removing plant material. Starting with 20% THC flower, extraction can produce shatter with 70-90% THC - roughly 4x more concentrated than the original plant.
How is shatter made?
Shatter is made through BHO (butane hash oil) extraction. Cannabis is soaked in butane, which dissolves cannabinoids and terpenes. The butane is then purged through heat and vacuum, leaving behind a pure, glass-like concentrate. Professional equipment is required for safe production.
What is the difference between shatter and live resin?
Shatter is made from dried/cured cannabis and has minimal terpenes, resulting in a glass-like texture and neutral flavor. Live resin is made from fresh-frozen cannabis, preserving terpenes for richer flavor and aroma. Live resin is typically more expensive.
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