Cannabis Concentrates: An Introduction to Cannabis Shatter

Cannabis has come a long way, and shatter is one of the best innovations in the world of cannabis concentrates. This potent, translucent concentrate has quickly become a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts for its high THC content and fast-acting effects. 

But what exactly is shatter, and how did it come to be such a popular form of cannabis? In this article, let's take a look at what shatter is, its history, how it's made, its benefits, and the best ways to use it.

What is Cannabis Shatter?

Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate that's made by extracting cannabinoids from cannabis buds or leaves with the help of solvents. It also contains terpenes and various other compounds from the cannabis plant. Typically, THC shatter contains at least 80-90% THC. If you're looking for medicinal shatter, you can go for CBD shatter which has no THC at all. Both types may or may not contain other cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and CBN and a generous amount of terpenes too.

Usually, this shatter appears translucent and comes in various colors — honey-like amber or corn-oil-like darker yellow colors. It is usually clear or partially transparent, resembling amber or golden glass. This transparency indicates a purified product with little to no impurities.

Good-quality shatter is usually a light color and indicates that it was made through a clean extraction process. Darker tones may suggest impurities or oxidation. 

Named shatter due to its glass-like texture, it's typically hard and fragile at room temperature. And, like glass, it can break easily if you apply pressure. 

At first glance, you may even think it has a uniform consistency, but that's not the case; its texture varies drastically. For example, some forms of shatter are super brittle while others have a taffy or wax-like consistency. This texture is important as it indicates the cannabinoid content within. 

For example, if your shatter has high THC levels, it will contain more oil or sap. On the other hand, products with more THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) will be more glass-like and brittle. 

Additionally, THC shatter will be like sappy oil at room temperature; the higher the THC level, the more viscous it will be. On the other hand, THCA shatter is solid and fragile at room temperature. 

High-quality shatter also preserves a large amount of the plant's terpenes, giving it a distinct aroma and flavor profile. The fragrance may vary based on the cannabis strain used in the extraction process.

History of Shatter

Cannabis has a long history, but shatter is a relatively new addition to the scene. Its origins can be traced back to traditional hashish production, with key publications helping to introduce these methods to the Western world. 

In 1989, D. Gold released the second edition of Cannabis Alchemy: The Art of Modern Hashmaking, which contained a detailed recipe for making hash. The following year, medical technologist Michael Starks published the second edition of Marijuana Chemistry: Genetics Processing and Potency, providing further in-depth insights into hash making.

By the late ‘90s, Canadian cannabis producer BudderKing introduced two new products to the market: shatter and budder. These products gained significant popularity and were widely available in dispensaries by 2003. 

While not the same as traditional hash, shatter, and budder represented a new frontier in cannabis concentrates. In 2005, Cannabis Culture magazine published the techniques for producing these concentrates, further solidifying their place in the market.

By 2010, shatter had become a staple method of cannabis consumption, with cannabis users sticking by the slogan, “If it doesn't shatter, it doesn't matter.”

How is Shatter Made?

While shatter has its roots in hashish production, it's not the same thing. But before we get into how it's produced, beware that you shouldn't try this at home. In fact, don't try to produce shatter or other solvent-based concentrates at home if you don't have experience making concentrates. Solvents like butane are flammable and pose a serious threat to you. It can even explode if you don't follow the instructions properly. If you do decide to do it at home, always make sure you do it in a ventilated area so the fumes don't get trapped. Moreover, it can be illegal in your jurisdiction. 

Shatter's production process is very much like other cannabis extracts. However, where it differs is the post-extraction process. Producers make shatter by packing a chamber with cannabis plant matter and passing a solvent at high pressure through it. 

To make shatter using a solvent, the extraction artist starts with notch cannabis buds. The quality of the herb greatly impacts the final product, so they go to great lengths to procure high-quality marijuana buds. Next, they grind up the buds and pack them into an extraction tube that allows a solvent to flow through while holding the material.

Usually, solvents like butane or propane are introduced into the extraction tube to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes. This mixture is then collected in a container and gently heated to evaporate the solvent. There are many tutorials to replicate this at home, but you shouldn't be attempting this as a beginner as the temperatures can increase suddenly and things can go haywire. It's essential to control the temps below 140°F (60°C) to preserve its delicate compounds. 

After a good part of the solvent evaporates, the extract is transferred to a vacuum chamber where a vacuum pump eliminates any leftover solvents and air bubbles from the extract. This process, known as purging, is essential to remove any remaining solvents or it can be hazardous to smoke or consume. 

Purging also helps the artist achieve the desired consistency he's aiming for. The extract is then left to cool down at room temperature and it will become thicker and resemble glass, which is typical of shatter. After cooling the shatter is divided into pieces using a razor blade or dabber tool. Proper storage is crucial, though, for preserving its quality. And, this is usually how companies make shatter. 

When it comes to solvent, the most common one is butane, which is also used to produce butane hash oil (BHO). Some producers also use other solvents like ethanol or liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). 

However, carbon dioxide is never used. It is common for other concentrates, but shatter made with CO2 lacks the proper texture that shatter is known for.

As you can guess, producing cannabis shatter at home is complicated if you choose to use solvents as it involves a process of extraction, evaporation, and purging. But, the good news is that there are other ways to make shatter safely. Although the quality won't be like that of store-bought shatter as they use sophisticated equipment and techniques to make and purge the shatter, you'll have to make do with what you have. 

Make Shatter from Kief at Home

Making shatter from kief with a hair straightener is a safer approach compared to using solvents for extraction. You won't have to worry about residual solvents this way. Also, you have that peace of mind knowing that it can't blow up in your face! 

This method, known as the rosin press technique, involves applying heat and pressure to draw out the cannabinoids and terpenes from kief resulting in a top-notch concentrate. 

Here's how you can do it:

Materials Needed

• High-quality kief
• Parchment paper
• Hair straightener that has adjustable temperature settings
• Gloves
• Parchment paper
• Blade or Dabber tool 

Instructions

1. First off, you need pure kief. You can use a filter to remove any contaminants. This is optional, but it does give you better results. 
2. Next, cut your parchment paper in such a way that it's about twice the size of the plates of your hair straightener. 
3. Now, fold your parchment paper in half and fill it with kief at the center. 
4. Heat your hair straightener to around 200 to 250°F (90°C to 120°C). Don't go any higher than this as high temperatures can burn the terpenes and cannabinoids and affect the shatter's quality.
5. Fold the parchment paper until it's a small square piece. 
6. Once your hair straightener is hot enough, place your parchment paper containing the kief between the plates of the hair straightener.
7. Next, wear your gloves and apply as much pressure as the straightener can take for at least 5-10 seconds. You may hear a sizzling noise as the kief melts and its oils are released.
8. Now, it's time to harvest your shatter. Start by carefully removing and unfolding the parchment paper from the hair straightener. You should observe an amber-colored substance known as rosin, which has been extracted from the kief.
9. Scrape the rosin from the paper using a sharp blade or dabber tool. You can repeat this process if you see any impurities like plant material. 
10. Let the rosin cool down naturally at room temperature. Once it does, it becomes brittle and will resemble shatter. 

Keep a few things in mind:

1. Keep the shatter in a container away from light and heat to preserve its quality and strength.
2. Always wear heat gloves when operating the hair straightener to avoid burns. This probably sounds silly but you have no idea how quickly it can burn you!
3. Maintain a low temperature to prevent the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes.
4. Apply sufficient firm pressure as insufficient pressure will reduce the yields. 
5. If the shatter remains sticky, it's probably because it hasn't cooled completely. Or, you may be using higher temperatures than recommended when making it. 

And, there you have it — a simple way to make shatter at home without using dangerous solvents. Note that it doesn't need any sophisticated equipment, so anyone can do this at home. 

Does Shatter Have Any Benefits? 

Shatter, being a cannabis product that's filled to the brim with cannabinoids and terpenes, does bring various benefits with it. Let's take a look at them. 

• A Strong Relief 

Shatter contains a lot of THC, so while it does deliver a tremendous high without much effort, it is also an excellent way to get quick relief from acute pain or other severe symptoms. 

• Quick Onset Time 

Edibles take a long time to kick and not everyone likes smoking. In such cases, shatter is a good option because you can dab it and its effects will kick in within minutes. 

• Cheap 

Granted, shatter itself may not be so cheap. However, you don't have to use a lot of it in one go, so it ends up being quite a cost-effective way to consume cannabis. It's a great return on your investment, considering its potency. 

• You Don't Have to Smoke It 

You don't have to smoke shatter if you don't want to. You can also consume it through vaping or dabbing, avoiding the harmful effects of smoking. While more research is needed, this method is considered less damaging to the lungs.

• Stays Fresh for Longer

Since shatter contains cannabinoids and terpenes in high concentrations, it can stay on your shelf for a long time — as long as you store it right. Thanks to this, you can use this when you want for a long time. 

It's a no-brainer that shatter is versatile and effective; that's why it has become a popular choice for many users. It's a great concentrate for those dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, or other such conditions. 

How to Use Shatter?

If you're curious about how to use shatter, let's look at some ways you can use it. Here's a breakdown of the most popular ways to consume it and some handy tips to get you started.

1. You Can Dab It 

Dabbing is the go-to method for enjoying shatter. You'll need to heat a small piece of shatter on a hot surface and inhale the vapor through a dab rig. This method hits hard and fast, giving you immediate effects. 

To dab shatter, you'll need a few things, including:

Dab Rig: A water pipe designed for dabbing concentrates. It typically consists of a mouthpiece, a water filtration chamber, and a joint for holding the dab nail.

Dab Nail: You need to heat this to vaporize the shatter. Nails are available in many types of materials, each with its benefits. For instance, quartz nails heat up quickly and ensure a clean, pure flavor. On the other hand, titanium nails, while being sturdy, may slightly impact the flavor, although they hold heat effectively. You can also use ceramic nails that heat up gradually, retain heat longer for hits, and offer superb flavor.

Dabber Tool: You can use this to handle and apply the shatter onto the nail. Like nails, they also come in many materials, including glass, stainless steel or titanium. To start the dabbing process you'll need a butane torch to heat up the dab nail. Make sure the flame is strong and focused for efficient heating.

You can use a cap, though it's optional. Here's how you can dab some shatter:

• Heat the nail with the torch. It takes about a minute for it to turn red hot. Make sure you heat evenly across the surface. 
• Let the nail cool down to about 300°F to 450°F (149°C to 232°C). Remember that quartz nails cool quicker than titanium or ceramic, so adjust cooling times.
• Break off a very tiny piece of your shatter with the dabbing tool and let it touch the nail while inhaling through your dab rig's mouthpiece simultaneously. The shatter should vaporize upon contact. If you have a cap, cover the nail with it as soon as you apply the shatter to control the airflow. This process improves the efficiency of vaporizing the concentrate and enhances the flavor and thickness of the vapor.

As you inhale slowly and steadily, you'll enjoy the vapor and experience its effects. Take it slow and take small inhales rather than doing it all at once. 

To make sure you have a good experience every time, clean your nail with a cotton swab to remove any residue. 

Lastly, remember that the quality of the shatter you use makes all the difference, so opt for high-quality shatter for a potent and tastier vaping experience.

2. Use a Vaporizer

If dabbing sounds too intense, you can always vape your shatter. This method is a bit gentler and provides a milder high. It's a convenient option to enjoy your shatter as various vaporizers cater specifically to concentrates. This method involves heating the shatter to release cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of a vapor without burning them like you would when you light a joint, for instance, thereby preserving their flavors and potency.

Again, remember that you'll need a concentrate vaporizer or vape pen designed for concentrates to get the best experience. 

Here's how it works:

1. First, you'll need to load your vaporizer. Start by placing a tiny piece of shatter in the chamber of your vaporizer. Don't fill up too much or you just won't have a good experience. 
2. Next, switch on your vaporizer. Depending on the type of device you're using, you should be able to play around with the temperature settings and choose something you're comfortable with. Also, some devices come with preset temperature options while others allow manual adjustments.

Remember, you shouldn't vape at high temperatures; anything between 350°F to 400°F is ideal as it produces enough vapor without burning the concentrate. 

Read the instructions of the manufacturer carefully. Typically, a green button should indicate that you can start vaping. If you're a beginner, start really slow as vaporizers can make you cough initially. 

1. When the device is ready, take a small puff and let your throat adjust to it. Wait for a while before taking more as you don't want to start a coughing fit. 
2. Switch off the vaporizer when you're done. 

So, this is how you vape shatter with a vaporizer. Don't forget to maintain the device properly so it lasts a long time. Clean the concentrate chamber and mouthpiece regularly following the manufacturer's guidelines for best performance and flavor. And, this goes without saying: keep your vaporizer fully charged before use to prevent any interruptions during your session. Plus, it offers a great smoke that way. 

3. Roll a Joint

Mixing shatter with regular buds and rolling them into a joint is one of the simplest ways to enjoy cannabis. If you mix shatter with buds, it allows you to enjoy the combined effects of both forms of cannabis. Of course, the experience will be super intense, so it's definitely not recommended for beginners. 

Rolling shatter into a joint is super easy. Simply break your shatter into extremely tiny pieces. Then, grind your buds. Get your rolling paper and spread the buds on top of it. Now, sprinkle your shatter on top of the buds and roll it into a joint or blunt as usual. Make sure you pack it properly for uniform airflow. If you're using a bong or a bowl, sprinkle the shatter on top or mix it throughout the bowl.

And, now, just light up, and enjoy! Remember, you're smoking both flowers and a concentrate, so take it easy and go with the flow. Also, the presence of shatter can make the smoke a little harsh on your throat and lungs, so be more careful. That's why it's best to smoke a bong rather than a joint as it filters the water and cools the smoke down a bit. 

4. Nectar Collector

A nectar collector is a simple, user-friendly device specifically designed for consuming cannabis concentrates such as shatter. Its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a popular choice among concentrate enthusiasts. To explain it simply, it's nothing but a type of dab rig that's compact and easy to carry around. The experience is similar to dabbing as it contains a mouthpiece, a body, and a tip (usually made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic) that is heated to vaporize the concentrate.

You'll need a butane torch to heat the tip of the nectar collector.

Here's how you can use the nectar collector:

1. First, light up your butane torch. Direct the flame towards the tip of the nectar collector and heat its tip until it's red hot, just like a dab rig. Make sure you rotate the tip so it heats in a uniform manner. Please be careful when handling the torch, though. 
2. Next, allow some time for the tip to cool off. The ideal temperature for using a nectar collector with shatter is when the tip stops glowing red but is still super hot to vaporize the shatter. In essence, you're waiting for it to cool off so that it doesn't burn off the shatter. As you already know, it contains loads of terpenes, and burning them is such a waste. 
3. Now, get your shatter ready. You can place it in a glass bowl for best results. Let the tip of your nectar collector touch the shatter and watch it vaporize immediately. All you have to do is inhale through the mouthpiece of the nectar collector and savor that beautiful high. The vapor will flow through the device and into your mouth. Breathe in slowly and evenly for a good draw. 

When using a nectar collector, remember that the temperature should be perfect for the shatter to vaporize properly. If the tip gets too hot, the vapor might feel harsh. In contrast, if it's too cool, the shatter won't vaporize effectively. Therefore, experiment a bit to hit that perfect spot. 

Also, this is why many people prefer electronic nectar collectors. The biggest difference between a manual and an electronic one lies in the heat source. In addition, many users don't like using butane torches as it could burn you when you're not paying attention. On the other hand, there's no such headache with an electronic one as it contains heating coils that are operated by batteries. 

Finally, keep your nectar collector clean by cleaning it frequently so that it maintains a solid performance. Residue buildup can impact both taste and efficiency. Typically, you can take apart a nectar collector and clean it well, as long as you have some isopropyl alcohol and hot water.

How to Store Shatter?

It's crucial to store shatter properly to preserve its potency, flavor, and overall quality. Here are some tips to help keep your shatter fresh and effective:

• Select the Right Container

First off, don't use containers with porous surfaces as it becomes super challenging to remove the shatter. Instead, use airtight containers to protect the shatter from air exposure. Silicone containers work well as they prevent the shatter from sticking to them and are easy to clean. Glass containers with tight seals are also suitable, but make sure you seal them properly to avoid air contact.

• Control the Temperature

Store your shatter in a dark, cool spot to shield it from light and heat that can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Your drawer or cupboard will maintain the ideal temperature.

And, since shatter can melt easily, make sure you keep it away from sources of heat like heaters and stoves. In fact, it shouldn't be exposed to light at all, so direct sunlight is a big no-no. 

• Humidity 

Moisture is another enemy since it can make your shatter less potent and sticky. Thus, you must make sure that you don't store your shatter in environments where the humidity is high. 

• Long-term Storage

If you plan to store your shatter for a long time, the refrigerator works best. Just store your shatter in an airtight container and place it in the fridge and you're done. Allow it to thaw a bit before using it to avoid condensation.

• Regular Monitoring

Keep an eye on your stored shatter regularly for any indications of deterioration like alterations in aroma or texture. If you store it properly, shatter will last for a long time.

How Much Shatter Should You Use?

Shatter packs a punch due to its high THC content, so it's best to start small. Begin with a dab about the size of a grain of rice and wait a few minutes to feel the effects before taking more. It's always easier to take a bit less than to deal with having too much. Always start small with a low dose and work your way up as the effects can be quite intense. Make sure you're in a safe and comfortable environment when using it. 

What to Expect with Shatter?

Shatter can contain more than 80% THC, compared to the usual 20% found in regular marijuana. This means the high hits you quickly and intensely, leading to relaxation, mild euphoria, and happiness. 

However, it can also come with some side effects like anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, nausea, bloodshot eyes, and dehydration. If you're new to THC, be mindful of how much you're using. More on this below. 

Is Shatter Dangerous? 

While shatter is not necessarily dangerous like other forms of drugs, it can still be quite too much for some users, especially if you're new. Many users claim that the high from shatter is the strongest cannabis high they've experienced.

So, if you smoke more than you can handle, you can experience various side effects, such as:

• Higher blood pressure
• Elevated heart rate
• Red eyes
• Hallucinations 
• Paranoia 
• Anxiety
• Tiredness or lethargy
• Sore throat 
• Coordination issues
• Memory loss 

Apart from these, shatter may also have long-term side effects. These are not widely documented but there's not enough research about cannabis concentrates' side effects to begin with. 

Remember, a single hit of shatter sometimes brings 10x THC with it compared to regular cannabis. And this effect is very rapid. So, always take it easy and start with a low dose. 

Additionally, avoid purchasing shatter from the streets. They may contain harmful chemicals like butane in trace amounts. These can be dangerous for you, leading to internal organ damage. Stick to reputable producers and dispensaries, even if they come with a slight premium. 

Summary: Cannabis Concentrates: An Introduction to Cannabis Shatter

Cannabis shatter is an incredible concentrate that not only brings an intense high when you simply want to get stoned but also has various benefits. It's super potent, gets you high quickly, and is cost-effective. In many ways, it's the ideal cannabis concentrate for many users. 

However, remember to not take it lightly. Start with a low dose and work your way up, whether you vape or dab it. If you use it carefully, you'll have the time of your life flying way up into the clouds. But underestimate it, and it may shatter your mood, pun intended, very quickly.