Shatter is a type of Cannabis concentrate that gets its name from its brittle, glasslike consistency. Because it’s a highly concentrated extract, shatter tends to be high in THC. However, there’s also another variety known as CBD shatter that’s low in THC. The latter is valued by people who are seeking a concentrated form of Cannabis for medical benefits.

What is Shatter?

Let’s look at the history, qualities, and uses of shatter.

History of Shatter

Cannabis extracts, such as hashish, have been used for many centuries. Shatter is a relatively recent creation, as an extract that became popular in the 1990s. Shatter was introduced by one of the pioneers of modern Cannabis concentrates, BudderKing. It’s become even more popular since the 2000s.

How Is Shatter Made?

As with other concentrates, shatter is made by extracting the cannabinoids from raw Cannabis using heat and compression. The solvent most often used for this process is BHO (Butane Hash Oil). During the shatter purge, which occurs at very low temperatures, unwanted materials are removed from the mixture. The entire process can take as long as 24 hours. As creating shatter is a long, complicated, and potentially dangerous process, it’s something that should only be done by professionals. It’s illegal to produce in many areas, even where Cannabis itself is legal.

Shatter and Dabbing

All Cannabis extracts can be consumed by a process known as dabbing, which employs a type of water pipe that’s heated at a high temperature. For this reason, shatter as well as other extractions are often called “dabs.” Dabs, however, is a general term that can refer to shatter or any number of extracts.

Shatter vs. Other Extracts

Cannabis extracts are valued for their potency. There are several types of extracts, such as wax, crumble, crystalline, and others. The distinguishing characteristic of each type is the consistency, though effects may differ as well. Wax, for example, has a beeswax-like consistency. Crumble, also known as honeycomb wax, as the name suggests, has a texture that breaks easily in your hand. Although shatter tends to be hard and brittle, the consistency depends on the process and materials used by the manufacturer. The effects of any concentrate, though, depends on the THC levels.

Uses and Effects of Shatter

Shatter, like other concentrated forms of Cannabis, contains high levels of THC, the plant’s psychoactive ingredient. The effects will depend on the THC levels of the strain you’re ingesting as well as your sensitivity to Cannabis in general.

How to Use Shatter

Shatter can be used in several ways.

• Add to flower. You can mix in a small quantity of shatter to a blunt, joint, or bowl.
• Hash pipe. You’ll need a pipe that’s designed to work with extracts.
• Dabbing. You can heat shatter using a dab rig, which involves heating the shatter on a heated surface called a nail.
• Vaporizer. Only modern, more costly vaporizers are designed to work with extracts.

CBD Shatter

CBD shatter is an extract that has the same consistency as other types of shatter, the difference being that it only contains CBD cannabinoids. As such, it’s mainly used by people who are seeking the medicinal benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects.

Safety Tips

These guidelines can help you enjoy shatter safely.

• Don’t try to make shatter yourself as the process is quite dangerous.
• Only buy extracts from a reputable and legal source.
• Read the label so you know the strength of the strain you’re buying.
• Remember that extracts such as shatter contain high levels of THC (unless it’s CBD shatter), so only use a small quantity.
• If you’re new to Cannabis it’s best to avoid dabbing and start with flower and learn your tolerance level.

Enjoy the Benefits of Shatter

Experienced Cannabis users who are looking for more ways to appreciate the psychoactive and/or medicinal benefits of the plant can enjoy shatter for its potency and convenience. If you’re interested in extracts, you can try other varieties such as wax and crumble as well as shatter as the main difference is in the consistency. As with any type of Cannabis, when you shop for shatter, make sure you trust the source and know what you are getting in terms of potency and THC levels.


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