What is Shatter?
Cannabis Education

What is Shatter?

Thanks to innovative cannabis product manufacturers, there are now more ways to enjoy cannabis than ever before. One of the forms of cannabis that has become increasingly popular is shatter, a type of extract that comes in a wide range of strains. 

If you’re considering enhancing your cannabis experience with extracts, weed shatter might be just the product for you. Let’s take a closer look at how shatter fits into the world of cannabis extracts and how it could suit your unique needs.

 

What are Cannabis Extracts?

As their name suggests, cannabis extracts are products made by extracting active chemical compounds from the cannabis plant. There are various extraction methods that can be implemented to make extracts, and you can use fresh or cured cannabis.

A solvent is passed through the cannabis materials to separate the plant material from the cannabis oil. This oil contains all the desirable compounds, including cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Then, the solvent is removed to create a pure concentrate. From there, the concentrate is further processed into one of many forms, such as shatter. 

 

What is Shatter?

Named for its hard, glass-like appearance and consistency, shatter is a form of cannabis concentrate. It easily cracks or shatters into pieces that can be used in various ways.

The strength of shatter can reach upwards of 80 or 90% THC, far exceeding the average 20 to 30% present in traditional flowers. However, even though shatter is often believed to be one of the purest and strongest concentrates, that’s not necessarily true. Its translucent appearance is simply the aftermath of the production method.

Shatter close up look

 

How is Shatter Made?

There are several different methods for making shatter, but it is most commonly produced via extraction with hydrocarbon or butane solvents. The solvent assists in stripping away compounds such as THC and CBD, isolating them into concentrated cannabis oil. Then, the oil is further refined, and residual solvents are removed.

Remember that attempting to make DIY shatter at home is extremely dangerous and can put you at serious risk of an accidental explosion. It is much more reliable and safe to buy professionally-made shatter from your favorite dispensary. 

 

What is the Difference Between Shatter and Wax?

Shatter is a category of cannabis extracts with a hard, glassy consistency. In contrast, waxes are much softer and more malleable. 

The main differences between shatter and wax come down to how they look and feel (consistency-wise). These variances are caused by differences in molecular agitation during the production process and have nothing to do with how high-quality or strong the extract is.

Another key difference is how you use shatter cannabis vs. wax. For beginners, wax is often easier to work with because it doesn’t break into inconsistently-sized pieces. 

 

What Makes Shatter Unique?

For practical purposes, shatter is not that different from other forms of marijuana extract. In general, most cannabis extracts fall within a shared range of potency. Additionally, they are largely consumed in similar ways.

Shatter is mainly different in its appearance, which is created by the way in which the molecules are organized. Because shatter is not shaken, whipped, or stirred during the production process (unlike wax), its molecules are less agitated and therefore create a more transparent look. The consistency of shatter distinguishes it from other extracts. Like glass, it is very hard and easily breakable.  

It may have a slightly longer shelf life than other extracts, though some people find it harder to use.

 

How to Use Shatter & Other Extracts

Like other types of cannabis extracts, shatter can be consumed by:

  • Vaping it using a vape pen
  • Dabbed using a specially-designed water pipe known as a “dab rig.”

 

Note that if you do opt to vape shatter or other extracts, you will need to have a vape device that is specifically crafted for cannabis extracts. These vape devices are equipped with heating elements that rapidly heat up to a temperature that will constructively bring an extract to its point of vaporization. 

Depending on the cannabis extract you choose, you can add a small amount to flower before vaping. 

One of the advantages of shatter and cannabis extracts is that, due to their potency, a little bit goes a long way. So you can quickly and efficiently achieve your ideal outcomes. Also, many extract enthusiasts appreciate having a smoke-free option, whether for personal preference or other reasons. 

 

The Best Indica Cannabis Extracts

Indica extracts are those made from Indica-dominant strains. Some of our favorite Indica marijuana extracts include Dr. Funk live resin badder by Glorious Extracts, Duct Tape budder by High Grade, and GMF live batter by Glorious Extracts.

Indica strains (and their extracts) are often selected by Giving Tree customers interested in:

  • Easing discomfort
  • Better sleep
  • Improved appetite
  • Physical relaxation
  • Nighttime strains

 

For medical marijuana patients, India extracts are popular for supporting conditions such as:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic pain
  • Aftermath of cancer treatments
  • Insomnia

 

The Best Sativa Cannabis Extracts

Sativa strains are used to produce Sativa extracts. Some of the most popular Sativa marijuana extracts at Giving Tree Dispensary include the Sour Diesel syringe and Rainbow Sherbert distillate from IO Extracts, and Mangorita live resin batter from High Grade.

Sativa extracts are a favorite among customers interested in:

  • A euphoric head high
  • Increased focus and alertness
  • A boost in energy
  • Elevated creativity
  • Daytime strains

 

For medical marijuana patients, Sativa cannabis extracts can be ideal for:

  • Sadness
  • Operational Exhaustion
  • Nervousness

 

The Best Hybrid Cannabis Extracts

Hybrid strains are derived from a combination of Sativa and Indica parent strains. The genetic profile of a hybrid strain is usually either “more” Sativa or Indica, though there are also very balanced options. Cannabis extracts made with hybrid strains can offer a diverse range of outcomes, suiting recreational and medical marijuana consumers’ needs and goals.

Some of the top hybrid extracts at our dispensary in Phoenix are the Pineapple Express and Mimosa distillates from IO Extracts, the Wookies OG and Cereal Milk live batters from Glorious Extracts, and the MAC sugar wax from Mad Terp Labs.

 

Where to Find the Best Cannabis Extracts in Phoenix, AZ

Are you searching for cannabis extracts for sale in Phoenix? Your best bet is to choose a reputable dispensary that offers a wide variety of premium extracts, including a broad range of strains. And at Giving Tree Dispensary, that’s just what you’ll find.

Our Phoenix dispensary provides high-quality cannabis extracts for both medical and recreational use, including various forms, price points, cultivators, and strains. Whether you’re interested in extracts for dabbing, vaping, topping flowers, or capsules, our team of professionals is here to assist you in finding the ideal products.

Visit Giving Tree Dispensary to start shopping now!

Photo Credits: Roxana Gonzalez

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