What is shatter.

Shatter is a cannabis concentrate that is named for its hard, glass-like consistency that tends to crack, or shatter, when broken apart.

It is typically gold or amber in color.

Although shatter is popularly believed to be more potent or pure than other types of extracts, this is not always true.

Its appearance instead has only to do with the extract’s molecules being less agitated during production.

Shatters is usually dabbed, a method of consumption that involves flash vaporization off of a specialized water pipe called a dab rig.

This glassy extract has a reputation for being potent.

Though it can range in potency depending on the chemical composition of the source plant and the extraction techniques and equipment used.

While the high watermark for cannabis flower tends to sit around 30% THC, shatter extracts may test upward of 80% to 90% THC.

How is shatter made?

Shatters can be made using a variety of production methods, but it is typically created using butane or hydrocarbon solvents.

Butane extracts are also called BHO, short for “butane hash oil.”

To make BHO, cannabis is typically contained in a tube where butane.

Other hydrocarbons are pushed through the plant material, stripping away desirable compounds like THC and CBD.
The concentrated oil is collected and may be further refined using additional techniques.

“Purging,” for example, refers to the removal of excess residual solvents using a vacuum chamber, and “winterization” refers to the separation of fats and lipids from the oil.

Shatter and other types of BHO are extremely dangerous to make using at-home DIY setups due to the flammability of butane fumes.

Attempts to make BHO in home environments have resulted in several accidental explosions.

Professional-grade shatter is produced using safe closed-loop systems that prevent these fumes from entering the ambient environment.