WHAT THE HECK IS SHATTER? If you are a new cannabis user, you have probably heard the term “shatter” before but are wondering what the heck it is! Shatter is a concentrated form of cannabis, meaning it is derived from pure cannabis extracts. This means that it contains up to 90% cannabinoid content, making it a hard-hitting method that is far more potent than flower. In fact, shatter is considered one of the purest forms of concentrate, but its delicate nature can make it hard to work with. In comparison, regular bud only has 5-18% cannabinoid content.
SHATTER IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE PUREST FORMS OF CONCENTRATE, BUT ITS DELICATE NATURE CAN MAKE IT HARD TO WORK WITH…
HOW IS IT PRODUCED? Shatter is produced by extracting the cannabinoid compounds, such as THC and CBD, from the marijuana plant. In order to separate the desired compounds (trichomes which contain THC and CBD, terpenes, etc), extraction machines and solvents are used to strip them from the plant.
In the case of shatter, the process uses butane as a solvent. Butane is filtered through plant material; as the butane passes through, it strips the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The remaining solution is then purged of any butane and foreign contaminants. Due to the use of butane, it is very dangerous to make at home as there can be residual solvents. However, cannabis labs have the necessary equipment and rigorous testing methods. Therefore, quality shatter has a very low risk for contaminants and instead results in a very flavourful and concentrated product, ranging from 60-90% THC.