Shatter is a crystalized cannabis extract named for its brittle, glass-like texture, and ability to break easily.
Being considered one of the most beautiful and picture-worthy forms of marijuana products, shatter, otherwise known as shatter wax or shatter weed, is one of the top forms of cannabis extracts. A product that is highly sought after by the more experienced smokers.
Because it’s such a popular form of THC that is potent enough to produce a powerful high, many newbies have to ask the question, what is shatter? And how does it work?
How are shatter concentrates made?
To better explain the product and how to ingest it safely, we need to look at how the concentration is made.
Shatter, unlike many other concentrates, is made using a system of extraction known as closed-loop extraction. This method of THC removal is done by taking ground-up cannabis and packing it tightly inside a column before placing it in a chilling solvent, most likely butane.
This solvent then passes through the cannabis pieces to collect compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. Once these compounds are removed, they will be heated to very high temperatures to remove as much butane as possible.
Once this extract soup is cooled off, it will settle into a thin, golden sheet otherwise known as shatter.
Can you eat shatter?
Yes, shatter can be eaten but the only thing with consuming it this way is the results will be a bit varied based on if it is decarboxylated or not and if you decide to eat it.
Since decarboxylation involves heating the weed in efforts to activate the cannabinoids to produce the high, shatter has to be consumed with either the fat or oil so that the cannabinoids actually get absorbed by your digestive tract.
Effects that using shatter may cause
Due to extra ingredients used during the manufacturing portion of creating cannabis concentrates and the high potency level of the ready-to-use product, items such as shatter can come with certain risk factors.
Besides the understandable risk of products such as these being classified as explosive when being homemade. A big concern that comes with wax shatter and most other concentrates is the risk of impurities.
While still being manufactured, the butane used to make shatter is supposed to be completely flushed out of the product before selling. Still, it just doesn’t happen in some cases, leading to ingesting the solvents, which can be very dangerous, even possibly causing death.
Even if the shatter is pure cannabis, first-time users should proceed very carefully when consuming this drug. Its high levels of THC can result in elevated heart rates, vomiting, and even paranoia.
Conclusion
Shatter has been steadily gaining more attention after marijuana became legal in some regions of the world.
Because of its high potency level and easy accessibility, shatter is making its way to the top of avid smokers’ lists. This means, that those newer to the game need to review and understand each product before making that purchase.
Also, make sure to check in with your local weed dispensaries or reliable online store such as this to see their section of shatters and other cannabis extracts that are safe and easy to purchase.
