21Sep
What Is Shatter? Cannabis Concentrate 101
Cannabis concentrates have become the latest trends in the cannabis industry. A marijuana concentrate, in its purest form, can yield over 80% THC content. That’s likely the reason it’s become a big hit with regular and occasional cannabis consumers.
Concentrates go by many slang terms, including shatter. You have probably heard of, or have enjoyed, resin, dabs, errl, wax and cannabis oil. Let’s learn more about shatter, shall we?
What exactly is shatter?
Shatter looks like caramel coloured hard candy, or glass. It’s one of the highest THC concentrates on the cannabis market with some reaching levels of almost 90%. Unfortunately, the higher THC purity the lower the flavour. So, you get those high levels but not the enjoyable flavour you might get with other concentrates.
It’s not flavourless all together though. Some manufacturers use bud strains with higher terpene for more flavour. Different technology use for extraction can produce different results.
Let’s learn how shatter is made!
The way cannabis concentrates are made is constantly changing, especially now that it is legal in Canada. New technology is being developed all the time, taking extracting methods to higher levels. However, the most common way historically is by using butane.
Shatter is derived of butane hash oil. Used as a solvent, the butane pulls most of the cannabinoid and terpenoid molecules out in the form of bud and resin crystals. This method can use shake leaves or flower buds. Once the crystals are fully extracted, the butane chemicals are filtered out. You’re left with a caramel brown goo. The goo is cooled so it takes a glass-like form.
If you slam it onto a hard surface, it will shatter. Hence the name.
Safety note: DIY butane extraction is not really encouraged. Butane is colourless, odourless and very flammable. It can be dispersed in the air and create a serious explosion. It should be done in a closed-loop system, by professionals using proper lab equipment.
Let’s learn how to smoke it!
Like other cannabis extracts, shatter can be consumed via vape pens or rigs, sometimes bongs. Using a battery operated vap pen is probably the most popular method.
Rigs have a titanium nail as a weed bowl, set up similar as a bong. The titanium nails will get mega hot using a blow torch lighter, vaporizing the shatter instantly into an easy-to-consume smoke.
The fact you’re inhaling it is another reason why you want to trust the professional lab technicians to extracting the stuff. The last thing you want is to be inhaling butane. The shatter and other concentrates from Serene Farms were made with top-of-the-line equipment, following strict guidelines. Improper extraction methods can give you a finished product that will make you sick.
Why smoke shatter?
Studies show that more than a third of regular cannabis users are concentrate users. The study included shatter and concluded that people enjoy it for recreational purposes. Whether it be to add pleasure, as a safe alternative to alcohol or to relax, those surveyed enjoyed using shatter recreationally.
For medical reasons, users consumed shatter to help with sleep disorders, reduce pain, anxiety, PTSD and other ailments. Shatter isn’t the end-all solution to these issues or their symptoms. Like any medicine, it depends on the person, the condition, their biology and other circumstances. Shatter could help you, but the only way to know for sure is to try it.
Have questions about shatter or other products? Contact Serene Farms!
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