Shatter is a very strong cannabis extract and is widely liked by many cannabis users for its potency and unique texture. But deciding if beginners should try Shatter is still up for discussion. To understand this better, experts did their research on whether beginners should try Shatter, especially when considering cheap weed Canada options. Read on to know what they think.
Key Points
- Shatter is a cannabis concentrate made out of extracting THC and other cannabinoids from cannabis.
- Studies have linked high THC levels in Shatter to increased risks of psychosis and other mental health issues.
- Proper dosing and responsible use are required to mitigate the risks associated with shatter consumption.
What is Shatter?
Shatter weed is a cannabis concentrate type made out of extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. It’s usually solid and has a glass-like texture, ranging in colour from amber to yellow. People use Shatter in different ways, like smoking, vaporizing, or dabbing.
This concentrate is made using a liquid gas called butane in a controlled production process. It can be consumed as a dab or in wax form. You can use it in vaporizers, bongs, pipes, and terps. It mixes well with any strain of cannabis. Since shatter is very potent, you need less of it to feel its effects.
While most shatter forms are delicate and thin, some are thicker and have a texture similar to hard, flexible taffy. The variance in texture is due to the concentration of cannabinoids in each product.
Its strength can vary depending on the plant’s chemistry and the extraction methods. While cannabis flower usually has around 30% THC, shatter extracts can reach levels of 80% to 90% THC.
Types of Cannabis Shatter
Cannabis shatter comes in different forms, each with strength, taste, and effects. Here are some popular types:
Indica Shatters
- Made from Indica cannabis strains known for their calming qualities.
- Often utilized to relieve discomfort and aid sleep.
Sativa Shatters
- Created from Sativa strains, famous for their energizing effects.
- Used for productivity, focus, and creativity.
Hybrid Shatter
- A hybrid of Indica and Sativa strains with a balance of calming and energizing effects.
Strain-Specific Shatter
- Produced using specific cannabis strains, resulting in unique flavours and effects.
How is Shatter Made?
Shatter can be created using different methods, but it’s usually made with butane or hydrocarbon solvents. Butane extracts are also known as BHO, which stands for “butane hash oil.”
To make BHO, the following steps are done:
- Cannabis is placed in a tube where butane or other hydrocarbons are pushed through the plant material, removing desired compounds like THC and CBD.
- The concentrated oil is collected.
- It will undergo further refinement using techniques like “purging” to remove excess solvents and “winterization” to separate fats and lipids from the oil.
Note: Making Shatter and other types of BHO at home is very dangerous due to the flammability of butane fumes. Homemade attempts have led to accidental explosions. Professional-grade Shatter is made using safe closed-loop systems that prevent these fumes from escaping into the environment.
What Do Experts Say?
Here’s what the experts had to say regarding the use of shatters:
- Irresponsible use of THC can cause negative effects like anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.
- This study raises concerns about cases where ‘dabbing’ (using shatter) is linked to the development of psychotic disorders.
Pros and Cons of Shatter for Beginners
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of beginners using Shatter below to understand why it may or may not be suitable for novice users.
Pros:
- Potency. Shatter is a favoured cannabis concentrate due to its high THC content, providing strong effects with a small amount. This can be beneficial for those needing quick relief from sudden pain.
- Fast-acting. Many prefer dabbing because it delivers effects rapidly, often within minutes.
- Cost-effective. Its potency means you need less, which makes it an economical choice compared to other cannabis products.
- Smoke-free. Shatter is usually vaporized or dabbed as a healthier alternative to smoking, though further research is needed to confirm this.
- Shelf-stable. Its high concentration allows for long-term storage, which provides convenience for users.
Cons:
- High Potency. The high THC content in Shatter can be overwhelming for beginners. It can lead to adverse effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or dizziness.
- Risk of Overconsumption. Proper dosing with Shatter can be challenging as it can increase the risk of consuming too much and experiencing negative effects.
- Tolerance Buildup. Regular use of high-potency cannabis products like Shatter can lead to rapid tolerance buildup, which needs higher doses to reach the desired effects.
Best Shatter: Cheap Weed Canada Options
| Product | Potluck – Indica Shatter – 1g | Premium Shatter – Cactus Cake – 2g | Premium Shatter – Rockstar Tuna – 2g |
| Description | Crafted with care, diligence, and precision. Made from top-quality flowers, providing a gorgeously golden end product. | Created through a cross of Afghani X Northern Lights strains. Available in both indica and sativa dominant hybrids. | A heavily Indica dominant hybrid strain, created through crossing Tuna Kush X Rockstar strains. Offers a pungent aroma with an earthy skunky taste. |
| Effects | Calming, pain relief, promotes sleep. | Provides similar effects to both indica and sativa strains, including relaxation and euphoria. | Offers unique lifted effects, relaxation, and increased appetite. |
How to Use Shatter?
Cannabis concentrates like Shatter must be vaporized at high temperatures for the compounds to become active in decarboxylation. The most common way to use Shatter is with a smoking device called a dab rig. This device heats the Shatter to create vapour, which you then inhale. Effects usually start within minutes.
Another way to use Shatter is with a dab pen. You’ll need a pen with a special chamber for vaping concentrates. Charge the pen, set the temperature, and load the concentrate into the chamber. The pen heats the Shatter, turning it into a vapour you inhale through the mouthpiece.
Safety Tips for Beginners
For beginners trying to take Shatter, focus on safety and responsible use. Here are some guidelines to ensure a positive experience:
- Before taking more, begin with a tiny amount of Shatter and wait to see how it affects you. Remember, you can always have more later but can’t undo what you’ve already consumed.
- Buy Shatter from trusted dispensaries or producers. Prioritize quality and safety.
- Learn about the proper techniques for dabbing, such as heating the nail to the right temperature and inhaling slowly to avoid harsh hits.
- Shatter can dehydrate and tire you out, so drink plenty of water and get enough rest before and after using it.
- Surround yourself with trusted friends or family members who can offer help if you need it during your Shatter experience.
Where to Buy Shatter Online?
Beginners should approach shatter with caution and start with other cannabis products. Shatter’s potency and quick effects can be too much for new users. Beginners should start with milder options like flowers or edibles and gradually explore concentrates as they gain more experience and understand their tolerance levels.
When buying shatter online, it is important to focus on quality, safety, and trustworthiness. Trusted online dispensaries like Grasslife provide various shatter options, ensuring customers receive high-quality concentrates that have been properly tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shatter and Dabs the same?
Shatter and dabs are related but not identical. “Dabs” is a term used for various types of cannabis concentrates utilized in dabbing, including shatter, wax, and others. Shatter, specifically, is a type of cannabis concentrate known for its glass-like appearance and strength. It falls under the broader category of dabs because it can be used for dabbing, but not all dabs are shatter.
Is Shatter stronger than Wax?
Shatter and wax are both types of cannabis concentrates, and their potency can be very similar, commonly ranging between 70% to 90% THC. Their primary difference lies in their texture and consistency due to their processing methods, not necessarily their strength.
Shatter has a hard, glass-like consistency, while wax is softer and more malleable. The strength of either product depends on the quality of cannabis used and the extraction process, so one isn’t inherently stronger than the other; it varies by product.
How much time does one gram of Shatter stay effective?
It varies for each person. It depends on how much you can handle, how often you use it, and your health needs.
A gram of cannabis concentrate might have as much as 80% THC. You need less Shatter than regular cannabis to get the same effect. While one gram might last one person a few weeks, it might not last as long for someone else.
