Shatter is a potent cannabis extract that provides stronger and longer-lasting highs than smoking a joint. As such, it has been popular among cannabis enthusiasts in search of greater highs- in fact, it was one of the first modern concentrates on the market- and now, modern extraction methods have given shatter new life and more options than ever before- you can smoke shatter, dab it, and even vape it.
In this guide, you’ll find essential information about how to use shatter and some general advice for beginners looking to get started with this exciting extract.
Why Smoke Shatter?
One of the reasons why shatter is so popular is its versatility. You can decide to go the enthusiast route and reach for a specialized dab rig; you can wing it and mix shatter into your joint or bowl, or you could even vape it. There are many ways to consume shatter, and they all offer something a little different.
Whichever route you decide on, there are some pros and cons you should be aware of in advance.
As a cannabis concentrate, shatter averages between 50% and 80% THC concentration, and the most potent shatter can hit upwards of 90%! This can make shatter a bit unfriendly and difficult to handle for beginners- that’s why it’s important to start with slow doses at the beginning.
But fear not, because shatter is perfectly safe to consume!
- Keep in mind: Too much focus on THC content is sort of like only looking at the alcohol content of your drinks- if you only go for the strongest stuff, you could be missing out on a lot of the flavours and taste that can make the experience so pleasurable.
Can you smoke shatter in a Joint?
One of the easiest and quickest ways to smoke shatter is by adding it to a joint you’re already rolling. Since shatter is a brittle, translucent substance, you can easily break off small pieces, and sprinkle it down the length of the joint.
- Tip: For storing shatter long-term, some people use their fridge or freezer because the colder temperatures can help retain the flavours longer- just make sure to vacuum-seal it to keep any moisture out. If your shatter is too sticky, storing it in the fridge for a night can be a great way to firm up the consistency for easier use.
Adding shatter will enhance the potency of your joint, so be careful about how much you use. Otherwise, you might end up way higher than expected for an extended period of time.
One major downside to smoking shatter in a joint is that you could lose out on some flavours, although this probably won’t be the worst news for newbies who might appreciate a mellower experience. Another downside is the impact that smoking in general has on your lungs.
- Did you know: The smoke from burning shatter can be hotter and harsher than regular smoke, so have some water close-by just in case it makes you cough.
What’s a dab rig?
A dab rig is a unique pipe that’s custom-made for smoking extracts like shatter.
The dab rig consists of the main body that looks like a bong, but instead of where the bowl is on a bong, a dab rig has a nail, usually with a glass dome that you can cover and uncover.
The dome is where you’ll place the nail, heat it up, and dab the shatter.
You’ll also need a dabber, a tool used to hold the shatter as you apply it to the glowing hot nail. You can’t get the nail that hot with an ordinary lighter, so you’ll also need a butane torch.
Smoking shatter does come with some hazards, just make sure not to burn yourself with the torch or accidentally touch the nail.
How to Dab Shatter
Once you have a dab rig, you’re ready to get started. Here’s the breakdown of how to dab shatter on a dab rig:
- The first thing you need to do is measure out and break off the tiny piece of shatter you’ll be smoking for that session. Make sure it’s a small piece. Shatter is a concentrate, and even small doses should be more than enough to get you high.
- Place your carefully measured piece of shatter on the dabber in preparation for later steps.
- Turn on the torch and thoroughly heat the nail of your rig. The nail should be blazing hot.
- As it starts to cool, place a dome over the nail.
- Now use your prepared dabber to bring the shatter closer to the nail and start melting it. As this is happening, thick smoke will begin forming in the bong. Place your mouth on the pipe of the bong and inhale.
In the first few runs, the whole dabbing concept might seem a bit complicated, but as time goes, you’ll get used to it, and it will become a part of your routine.
- Keep in mind: Not all of the shatter you place on the nail will melt and vaporize. Some of it may remain in the chamber, which you can try recovering later on.
How to Vape Shatter
The easiest way of consuming shatter is a vape pen. Vape pens have shot up in popularity over the last few years, to the point where they’re now ubiquitous.
You can puff on your vape pen, and people won’t even know that it’s cannabis. As far as they’re concerned, it could be a nicotine vape.
Many of these small devices have temperature regulators that allow us to enjoy weed and other products in a new way. Customizing your vaping experience is a great way to extract more from herb and shatter, and it begins with focusing on the temperatures that will vaporize the compounds.
Here is some general advice on vaporizing shatter:
- Make sure to purchase a vape pen that can vaporize concentrates like shatter. Not all vape pens are made equal. Something designed to handle more heat is ideal.
- Load a small piece of shatter into the chamber. Make sure to align the shatter on the coil for proper vaporizing.
- Before closing the chamber, press the ignite button for a short time to melt the shatter a bit, but DON’T BURN IT!
- Close the chamber and lock the lid of the vape pen.
- Hold the ignition button on your vape and slowly inhale to your liking.
One of the main things you need to be careful about when vaporizing shatter is not to overdo it. Shatter is a concentrate that might be overwhelming to those with less experience, and vaporizing it will create much stronger effects than smoking shatter.
Smoking Shatter FAQ
Can You Eat Shatter?
While shatter is perfectly safe for human consumption, we don’t recommend that you eat it. You won’t experience any side effects if you do, and but it won’t get you high, either.
That’s because shatter needs decarboxylation, which activates the cannabinoids. This is why we apply heat, or else the shatter will never get you high.
If you’re looking for something to ingest and get you high, check out our selection of delicious edibles.
What is the Difference Between Wax and Shatter?
While both concentrates share a similar production process, slight differences in extraction and treatment make the two concentrates vastly different in terms of consistency and characteristics.
Shatter is more potent and stable, making it a better long-term solution for storing. Wax, on the other hand, is softer and much easier to work with and dose.
Both concentrates have their place in the cannabis concentrates market but might meet the needs of different customers. Choose the one that’s right for you.
What is the Best Place to Shop for Shatter?
Now that you know how to smoke shatter, check out the wide selection of shatter on our menu.
Buying shatter from Budmail offers you more choices, allows you to read customer reviews and feedback before purchasing, and a dedicated Customer Service team at [email protected].
What is the Cost of Shatter?
The price of shatter can vary significantly depending on the quality of the product. On average, the shatter available on Budmail ranges between $20 and $40 for a gram.
How Much Does a Shatter Rig Cost?
This is a tough question because there are so many options and different designs when it comes to dab rigs. A simple answer would be that some rigs might cost you a mere $30, while for others, you can go all out and spend thousands of dollars on a custom model.
The range of prices is vast and depends on the complexity of the rig, the quality of materials used in its construction, the presence of exotic materials, and premium branding.
If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you go for a reliable but straightforward rig that will set you back anywhere between $50 and $80.
There are quite a few models to choose from in that range, and those should be your target if you’re on a budget. If dabbing shatter is something that takes, you can consider spending several hundred dollars for a better rig. Premium rigs that cost thousands of dollars don’t offer magical features and performance but are simply a novelty for those who buy them.
How Often Should I Smoke Shatter?
It’s important to practice moderation when it comes to shatter.
As a concentrate, shatter packs a much more potent punch than your average cannabis flower bud.
Shatter averages anywhere between 50% and 80% of THC concentration, which is almost triple compared to even the most potent weed flower.
With that in mind, take breaks between dabs. A solid 10-15-minute break between dabs should be more than enough to let your body and mind adjust to the previous hit and judge whether you need another one.
Does Shatter Have a Strong Odor?
Shatter doesn’t have the strong, distinct odour that people associate with marijuana. In the extraction process of making shatter, many of the terpenes and flavonoids responsible for the potent odours of marijuana are discarded, making shatter a more discreet option than smoking. You won’t have to worry about people smelling it from blocks away.
Even though the smell of shatter isn’t as invasive as cannabis smoke and lingers for a much shorter period, it does have a distinct smell of its own, so expect to produce some odour.
Using a vaping pen may further help minimize odours. Vaporizing shatter is gentler than burning marijuana flowers and therefore produces a less pungent smell.
Does Shatter Contain CBD?
Yes, most shatter will contain traces of CBD. Bear in mind that the primary goal of producing shatter is not to preserve everything in the cannabis plant, but rather to create a potent concentrate with high THC levels.
This focus on THC means you won’t get to benefit from the Entourage Effect.
- Did you know: the entourage effect is a proposed mechanism by which cannabis compounds other than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) act synergistically with it to modulate the overall psychoactive effects of the plant.
Using the full spectrum is believed to bring out the best of what cannabis has to offer while also mitigating the potential adverse effects of THC like paranoia.
Therefore, if you’re looking to smoke shatter mainly for the CBD, there are better solutions out there for your needs.
High THC content will discourage some people, especially if they’re involved in a sober program or undergo regular drug testing at work. CBD-only shatter products can help in these situations, so make sure to read the labels and double-check the ingredients to make sure you know what kind of shatter you’re getting.
Resources
Leafly: Vaping vs. Dabbing: Why You Should Care About Heat.
Merry Jane: What Is Shatter and How Do You Hit It?.
Weedmaps: Cannabis Dictionary: Shatter.
