Everything To Know About Shatter & Wax

Shatter and wax are both powerful, solvent-based cannabis extracts that have similar properties. Both are made from the same plant material, which is then heated and processed to extract its active ingredients. The difference lies in the consistency and method of extraction.

Shatter is much thicker due to a higher temperature during extraction that causes the resin-like substance to harden into a glass-like form. Wax, on the other hand, is extracted using a lower temperature, resulting in a wax-like substance that is easier to handle.

When it comes to effects, shatter and wax are very similar to cannabis concentrates. Both provide an intense high that can last for hours, making them popular among experienced cannabis users looking for a powerful experience.

However, the higher concentration of active ingredients found in concentrated products may cause more intense effects than with less concentrated forms of cannabis. In this post, I will discuss more how to make them, ways to consume and the pros & cons of having shatter and wax.

Few Things To Consider 

Shatter and wax are two distinct essential compounds of Butane Hash Oil (BHO), a type of cannabis concentrate created using butane extraction. Both products contain high levels of active ingredients and can be used to create a strong, long-lasting experience.

Depending on its preparation, BHO can range from a light and airy texture to a sticky consistency to an easily crumbled form. Here few things to keep in mind when extracting cannabinoids:

1. Can Be Created Via A Solvent-Based Process

Using a solvent-based process, shatter and wax can be created. Depending on the product, this could potentially involve using a dangerous solvent like butane. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Ethanol extraction methods also exist and will produce different products.

When purchasing shatter or wax, it’s important to make sure that it has been tested for contaminants and produced safely.

2. Can Be Consumed In Various Ways

Smoking, vaporizing, and dabbing are all viable methods of consuming them. When vaping, you need a vape pen that is designed for shatter weed or wax specifically.

Dabbing requires heat, either from a torch or an electronic nail, and is extremely dangerous. This helps to vaporize the concentrate and release the active ingredients into the air for inhalation. Learn more on how to dab your cannabis extracts.

3. There Is A Risk Of Overdose

As shatter and wax are highly potent products, there is the potential for accidental overconsumption. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to start slowly and increase the dose as needed until you find the right amount that works best for you.

Additionally, users should take caution when consuming shatter and wax since these products can have a much higher potency than other forms of cannabis.

What Processes Are Necessary To Create Shatter And Wax?

Shatter and wax are made through a process called butane extraction. This process involves using butane, a highly flammable solvent, to separate the psychoactive compounds from cannabis plant material.

The process begins with marijuana concentrates. Raw marijuana buds or trims are placed into a container, which is then sealed and flooded with liquid butane. The mixture is then agitated, resulting in the compounds from the plant material dissolving into the butane.

The process is then repeated multiple times until all of the desired compounds have been extracted. A golden-coloured, glass-like substance is left behind, which is then heated and cooled to create the desired consistency.

Wax is produced via a similar method, except the evaporated concentrate needs to be whisked with air so that it can form a unique crystal structure and culminate in its signature creamy texture. This is why wax has a softer, more pliable consistency than shatter.

The finished texture of the product dictates its classification, whether it is known as wax, budder, or badder. Badder’s fluidity and sauciness distinguish it from budder which is more akin to a frosting-like texture. Wax is significantly thicker with a honey-like consistency.

What Essential Understandings Should I Have When Consuming Them?

Wax and shatter can both be enjoyed when blended with dried cannabis flower in a joint, bong, or bowl – providing an enhanced smoking experience. When consuming shatter or wax, it’s important to remember that:

• They can have an intense effect due to their high concentration of active ingredients.
• Everyone responds to cannabis differently, based on several variables like metabolism, environment, and dosage. Start slowly with a low dose and work your way up until you find the right amount that works best for you.
• If you choose to vape or smoke then start with a puff or two and give yourself a few minutes to see how you feel before taking more.
• Inhaling cannabis extracts like shatter and wax offer instantaneous effects that can be appreciated for up to six hours.

Are There Any Benefits Or Drawbacks To Using Shatter And Wax Concentrates?

The benefits of consuming shatter and wax include a more powerful and long-lasting experience, as well as the potential for higher levels of cannabinoids. They also tend to be easier to store than other forms of cannabis such as flowers or edibles.

Additionally, they can come in different flavors so you can get a unique taste depending on your preference. In addition to cannabis flowers, they also provide a smoke-free way of enjoying the benefits of this powerful plant.

The drawbacks of consuming shatter and wax include the potential for higher levels of THC, which could lead to more intense effects. Additionally, concentrate products may contain contaminants that can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

Also, because shatter and wax are more potent than flowers, it’s important to start slowly and increase the dose as needed until you find the right amount that works best for you.

Finally, consuming shatter or wax requires specific equipment, such as a dab rig and torch for dabbing or a vape pen specifically designed for concentrates. This may make them less accessible to beginners.

When Shopping For Shatter And Wax, What Should Be Taken Into Consideration?

When compared to other forms of cannabis, extracts such as shatter and wax offer users a significantly higher concentration of cannabinoids – with some containing upwards of 90% THC! In comparison to raw cannabis which can contain up to 30% cannabinoids, these products are far more potent and concentrated forms of cannabis.

OCS-obtainable extracts intended for inhalation aren’t allowed to have more than 1,000 mg of THC per package. Although many believe that shatter is stronger than wax, these substances usually contain similar THC concentrations.

When shopping for shatter or wax, it’s important to make sure that it has been tested for contaminants and produced safely. Additionally, you should look at the lab results which should indicate the level of active ingredients such as THC or CBD.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, both shatter and wax offer an intense experience that can last longer than other forms of cannabis. There is the potential for higher levels of active ingredients, as well as a variety of flavors to choose from.

However, these products can also contain contaminants and require specific equipment for consumption.