Shatter vs Budder
Explore the mystical journey of cannabis and shrooms! Dive into the intriguing world of shatter and budder, comparing textures, potency, and effects. Elevate your experience, naturally!
Cannabis concentrates like budder and shatter are becoming increasingly popular, expected to surpass the demand for traditional flower in the future. With a growing dab scene, we will only see more and more of these concentrates in the dispensaries. However, with this rise in popularity, one common question arises, which is more potent: shatter or budder wax? Before we can determine the difference between budder and shatter, we need to establish what concentrates are in general.
Key Takeaways
- Budder and shatter are both cannabis concentrates with high potency, made through different extraction methods.
- Budder is produced using a closed-loop extraction machine with agitation and whipping during purging, resulting in a creamy texture resembling butter, while shatter is typically formed into thin, sheet-like pieces with a glass-like texture.
- Shatter is often considered more potent and has a longer shelf life compared to budder due to its harder texture, while budder deteriorates faster.
- Both budder and shatter can be consumed through dabbing, vaping, or adding to joints or bowls, providing users with a strong and distinct high.
- Budder and shatter can also be used to make edibles after decarboxylation, expanding their versatility in consumption methods.
What are Concentrates
Concentrates made from raw flower are highly potent extracts. They can be several times stronger than even the most potent cannabis flower, due to their high THC content. Just a single dab of these concentrates can be equivalent to smoking an entire bowl or joint, potentially saving both time and money.
Extraction methods involve using solvents like CO2, butane, propane, or alcohol, although some concentrates can also be made without solvents. In solvent-free processes, the resinous oil is extracted through pressure or heat, and then separated to create the desired type of concentrate.
What is Budder
Budder is a concentrated cannabis extract produced using chemical extraction processes that involve high heat, pressure, and agitation. It is crafted using a closed-loop extraction machine alongside a hydrocarbon solvent like butane, propane, or CO2. This results in a super potent extract, often testing at over 80% THC. The quality of the starting material has a considerable impact on the final output in extract production. Whole flowers with thick trichomes provide a more strong and tasty extract than those made only from trimmings.
Following extraction, the oil is purged in a vacuum oven to eliminate any remaining solvents. While this method is also used to create shatter and crumble, what distinguishes budder is the distinct technique used during and after purging. Using higher vacuum oven temperatures and a powerful hand tool, the extractor whips the oil until it begins to “butter” up, similar to churning butter, thus the name. The final texture and color resemble butter, and the strength frequently reaches 80% THC.
What is Shatter
Shatter is a cannabis extract typically produced using dried cannabis trimmings or occasionally whole buds. The extraction process is similar to that of budder, with butane being the most common solvent used in shatter production. The texture of shatter is formed during post-processing, resulting in thin, sheet-like pieces. Shatter is a visually striking cannabis concentrate known for its clear, glass-like texture. Unlike softer concentrates, shatter maintains a firm consistency, requiring users to break off small pieces by either shattering or pulling and snapping.
The production of shatter begins with a low-temperature hydrocarbon extraction, typically using a butane-based solvent blend. Propane-heavy extractions may result in a crystallized or sugary texture rather than the desired glass-like consistency, due to the extraction of a more complex terpene profile. During production, the crude oil is poured onto trays to create a thin layer of concentrate, which is then vacuum purged for 36 to 72 hours. The purging process is evident by the appearance of bubbles on the surface of the slab. Shatter is frequently golden or translucent and has a high strength, however, it may lack flavor compared to other extracts due to terpene loss during extraction.
What’s More Potent Shatter or Budder?
When comparing shatter and budder strength, there are a few major distinctions to consider. Shatter is the more potent of the two concentrates, but both take significant ability to create. Shatter is a much harder and more brittle texture than budder, which is smoother and creamier. Many people prefer the sight of shatter over budder because of its reflecting properties, whereas budder typically has a more subdued color.
Another important distinction is longevity. Shatter is more potent than budder and lasts longer. This is because budder, being softer, deteriorates faster and has a shorter shelf life. While shatter can remain durable for months or even years, it’s better to use budder more quickly to avoid degradation. However, don’t blindly follow our advice, dab some budder, give Shatter a try, and determine which one is the best choice for you!
How to Consume Shatter and Budder
The most typical way to consume budder, or shatter is by dabbing, which provides a distinct and strong high. To avoid terpene degradation, dab at temperatures ranging from 350 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C-260°C). Higher temperatures may also produce a harsher, more unpleasant experience. Dabbing is normally done with a dab rig, which can now be electronic, handheld pens, or concentrate-specific vaporizers.
Another popular method of consuming concentrates is with prepared cartridges, which may be simply connected to a battery for instant use. Dry herb vaporizers frequently include concentrate attachments, making a dab rig unnecessary. Concentrates can also be sprinkled on top of a bowl or added to a joint. However, this may be easier with badder or budder due to their consistency. Shatter can be stickier, posing a challenge when adding it to flower. Isolates, or sand-like extracts with high THC potency, are the easiest to work with in this regard. Additionally, concentrates can be used to make edibles, but they must be decarboxylated like cannabis flower before use.
Final Thoughts
Shatter is typically produced through low-temperature hydrocarbon solvent extraction, with most compounds naturally forming in this state. Budder is created by mixing shatter with high-terpene content to achieve a creamier consistency. The main difference you may notice is the texture. Shatter resembles a honey-colored glass shard and is brittle, breaking easily, while Budder has a firmer and creamier texture resembling butter.
An essential aspect of a successful solvent extraction process is ensuring no detectable amount of solvent remains in the final product. Reputable manufacturers verify the absence of residual solvents through third-party testing and laboratory analysis. BudCheap is very pleased with the high-quality shatter and budder we offer at our shop. Check it for your self!
