What is shatter?

Shatter is a type of cannabis extract produced using cannabis plant material and solvents. The appearance of shatter cannabis is typically translucent, but its color ranges from yellowish amber to a darker yellow like corn oil.

Marijuana shatter may appear to be visually identical, but the physical texture of individual marijuana shatter products can range from extremely brittle to a taffy-like snap-and-pull texture, leading some to categorize the latter as pull ‘n’ snap. This inconsistency gives some insight into the concentration of cannabinoids in an individual product.

All shatter can be dabbed, and can be used in a dab pen. A dab rig, a small water pipe used to consume cannabis concentrates, is used to dab. A dab rig includes a flat bowl and a ‘nail’ that handles excessive heat to turn the concentrate into a vapor. Besides shatter, there are other forms of cannabis concentrates that can be dabbed such as a solventless extract.

Since dabbing concentrated marijuana products such as shatter offers stronger highs and terpene-rich flavors and aromas than smoking marijuana, dabbing marijuana shatter requires certain amounts of expertise and the right tools, which may make first-timers nervous. However, unlike smoking flower, the temperature of the nail at the moment of consumption will impact flavor, and thus any potentially beneficial consequences.