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How to Make Shatter at Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

by | Apr 11, 2023 | Informational | 0 comments

Shatter on a pink table and picking it up with a dabber.

Table of Contents

If you’re a fan of cannabis concentrates, you’ve probably heard of shatter. This glass-like, potent form of cannabis has gained popularity among enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll explore the process of creating shatter at home and tips on how to smoke it and where to buy it. But remember, working with flammable solvents can be dangerous, so always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.

What is Shatter?

Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate known for its translucent, glass-like appearance and high levels of THC. It’s created by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants using a solvent, then purifying and solidifying the resulting oil.

The Benefits of Shatter

Shatter offers several advantages over traditional cannabis products:

  1. Potency: This form of cannabis typically contains 70-90% THC, making it much more potent than flower or edibles.
  2. Flavour: The high terpene content in shatter preserves the cannabis plant’s natural flavours, making it a favourite among flavour chasers.
  3. Discretion: Shatter is less aromatic than flower, allowing for more discreet consumption.

Materials Needed for Creating Shatter

Cooking tools lined up in a row.

1. High-Quality Cannabis

Select buds with a high THC content and a terpene profile you enjoy. The quality of your starting material heavily influences the final product.

2. Extraction Solvent

Butane or propane are the most common solvents used for creating shatter. Ensure your solvent is high quality and specifically designed for cannabis extraction.

3. Glass Extraction Tube

A glass extraction tube is used to hold the cannabis during the extraction process. It should be durable, heat-resistant, and the appropriate size for your batch of cannabis.

4. Filter System

A filter system, such as unbleached coffee filters or micron screens, is needed to separate the plant material from the extracted oil.

5. Vacuum Purge Equipment

A vacuum purge system, including a vacuum chamber and a stage vac pump, is essential for removing any remaining solvent from the extract.

6. Safety Equipment

Safety equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a fire extinguisher, is crucial when working with flammable solvents.

The Process of Making Shatter at Home

Young woman cooking in the kitchen. She is using a knife to cut bell peppers.

1. Choosing the Right Cannabis

Select cannabis buds with a high THC content and a desirable terpene profile. The quality of your starting material heavily influences the final product.

2. Preparing the Cannabis

Grind your cannabis to a coarse consistency, but avoid over-grinding as it can lead to contamination with plant matter.

3. BHO Extraction

  1. Pack the ground cannabis into the glass extraction tube, ensuring it is evenly distributed without any air pockets.
  2. Place the filter system at the end of the extraction tube.
  3. In a well-ventilated area or outdoors, carefully release the solvent into the extraction tube, allowing it to saturate the cannabis and dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes.
  4. Collect the solvent-cannabinoid mixture as it drips through the filter system into a glass dish.

4. Filtering and Vacuum Purging the Extract

  1. Transfer the collected solvent-cannabinoid mixture to the vacuum chamber.
  2. Connect the stage vac pump and turn it on to create a vacuum within the chamber.

Allow the vacuum pump to run for several hours to remove the remaining solvent from the extract. Monitor the extract. Monitor the temperature and pressure closely to avoid overheating or over-pressurizing the chamber.

5. Collecting the Shatter

  1. Once the solvent is fully purged, you should be left with a solid, glass-like substance—your shatter!
  2. Carefully remove the shatter from the vacuum chamber using a razor blade or scraper tool.
  3. Store the shatter in a non-stick container or parchment paper.

Safety Precautions

Working with flammable solvents requires utmost caution. Always make shatter in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, away from any sources of ignition. Wear appropriate safety equipment, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Storage and Usage

Store your shatter at room temperature in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency and consistency. When consuming shatter, use a dab rig or vaporizer, or incorporate it into edibles for a potent and flavorful experience.

How to Smoke Shatter

There are several ways to smoke shatter, including using a dab rig or vaporizer or incorporating it into a joint or bowl. Here are the most common methods:

  1. Dab Rig: A dab rig is a specialized type of water pipe designed for smoking concentrates. Heat the nail or banger with a torch until it reaches the optimal temperature (around 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit), then use a dabber to place a small amount of shatter onto the heated surface. Inhale the vapour through the rig as the concentrate vaporizes.
  2. Vaporizer: Some vaporizers, like a vape pen, are compatible with concentrates like shatter. Ensure your device is designed for concentrates and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading and using the device.
  3. Joint or Bowl: You can also add small pieces of shatter to a joint or bowl with flower. Break the shatter into tiny pieces and mix it evenly with the ground cannabis for a more potent smoking experience.

Where to Buy Shatter

Shatter can be purchased from licensed dispensaries, cannabis retailers, or through online dispensaries like Xpressgrass in regions where cannabis is legal. Always buy shatter from a reputable source to ensure you’re getting a high-quality, lab-tested product. For more guidance, check out our guide on shopping for shatter, check out this helpful guide.

Conclusion

Making shatter at home can be rewarding, allowing you to create a potent and flavorful cannabis concentrate. Remember to always prioritize safety and use high-quality materials for the best results. Check out this comparison article for more information about shatter, including how it compares to other concentrates.

FAQs

1. How potent is shatter compared to other cannabis products?

Shatter is one of the most potent forms of cannabis concentrates, typically containing 70-90% THC. This makes it significantly more potent than traditional flower or edibles.

2. Can I use other solvents besides butane or propane to make shatter?

Butane and propane are the most common solvents for making shatter. However, other solvents, such as CO2 or ethanol, can be used for cannabis extraction. Each solvent produces a slightly different end product with varying consistencies and characteristics.

3. Can I make shatter with trim or lower-quality cannabis?

Yes, you can make shatter with trim or lower-quality cannabis, but the final product’s quality and potency may be lower than if you used high-quality cannabis buds. Always remember that the quality of your starting material heavily influences the final product.

4. How do I know when the vacuum purging process is complete?

The vacuum purging process is complete when no more visible solvent bubbles are in the extract and the shatter has reached a stable, glass-like consistency. This process can take several hours, depending on the amount of solvent used and the efficiency of your vacuum pump.

5. Can I make shatter without using a vacuum purge system?

While it’s possible to make shatter without a vacuum purge system by using a simple hot water bath or low-heat oven, the final product may contain residual solvents and impurities, which can be harmful when consumed. A vacuum purge system ensures the highest level of purity and safety for your shatter.

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