The Rise of Shatter: A Guide to Its Origins, Production, and Benefits

Highly potent and visually appealing, shatter is a popular type of cannabis concentrate that has taken off in recent years. Glass-like in appearance, this extract is known for its high THC content and incredibly potent effects. It's not uncommon to see shatter topping over 80% THC, making it a favourite with experienced cannabis consumers.

From its early beginnings to its current widespread popularity, shatter has certainly made a name for itself in the world of cannabis. It continues to evolve and innovate, with new techniques and variations constantly emerging. The late 1980s may have been the starting point for shatter, but its journey has only just begun.

The birth of shatter

The earliest references to shatter production can be traced back to 1989 when D. Gold published a second edition of his 1973 book, "Cannabis Alchemy: The Art of Modern Hashmaking". In 1990, a second edition of Michael Starks' 1977 book, "Marijuana Chemistry: Genetics Processing and Potency," was released.

These two ground-breaking publications laid the groundwork for the development of modern cannabis concentrates, including shatter. While these earlier works described similar extraction processes, shatter as a specific product with its characteristic glass-like appearance and high potency emerged later.

The first known commercial producer of shatter is attributed to BudderKing, a Canadian legend in the cannabis industry. He is considered one of the early innovators of cannabis concentrates and is credited for developing budder and shatter in the late 1990s.

In 2003, BudderKing's products could be found in dispensaries in the Vancouver area, and with the rise of online forums, his name quickly spread across Canada and beyond. From there, shatter production and consumption exploded in popularity, with many other producers emerging to meet the growing demand.

The shatter-making process

With the use of modern technology and the latest extraction techniques, shatter is created by extracting concentrated oil from cannabis plants. The process typically involves using solvents like butane or CO2 to strip the plant material of its cannabinoids and terpenes.

Packing the plant material into a closed-loop extraction system, the solvent is then used to dissolve the trichomes and terpenes. Chilled solvents are often used to maintain a lower temperature, which helps preserve the terpenes and prevent them from evaporating.

A sticky resinous substance is left behind when the mixture is heated and the solvent evaporates. This oil is then purged of any remaining solvents through a vacuum oven, leaving behind a pure and potent concentrate. 

To reduce any fats or lipids that may have been extracted during the process, some producers use a winterization process that involves freezing the oil and filtering out any impurities. Finally, the concentrate is cooled and formed into its characteristic sheet-like shape.

How to use shatter

Shatter is most commonly used for dabbing, a method of consuming cannabis concentrates by heating them on a hot surface and inhaling the vapour. It can also be used in concentrate vaporizers, or added to joints, bowls, or blunts for an extra potent kick.

Due to its high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, shatter can be intense even for experienced cannabis users. A quicker onset and stronger effects make it a popular choice for those seeking immediate relief from pain, anxiety, or insomnia.

That being said, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing dosage is recommended for those new to shatter. If you've got a low tolerance, shatter can easily knock you off your feet and leave you couch-locked for hours.

For medical patients, shatter can offer a more concentrated and efficient form of relief for conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and nausea. Its potency also makes it a cost-effective option, as a little goes a long way.

Hand-picked shatter selections

With a regulated market in Canada, getting your hands on high-quality shatter has never been easier. At Hero Dispatch, we offer a variety of shatter options from reputable producers, all of which are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Western Cannabis: A go-to choice for many concentrate enthusiasts, Western Cannabis produces high-quality shatter in a variety of strains including Electric Cherry and Matnuska Thunder F*#k.

Stigma Grow: A favourite among medical patients, Dab Bods by Stigma Grow offers some tasty and potent shatter options, including Rockstar and Blueberry Haze.

Blast Cannabis: This BC-based producer offers some unique shatter options such as Pink Kush Plasma and LA Kush Slice.

Shatter Ampules: These Jane & Juice Shatter Ampules are perfect for on-the-go dosing, with each ampule containing 10 mg of THC. Easy to use and precisely dosed, these are a great option for beginners.

Shatter Vapes: For a more user-friendly option, check out shatter vape pens from Stigma Grow that come in a variety of flavours and are perfect for discreet medicating.

Is shatter right for you?

Shatter may seem intimidating at first, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it can be a highly enjoyable and therapeutic form of cannabis consumption. With its high potency and cost-effectiveness, shatter is a great option for the experienced user looking for a strong, long-lasting high. And if you're a beginner, don't be afraid to give it a try - just start with small doses and work your way up as needed. Happy shattering!