How Is Shatter Made?
Over the years, the cannabis market has experienced a surge of innovative products. One of the latest trends is shatter – a pure and potent cannabis concentrate that has captured the attention of seasoned enthusiasts and novice users alike. But how is shatter made?
If you want to get familiar with this potent concentrate, we are here to help. In this post, we will cover its production method in detail. You will also find out how to pack and store such cannabis products to preserve their quality for a longer time.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Roxana Gonzalez
What Does Shatter Look Like?
If you have been searching through the cannabis market, chances are you have come across shatter. This is a highly popular cannabis concentration, potentially producing a quick and intense high.
Shatter cannabis is also known as BHO. It is a pure cannabis concentration with a high content of cannabinoids. It typically boasts an appealing golden color, a glass-like appearance, and a translucent aesthetic, resembling amber or honey. However, its color can range from bright amber to dark yellow shade.
This concentrate can be made from any cannabis material, including flower and trim. Moreover, you can find shatter in both Indica and Sativa forms.
The extract derives its name from its brittle texture, which shatters when broken apart. Since this powerful concentrate can contain up to 90% THC, it is also considered one of the most potent options on the market.
So, what is the process of making shatter? Creating shatter involves special knowledge, skills, and the use of professional-grade equipment. Let’s clear the air on the process below.
How Is Shatter Made?
Shatter is a sought-after concentrate on the market. But is shatter made differently than other types of cannabis concentrates? The method is similar to other concentrates. Yet, the difference lies in the post-extraction process, which we will explain in more detail below.
The process of shatter production begins by selecting quality cannabis flowers or trim. The starting material should contain high cannabinoid content, particularly cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
The selected material undergoes an extraction process so the desired compounds can be isolated. This is possible by implementing methods like hydrocarbon extraction (butane propane) and CO2 extraction.
After the extraction, the solvent is removed through a process called purging. To achieve the desired texture, the concentrated oil is carefully heated. Once the shatter reaches the consistency, it should be stored for further curing to ensure a clean product.
Achieving purity and quality is essential during the production process to ensure a clean product. Any contaminants and impurities present in the product can impact its flavor, aroma, and overall consumption experience.
Innovations in cannabis production have led to the development of tools like the cannabis concentrate infuser, which streamlines the process of incorporating cannabinoids and terpenes into products like the shatter.
How is liquid shatter made?
Liquid shatter is typically made through the same extraction processes (hydrocarbon extraction or CO2 extraction) as traditional shatter. After the cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the plant material, the resulting concentrate then undergoes further refinement to achieve a liquid form.
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Extraction Methods
Hydrocarbon extraction
Hydrocarbon extraction is a process that involves the use of solvents like butane and propane. The solvents effectively extract cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the plant material, creating potent cannabis concentrate.
The process begins with a closed-loop system where the solvent passes through the column that contains the plant material. Once the solvent strips down the desired compounds, the producers collect and purge them to remove the remaining solvent.
The result is a highly concentrated oil that, after it is cooled, solidifies into shatter. That said, this extraction process requires adherence to strict safety protocols. This is essential for preventing any risk of explosion and contamination.
CO2 extraction
The CO2 extraction method requires the use of carbon dioxide in its superficial state to extract the compounds from the plant. It offers precise control over the extraction parameters and allows customization of the cannabinoid profile of the final product.
During this method, the cannabis producers pressurize the carbon dioxide and heat it to a point where it acts as a solvent. The supercritical CO2 then passes through a chamber containing the plant material, dissolving the desired compounds.
After the extraction is complete, the CO2 returns to its gaseous state and leaves behind a concentrated oil. It is viewed as a safer alternative to hydrocarbon extraction since it doesn’t involve the use of potentially hazardous solvents. The process typically results in a cleaner concentrate with fewer impurities.
Refinement Processes - Purging and Winterization
After the extraction process, further refinement processes are essential for ensuring the purity and stability of the shatter. This is crucial as impurities not only impact the flavor and aroma of the concentrate but also pose health risks when consumed. By purging and winterization, producers ensure the shatter is of the highest quality.
Purging
Purging encompasses the removal of residual solvents from the extracted material. This is a crucial step for enhancing the safety and potency of the product. The shatter producers use vacuum ovens or heat to evaporate the remaining solvents.
The goal is to get a clean concentrate. The temperatures (80-85 degrees Fahrenheit) and the pressure (-29 inHG) used during the process are what give the shatter its signature appearance. The purging typically lasts between 8 and 24 hours.
Winterization
The process of winterization, on the other hand, targets impurities such as fats, lipids, and waxes that may be present in the extract. By dissolving the extract in ethanol and freezing it, the unwanted compounds solidify and can be filtered out.
This phase of creating cannabis concentrates is crucial for achieving the shatter’s consistency. It can be repeated multiple times (typically 3-5 rounds). After the producers cool and filter the extract, they evaporate the ethanol from the mix.
Cooling and Forming Shatter
After the extract is purged and winterized, cannabis producers proceed to cool it so that it forms a shatter. This is a process that requires high precision and attention to detail, including employing controlled cooling rates and agitation.
Cannabis producers utilize these techniques to achieve the desired consistency and texture of the shatter. Factors like temperature and humidity control also influence its appearance and stability.
Packaging and Storage
To preserve the potency and quality of the shatter for a longer time, you need to take some packaging considerations into account. We recommend using opaque and airtight containers to protect the cannabis concentrate from light exposure.
This is because when the shatter is exposed to light for an extended period, its cannabinoids and terpenes can degrade over time. Additionally, you must store the shatter in a cool, dark place away from heat and humidity to maintain its freshness.
The shatter should be in a dry environment, away from moisture that can cause mold growth. Improper storage can compromise the shatter’s pristine appearance. You can store it on non-silicone mats and place parchment paper between them.
What Is Shatter Wax?
Shatter and wax are cannabis concentrates with high levels of THC content. As a result, they are often mixed. While they are similar, they are not the same. While shatter is made by extraction using solvents, wax is made by employing a process called ‘dubbing’. This concentrate is highly potent and can be as high as 99%.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Roxana Gonzalez
Conclusion
How is shatter made? In this guide, you discovered this is a process that requires precision, expertise, and adherence to safety protocols. Whether through hydrocarbon extraction or CO2 extraction, the goal is to create a high-quality concentrate, delivering a consistent and enjoyable experience for consumers. Understanding the methods behind shatter production provides insight into the innovations that drive the cannabis industry forward.
