CBD Shatter: Everything You Need to Know
As CBD products take the world by storm, we’re sure that you’ve heard about popular products like oils, skincare, and gummies – but have you heard about CBD shatter? It’s a type of cannabidiol concentrate that is highly potent and is known for its high bioavailability. But what is it and how do you use it? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is CBD Shatter?
CBD shatter is a type of solid CBD extract that gets its name from its hard, resin-like texture. It looks a lot like a hard caramel, as it is slightly opaque, and has a golden-amber colour to it.
CBD shatter looks very similar to CBD wax, in appearance, but when you touch it, you’ll be able to tell the difference instantly. Shatter has a glass-like feel to it, and it’s extremely brittle – hence where the name comes from!
But, what is it made from? It’s most commonly made using a concentrated form of CBD, and therefore doesn’t contain any other cannabinoids or plant materials. To make this form of CBD, manufacturers extract CBD from industrial hemp plants. Then, this extract undergoes refinement and filtration processes to remove unwanted cannabinoids and other plant compounds.
When the CBD compound is isolated, experts ‘set’ it. To do this, manufacturers create a stable environment where the isolate won’t be disturbed. This means that it won’t be moved or subjected to changes in light or heat. Over time, the isolate will solidify to form the CBD shatter that we know and love.
Is CBD Shatter Always Made With CBD Isolate?
If you’re looking to try CBD shatter and you’ve done some googling, you might have noticed that there are other types of CBD shatter available, not just CBD isolate shatter.
Although it is typically made using isolated cannabidiol, some manufacturers choose to infuse other naturally occurring terpenes and flavonoids back into the shatter. Experts believe that CBD products that contain a wider range of naturally occurring terpenes and cannabinoids yield a more significant effect on the body. This is known as the “entourage effect”.
The entourage effect is mainly discussed in terms of using full-spectrum CBD extract, as it has the largest variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. However, broad-spectrum extract can offer some of the same benefits, as it also has some of these compounds. Although, because some of the active compounds have been removed, broad-spectrum won’t have the same effects as full-spectrum CBD shatter.
It is believed that infusing CBD shatter with terpenes can help boost the effectiveness of the product. CBD shatter that is infused with terpenes is often referred to as ‘terpsolate’. However, they’re not as widely available as shatter made with CBD isolate.
CBD Wax and CBD Shatter: What’s the Difference?
As we mentioned, CBD shatter and CBD wax are very similar in appearance, but what’s the difference between the two?
Generally speaking, both products tend to be made using CBD isolate, which means that they’re both extremely potent. They’re also both used for dabbing. The key to telling the difference is their texture!
CBD shatter is more like hardened tree sap or resin. It’s shiny, translucent and hard to the touch. CBD wax, on the other hand, is opaque and has a waxy texture (hence the name). CBD wax is often slightly yellower in colour too.
Both shatter and wax are made by leaving hemp extract untouched, and they have very similar properties. When it comes down to it, there’s not much difference between the two when you smoke them.
Is CBD Crumble Different From CBD Shatter?
CBD crumble is again very similar to shatter, but it has a different consistency. Generally, it is made by adding more moisture to the mixture and exposing it to a different temperature. This gives a thicker, more crumbling consistency.
Because of this texture, many CBD enthusiasts prefer shatter or wax for dabbing because it’s easier to handle. CBD crumble works well with vaporiser coils, or you can add it to dry herb, if you’re using a pipe or dry herb vape pen.
How to Use CBD Shatter
The best and most common way of using CBD shatter is through dabbing. No, dabbing isn’t just a slightly cringe-y hand movement, it’s an effective way of getting CBD into your system.
Dabbing involves applying heat to the concentrate and inhaling the vapour that it produces. Therefore, it falls under the umbrella of smoking or vaping.
There are a couple of ways to dab, you can use a glass pipe with a dab nail, or an e-device.
Using an E-Device
The easiest way to enjoy CBD shatter is with an e-device that’s designed for use with CBD concentrates. They’re extremely easy to use, they’re convenient, and it makes it easier to manage the temperature you’re applying.
When you’re shopping for an e-device, make sure you’re buying one that is specifically made for use with CBD concentrates and not vape juice.
Of course, every device will be different, but we’ll briefly explain how they work. Once your vape is fully charged, you can load up the chamber. As CBD shatter is quite brittle, this might be easier to do using a dabbing tool.
It also means that you’re not touching the concentrate with your fingers, which can affect the concentrate. You should also avoid touching the heating element, as it can be damaged easily.
Once the shatter is loaded into the chamber, you can close it and hold the correct button down to apply heat. As the CBD concentrates melt, a vapour is released that you can inhale instantly.
Using a Glass Pipe
If you’re using a glass pipe with a bowl, you can purchase a dab nail. This is a small piece of equipment that fits into the bowl of the pipe.
To heat the bowl, you can apply heat using a butane lighter. Once the bowl is hot enough, you can leave it to cool for 10 – 30 seconds before using a dabbing tool to drop in the piece of CBD shatter.
When the shatter hits the nail, it will melt instantly, producing a vapour that you can inhale.
What Are the Benefits of Using CBD Shatter?
One of the major benefits of opting for CBD shatter means a high bioavailability rate. Because you’re inhaling the CBD vapour, it’s going directly into your lungs, where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream.
This not only means that you’ll feel the effects quickly, but it also means that your body can absorb almost all of the CBD from the product. Meaning you get more out of your CBD products!
Another benefit of CBD shatter is the extended shelf life. Because of the molecular structure of the product, it won’t degrade as quickly as other CBD products. This means that your shatter will have a higher quality for longer.
To Sum Things Up
CBD shatter is a brilliant option for both newbies and seasoned smokers. It’s an easy-to-use product that offers high potency and high bioavailability. In addition, you can also use it with a variety of glass pipes and electronic vapes.
When opting for CBD shatter, you can choose from a wide variety of flavours, strengths, and types. You can browse CBD Village’s collection of the best quality CBD shatter in the UK here.