What Is Shatter (Cannabis) And How Is It Used?

Shatter is created with extraction methods using butane and other solvents such as hexane, isopropyl, or carbon dioxide to separate essential compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material.

Shatter weed can be broken into pieces and appears glass-like in color and texture. The potent THC and other chemical compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from the cannabis plant matter in this product, produce strong euphoric and intoxicating effects.

Shatter may be used in a vaporizer, vape pen, or water pipe, a process commonly referred to as “dabbing.”

When shatter is placed on a heated surface connected to a water pipe, it produces a high-potency, chemically infused vapor. When shatter is heated and inhaled in this way, it can result in lung injury and other adverse effects.

Is Shatter Addictive?

Shatter and other cannabis concentrates typically contain 60–90% THC, compared to most cannabis flower sold in dispensaries, which averages 15–25% THC. This difference in potency means the effects of a small amount of shatter can be dramatically more intense than an equivalent amount of flower.

Cannabis addiction depends on the personality of the individual who uses the drug and other factors, such as co-occurring substance use disorder or mental disorder.

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a recognized clinical condition, affecting an estimated 9% of people who use cannabis overall and up to 17% of daily users.

Because shatter and other concentrates deliver significantly higher THC doses than cannabis flower, the risk of developing dependence is elevated with concentrate use. Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are well-documented with heavy, frequent use.

Is Shatter Dangerous?

In states where cannabis remains illegal, unregulated BHO production in home labs poses serious hazards and can cause injuries or even fatalities.

When shatter is purchased on the street, it often comes from labs where it is not made safely or properly.

During the extraction process, when the drug is produced in home laboratories, butane gas from the extract is removed by heating the mixture.

If it is not heated correctly, excess amounts of butane may remain. Butane is an extremely toxic chemical that is not safe for consumption.

In states with legal, regulated cannabis markets, concentrates sold from licensed dispensaries are subject to testing requirements for potency and contaminants, including residual solvents, making them generally safer than unregulated black market products.

Because shatter is stronger and more concentrated than the regular cannabis flower, a small amount of the drug produces stronger effects.

When shatter is used to produce edible products, extremely high concentrations of THC may result in short-term poisoning when ingested.

While the risk of overdose is low, other adverse side effects may occur in cases where large amounts of THC are consumed.

Side Effects Of Shatter

Cannabis acts as a central nervous system depressant and may cause cognitive impairment or worsen symptoms of mental health conditions.

While the side effects of shatter are currently unknown, due to its increased potency of cannabinoids and terpene contents, it may produce stronger effects than standard cannabis flower.

Side effects of cannabis may include:

• headaches
• dizziness and lightheadedness
• low blood pressure
• fatigue
• nausea
• disorientation
• hallucinations
• increased heart rate

Cannabis concentrates may cause mood fluctuations, leading an individual to feel fearful, anxious, or panicked.

Due to shatter’s effect on the brain, individuals may feel weak, have trouble concentrating or remembering events, and experience a loss of coordination.

Some possible side effects of shatter include:

• increased heart rate
• high or low blood pressure
• upper-respiratory infections
• inflammation of the respiratory airways
• sore throat
• weakened immune system

Heavy, chronic use of high-potency cannabis concentrates has been associated with Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. CHS is often only resolved by stopping cannabis use entirely. Cases have increased significantly as high-potency products have become more widely available.

Shatter Withdrawal Symptoms

Heavy use of shatter can alter normal brain chemistry and can cause issues within the brain’s communication system. The THC contained in cannabis products is structurally similar to anandamide, which is produced naturally in the brain.

THC may alter the function of parts of the brain that enable people to learn, form new memories, and shift focus from one thing to another.

These changes may occur due to how shatter and other cannabis products act on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, also known as the endocannabinoid system.

While shatter may not produce as strong physical withdrawal symptoms as other illegal substances, it may cause mild withdrawal symptoms when an individual stops using the drug.

Possible withdrawal symptoms of cannabis concentrate include:

• feeling fearful, uneasy, and anxious
• feeling excited, tense, confused, or irritable
• difficulty falling or staying asleep

A person who habitually uses cannabis extracts may develop chemical tolerance to the drug and require more of it to obtain the desired effect. This condition may occur when the brain and body adapt to the presence of active chemicals introduced by cannabis consumption.

For individuals who develop a psychological and physical dependency on shatter, they may experience urges to continue using the drug. Further, they may believe they need it to get through daily life.

Treatment For Shatter Addiction

People who use shatter over long periods of time may develop a chemical and physical dependency, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use of the drug.

When an individual habitually uses shatter or other cannabis concentrates and continues to use the drugs in spite of experiencing adverse side effects, substance use disorder treatment is recommended.

Addiction treatment provides necessary medical and psychological services to support an individual as they recover from substance use disorder. A combination of detoxification and behavioral therapies can help an individual break their dependence on shatter.

If you or a loved one is battling shatter addiction, please connect with our treatment center through our helpline today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff