But if you want to take your cannabis experience to another level, learning how to smoke shatter like a pro is the way to go. When ingested correctly, Shatter, one of the strongest concentrates out there, brings strong effects and tasty sensations with it. Nonetheless, because of its consistency and very concentrated THC levels, Shatter has a few conditions that must be met to be fully appreciated.
Here’s our comprehensive guide on all the best techniques, equipment and tips for smoking Shatter so you can dab, vape or smoke with confidence. By the end, I’m going to show you exactly how to smoke shatter like a pro.
What Is Shatter?
Before we dive in into the methods, lets quickly discuss what Shatter is. Cannabinoid concentrate, shatter, is popular for its glassy appearance and high potency. It is named for its brittle form, which breaks or ‘shatters’ easily. Typically, THC levels with it are between 70 and 90 percent and it is significantly stronger than traditional flower.
Being potent, though, if you don’t know how to use Shatter properly and consume it the right way, it’s not going to be a great experience.
Techniques and Methods for Smoking Shatter
But there are several ways to smoke Shatter that are effective. Here are the most popular techniques:
Dabbing Shatter
Shatter is the most common and efficient way to consume it. A dab rig setup works very similarly to a bong, but it has a specialty piece of equipment called a nail (usually quartz, titanium, or ceramic), and you heat the nail with a torch.
How to Dab Shatter:
- Prepare your dab rig setup – They fill the rig with water to filter and cool the vapour through.
- Heat the nail – Heat the nail until bright red hot using a torch for dabbing.
- Let it cool slightly –The nail should reach the ideal dabbing temperature 20 to 45 seconds afterwards.
- Place the Shatter on the nail – On top of which, you can take a dabber tool and apply a small amount of Shatter to the hot nail.
- Inhale the vapour – When the Shatter vaporizes, inhale through the mouthpiece.
- Exhale and enjoy!
Tip: The best quartz banger for clean flavours or titanium nail for durability.
Vaping Shatter
And if you want something a little more discreet or portable, vaping Shatter is a good option. Vaporizers that accept concentrates exist that can be dispensed on the fly and allow you to pull away shatter.
How to Use a Vaporizer for Shatter:
- Choose a concentrate-compatible vaporizer. Many modern vape pens are made that would work for flowers and concentrates.
- Load a small amount of Shatter into the vaporizer’s chamber.
- Set the temperature. Aim for a temperature between 315°F and 450°F to maximize flavour and efficiency.
- Inhale slowly and steadily. Most vaporizers produce vapour on demand, so take slow, consistent pulls.
Tip: Flavor is best preserved at lower temperatures and thicker vapour at higher temperatures.
Smoking Shatter with a Rig (Water Pipe/Bong)
If you don’t have a dab rig, you can still use regular bong or water pipe to smoke shatter.
How to Smoke Shatter with a Rig:
- Prepare the bowl with ground flowers.
- Place a small piece of Shatter on top of the flower.
- Light the bowl – As you inhale, the flower will burn, and the heat will vaporize the Shatter.
- Inhale and enjoy.
Tip: Using flower and shatter together will also prevent wasting your concentrate and help to ensure a more even burn.
Hot Knifing Shatter
Hot knifing is an old-school method that doesn’t require much equipment, making it a quick fix when you are in a hurry.
How to Hot Knife Shatter:
- Heat two metal knives over a stove or with a torch until red-hot.
- Place a small piece of Shatter between the hot knives.
- Inhale the vapour through a funnel or straw as the Shatter vaporizes.
Warning: Because this method heats up so high, it can be dangerous, use caution and consider wearing heat resistant gloves.
Tools and Equipment for Smoking Shatter
Having the right tools will help you smoke shatter like a pro. Here’s a rundown of the key equipment you’ll need:
- Dab Rig Setup – A specialized water pipe designed for dabbing concentrates.
- Quartz Banger – Provides clean, flavorful dabs and is easy to clean.
- Titanium Nail – Durable and retains heat well, making it a popular choice for frequent dabbers.
- Torch for Dabbing – A butane torch is essential for heating the nail quickly and efficiently.
- E-mail for Shatter – An electronic nail maintains a consistent temperature without needing a torch.
- Dabber Tool – A tool for handling Shatter safely and placing it on the heated nail.
Consumption Tips for Shatter
To get the most out of your Shatter, follow these pro tips:
Low-Temp vs. High-Temp Dabbing
Low-Temp Dabs (315°F – 450°F): Flavor and terpene preservation but produce lighter vapour.
High-Temp Dabs (450°F – 600°F): May sacrifice flavour to make thick, dense vapour.
Best Temperature for Dabbing Shatter: Try to get around 450°F for the right flavour and vapour production balance well.
Efficient Ways to Smoke Shatter
- Start Small: Because it Shatter, use a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice).
- Use Clean Tools: This amount of usage and cleaning can harbour buildup and ruin flavour, so clean your dab rig, nails, and tools regularly.
How to Handle Shatter Properly
- Use a Dabber Tool: Using a dabber tool to handle Shatter will prevent sticky messes and wasted products.
- Store Properly: Place shatter in a silicone container or on parchment paper to stop it from breaking down in quality.
Safety Tips and Preparation
It’s potent stuff and requires careful handling because of Shatter’s potency and high temps you will need to dab at.
- Heat Nails Safely: Don’t point a torch at flammable things, and always use it carefully.
- Let Nails Cool: Do not touch the nail before it cools.
- Ventilation: Never Dab if you don’t have a well-ventilated area, inhale too much vapour.
Cleaning Your Dab Rig:
To keep your rig clean, use the combination of isopropyl alcohol and warm water, as well as other alcohol products, to continually clean your rig to keep it smooth and your flavour free of solvent.
Shatter vs. Other Consumption Methods
Knowing what Shatter compares to other concentrates and flower can help you decide what’s the best product for you.
Shatter vs. Wax
- Shatter: Glass-like texture but requires careful handling; brittle.
- Wax: Easier to handle but can degrade faster and softer.
Shatter vs. Bud
- Shatter: Higher potency (70%-90% THC).
- Bud: Low THC potency (15%-25%) and less likely to cause negative effects in the patient.
Concentrates vs. Flower
- Concentrates: Fast-acting, potent effects.
- Flower: Lesser effect and also easy to use casual.
Final Thoughts on Mastering Shatter
Learning how to smoke Shatter is all about selecting the right technique, using proper equipment and being safe. Shatter is great whether you are dabbing, vaping or hot knifing, provided you do so correctly.
Visit Buyweed and start exploring high quality shatter or concentrates and accessories if you are ready to uncover concentrates and accessories. Get started on your path to become a shatter pro right now!