Shatter

Shatter

Shatter is a term in cannabis terminology for a type of concentrate with a hard, brittle and glass-like texture. It is typically translucent and ranges in color from pale gold to deep amber, which makes it one of the most recognizable concentrate types.

More about Shatter

The name comes from the English verb "to shatter", meaning to break into pieces. It refers to the way the material snaps and splinters like glass when handled at room temperature. A slightly softer variant that bends before it breaks is often called "pull-and-snap". 

Shatter is made from the plant's resin, the sticky substance produced in the trichomes. It belongs to the same family of concentrates as wax, crumble and badder, and what separates them is mainly texture and consistency. Shatter is produced through solvent-based extraction, which sets it apart from solventless concentrates such as Live Rosin.

Shatter in cannabis culture

The term gained ground in North America in the early 2010s, as concentrates became more widespread in the legal markets in the US and Canada. Its glossy, amber look quickly made it one of the most photographed and talked-about concentrate types.

Shatter is not an official or botanical classification. The word describes the texture of a concentrate and says nothing about strain, origin or quality on its own.