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Shatter Vs. Wax: Similarities and Differences

July 25, 2024 08:00 am ET Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes

Fact checked by Emily Mullins

Shatter Vs. Wax: Similarities and Differences

If you’re here, you’ve probably wondered, “What’s the difference between shatter and wax?”

Maybe you’re just entering the world of dabbing and are suddenly bombarded by a bunch of new phrases, or perhaps you’ve heard the words thrown around and want to know what your friends are talking about.

The good news is that shatter and wax are incredibly medicinal because of their concentration, which also means they can be quite a fun time!

Simultaneously, these are substances that need to be respected and used responsibly because it’s easy to accidentally consume too much.

But enough beating around the bush. Let’s get to it!

Shatter vs. Wax

Both shatter and wax are cannabis concentrates that you can use via a dab rig. Shatter is more refined and brittle, whereas wax is easier to spread and hence more versatile.

Shatter has a higher THC concentration, so if you’re someone who requires a lot of THC for medicinal reasons, shatter is probably your best bet.

On the other hand, if you’re newer to dabbing and don’t need as much THC, wax is probably the better choice for you.

Shatter

Shatter is a semi-clear, thin, hard-candy-like cannabis extract used for dabbing. It’s very brittle — anyone who uses shatter has probably lost some product from accidentally snapping it and having it fly across the room!

This form of cannabis rose to fame in the 90s and only became more and more popular as time went on.

Shatter is highly refined, and hence very high in THC content — often hovering around 90% THC!

Shatter Pros

Some pros of using shatter include:

Significantly more potent
Less sticky than wax
Stores well

Shatter Cons

Some cons of using shatter include:

Fragile
More expensive
Difficult (although possible) to use in a pen

Wax

Wax is more malleable than shatter and has the exact consistency that you would expect from something called “wax”!

It doesn’t have as high of a THC concentration as shatter but is more versatile in its ability to be added to a bowl or used in a pen.

Wax is also easier to handle and is much better for beginners who don’t need as much THC or are just getting used to dab rigs.

Wax Pros

Some pros of using wax include:

Can add to a bowl
Can be used in pen
Easier to handle
Contains more terpenes and tastes better
Cheaper
Better for beginners

Wax Cons

Some cons of using wax include:

Can sometimes be crumbly
Easy to lose product
Not as high in THC

The Extraction Process

Shatter and wax are both extracted with butane hash oil (BHO). BHO is a solvent that cannabis gets soaked in to extract the soluble compounds into a concentrate. The solute (cannabis plant material) is then strained out.

The trichomes, which contain all of the psychoactive compounds in cannabis, are stripped of their oils which get mixed in with the BHO, creating a highly concentrated product.

This is all done by placing cannabis in a tube and pushing BHO through the tube. Then the butane evaporates out, which is a vital step in the process as it’s not exactly the healthiest thing for us to consume via smoking.

There are a few more steps after the BHO extraction, which differ depending on whether you’re making wax or shatter. Shatter goes through a lengthier process than wax because it’s more refined, which is why it’s so fragile and concentrated.

Tips and Tricks

Proper storage of shatter and wax is mandatory. As always, store your shatter and wax in an airtight container and keep it away from any light or excess heat. Beware of windows!

Most importantly, start low and go slow. Wax and shatter are highly concentrated forms of cannabis with extraordinary THC contents. You can always consume more, but you can’t consume less.

If you accidentally get too high, sucking on something sour or eating something crunchy can help you come down to Earth. You should have something sour on hand every time you or your friends consume cannabis — keep it in your bag!

In the same vein, don’t mix shatter or wax with alcohol or other drugs. You’re dealing with powerful stuff here. And of course, avoid driving after consumption.

Buying Shatter and Wax

Whenever you buy a cannabis product, you should always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA can often be found with a QR code on the side of the package, or it should be easy to access on the brand’s website.

COAs ensure that your products don’t contain any heavy metals, pesticides, leftover residue from the extraction process, and more. Looking for a COA should become your standard practice when buying a cannabis product.

Final Thoughts

Wax and shatter are the main concentrates used for dabbing. They both have their pros and cons, but it mostly boils down to this:

If you’re looking for ease of use, wax is a better choice. If you care more about having an extremely high THC content, shatter is a better choice.

Dabbing is a great way to consume concentrated THC if your condition requires a lot of THC to achieve medicinal benefits. Likewise, if you have a hefty tolerance, dabbing can help you get high if flower isn’t cutting it anymore.

If it’s your first time dabbing, have a buddy with you who has experience because it’s not the most intuitive process.

Lastly, stay safe and have fun!

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Posted by Levi Roberts

Levi Roberts writes with unflinching transparency about cannabis and its place in the world. He lives on unceded Lenapehoking land with his spunky partner and two roommates. Both roommates are cats. Truly, he’s just a goofy guy with a stubborn conviction for liberation, weed, and weird music.