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Delta 8 Shatter vs. CBD Shatter vs. THC Shatter

Published March 30, 2022
Delta 8 Shatter vs. CBD Shatter vs. THC Shatter - Secret Nature

It’s time to definitively compare delta 8, CBD, and THC shatter. What is shatter, and why is it a desirable type of cannabis extract? What are the differences between the effects of delta 8, CBD, and THC when you use these cannabinoids in shatter form? Lastly, which is the right type of shatter for you? Find the answers to all these questions and more in this guide.

Part 1: Cannabinoids

We’ll start with a discussion of the trio of cannabinoids in question: delta 8, CBD, and THC. Regardless of which product type they’re in, these three cannabinoids have distinctly different effects, and you might feel these differences even more strongly in shatter form.

What is delta 8?

Delta 8 is a hemp-derived analog of delta 9 THC, which is most commonly just called “THC.” Also known as D8, delta 8 has effects that are similar to those of delta 9 THC, but they’re often described as being milder and don’t tend to cause anxiety or paranoia. Since its chemical structure is distinct from delta 9 THC, delta 8 is usually regulated as a separate substance.

What is CBD?

CBD is the most popular non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Rising into public awareness due to anecdotal reports regarding its efficacy for seizures, CBD was later formulated into an anti-seizure prescription drug, and dozens of other uses of this cannabinoid have also been discovered. CBD won’t get you high no matter how you use it, but it might make you so relaxed that you feel drowsy.

What is THC?

The acronym “THC” most commonly refers to delta 9 THC, the primary cannabinoid found in most strains of Cannabis sativa. Still considered a Schedule I illicit drug by the federal government, THC levels in hemp products are tightly regulated, and this cannabinoid is not available for purchase across state lines. Due to this lack of availability and the presence of certain side effects, the alternative cannabinoid delta 8 has recently shot into widespread popularity. 

Part 2: Shatter

You’ve probably heard of the cannabis extract known as shatter before, but even habitual shatter users often don’t know exactly what they’re dabbing. In this section, we’ll provide a comprehensive definition of shatter, and then we’ll compare it to other common types of cannabis concentrate.

What is shatter?

Shatter is a type of cannabis extract that is notable for its rigid, brittle texture. Well other types of cannabis concentrate are often waxy or fluid, shatter retains its shape and less heated and is therefore often more desirable. Breaking off a dab of shatter is often as easy as heating a dab tool and sliding it into the extract, an approach that is far less messy than loading up a dab of another type of concentrate.

Is shatter the same as dabs?

The terms “shatter” and “dabs” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between these two designators. “Dabs” can refer to any type of cannabis concentrate that is designed to be vaporized and inhaled, but shatter refers to a specific type of cannabis concentrate that has rigid, form-retaining qualities.

Is shatter better than wax?

There’s a general perception that shatter is higher-quality than other types of cannabis concentrate, including wax. This isn’t necessarily the case though since the process of making shatter doesn’t inherently remove impurities from cannabis extract or make it more potent. It’s just as easy to find a contaminated, terrible dab of shatter as it is to find a contaminated, terrible dab of any other type of cannabis concentrate.

Part 3: Comparison

Now that you know what shatter is and how it holds up to other types of cannabis concentrate, let’s take a look at the different types of shatter that are out there. It used to be that you could only get shatter in THC form, but a few years ago, CBD shatter also became available. Nowadays, it’s even possible to find delta 8 shatter on the internet, so it pays to know which type of shatter you’re dabbing.

Delta 8 shatter vs. CBD shatter

  • Delta 8 shatter will get you high
  • CBD shatter will not
  • You can buy both types of shatter online and have them shipped across state lines

In terms of effects, there aren’t a lot of similarities between shatter that contains delta 8 THC and shatter that contains CBD. Like the delta 9 form of THC, delta 8 is intoxicating, but CBD will never get you high no matter how much of it you dab. All the same, delta 8 dabs and CBD dabs are undeniably similar and at least one way: You can buy both in shatter form on the internet and have them shipped anywhere in the United States.

Delta 8 shatter vs. THC shatter

  • Both types of shatter get you high
  • Delta 8 shatter is available online
  • Delta nine shatter is, however, strictly regulated and federally illegal

These two types of shatter are similar and different in exactly opposite ways compared to the two types of shatter we discussed above. In terms of effects, delta 8 and delta 9 THC shatter should provide almost the exact same benefits. Delta 9 THC remains a federally illicit substance, however, while delta 8 is almost always considered industrial hemp.

CBD shatter vs. THC shatter

These are the two most different types of shatter we will compare. The original alternative to THC, CBD is entirely non-intoxicating, and this remains the case even when you dab it. CBD has also been widely accepted as a harmless and beneficial substance while average people are still somewhat skeptical of THC. Dabs containing CBD are widely available on the internet, but you can only get delta 9 THC dabs in states that have legalized cannabis.

Cannabinoid shatter FAQ

Let’s finish up with some questions related to the different types of shatter that are available:

1. How can you tell if shatter quality is good?

It’s possible to glean some knowledge regarding the quality of shatter from its appearance alone. If your shatter is too dark, that means it wasn’t distilled properly and still contains substances like chlorophyll that don’t belong in cannabis extracts.

Generally speaking, high-quality shatter is light-yellow or amber in color. The appearance of your shatter alone isn’t enough to determine if it’s high-quality, though. You’ll also need to check lab reports and research the overall reputation of the brand that produced it.

2. What kind of high does shatter give you?

Shatter gives you the same kind of high as any other type of dabbed cannabis extract. There’s nothing special about shatter except its viscosity—while some shatter is more potent than other types of extracts, most grams of shatter contain roughly average amounts of THC.

3. How does CBD shatter make you feel?

Dabbing CBD shatter will make you feel considerably different than you would after dabbing THC shatter. Your dab will have the same intensity as a THC dab, but you won’t get high. Using CBD in shatter form is one of the most potent ways to experience the fullness of this cannabinoid’s non-intoxicating benefits.

4. What does shatter look like?

Shatter generally looks something like honey-colored swiss cheese. Bubbles naturally develop in shatter as it cools, leading to this perforated appearance. In color, shatter should be light-yellow to amber. Darker-colored shatter is lower-quality and may be contaminated.

5. Why is my shatter dark?

When cannabis extract producers skip steps in the distillation process, the result is dark-colored, low-quality shatter. There’s no valid reason for shatter being dark—the only cause of this phenomenon is the presence of contaminants in the extract.

In most cases, these contaminants are relatively benign—like chlorophyll—even if they’re undesirable. If your shatter is dark-colored, however, that could also be a sign that dangerous toxins are present.

6. How long does shatter last in storage?

Like all types of cannabis extract, shatter stays good for around 1-2 years when stored properly. To make sure your shatter lasts for the maximum possible duration, store it in an airtight container, and place it in a cool, dark location that doesn’t experience temperature fluctuation. While shatter may still be dabbable after more than two years in storage, it’s generally best to use cannabis extracts within six months after they’re made.

7. Does shatter or wax get you higher?

How high you get after dabbing cannabis extract has a lot more to do with the quality of the extract than the type of extract you dab. Shatter is often higher-quality than wax, but there are plenty of grams of high-end wax out there that thoroughly outclass low-end shatter grams. Don’t trust shatter just because it’s shatter—use your discernment to find the best cannabis extract for your purposes.

8. Is shatter worth it?

Shatter can be worth it, but it isn’t always. In some cases, producers charge more for shatter simply because they know people will pay more for it. You might be better off with a gram of wax that costs less while offering improved results.

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