Gone are the days when being associated with the use of cannabis was considered taboo. The plant has now been legalized in many states and countries for medical and recreational purposes. And as the stigma surrounding its use continues dissipating, more people are becoming curious about it.
One of the most popular forms of cannabis is shatter. Shatter is a type of concentrate made by extracting THC-rich resin from the plant. The resulting product is a hard, glass-like substance that can be vaporized or used to make edibles. So, how can one make their cannabis shatter at home? Follow the details below.
Get Your Supplies
When making homemade shatter, it’s important to consider quality over anything else. After all, you’ll want to end up with a pure and potent product. To ensure this, invest in some high-quality cannabis buds and solvents.
The most common solvents used for making shatter are butane and CO2. Butane is considered the more traditional option, while CO2 is thought to be a bit safer.
Decarboxylate the Cannabis
Before you can begin extracting the THC from your cannabis flowers, you first need to decarboxylate them. Decarbing the cannabis will activate the THC, making it easier to extract.
To decarb your cannabis, spread it on an oven-safe tray and bake it at 240 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes. Once the cannabis is finished decarbing, let it cool before moving on to the next step.
Extract the THC
Once your cannabis is decarbed, it’s time to extract the THC. This is where the butane or CO2 comes in. If you’re using butane, place your decarbed cannabis in a glass jar or Pyrex dish. Then, cover the top of the container with butane and seal it tightly. Let the butane sit for a few minutes to allow it to evaporate.
Once the butane has evaporated, you should be left with a golden-brown liquid that contains all of the extracted THC. This liquid is now ready to be heated and solidified into shatter. If you’re using CO2, the process is a bit different. You’ll need to use a CO2 extractor, which can be purchased online or at any headshop.
Once you have your CO2 extractor, follow the instructions that come with it. Usually, this will involve putting your decarbed cannabis into a chamber and then using the machine to pump CO2 through it. The CO2 will extract the THC from the plant material, leaving you with a pure and potent concentrate.
Heat the Liquid
Once you have your extracted liquid, it’s time to heat it. This step is crucial because it will allow all of the impurities in the liquid to evaporate, leaving you with a purer product.
To heat the liquid, place it in a pan on the stove and turn the heat up to medium. Allow the liquid to come to a gentle simmer, and then cook for about 5 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the liquid to cool slightly.
Pour the Liquid into a Mold
Once the liquid has cooled slightly, it’s time to pour it into a mold. It can be any mold, such as an ice cube tray or candy mold. Make sure the mold is clean and dry before pouring in the liquid.
Fill the molds up to the top and place them in the freezer. Let the liquid freeze for at least 2 hours or until it is solid.
Enjoy the Final Product
Once the shatter is frozen solid, it’s time to remove it from the mold. Pop the shatter out of the mold and place it on a clean surface. Now, you can either vaporize the shatter or use it to make edibles. Happy 420!