Welcome back to another edition of The Highly ANTICIPATED Debate. Where we look at some of the most common and famous comparisons of the cannabis world. We have already covered some important topics like ‘Live Resin vs Distillate’, ‘ THCA vs THC’, etc.
Today we will look at two forms of cannabis distillates called shatter and wax. In today’s Shatter Vs Wax debate, we will look at some of the characteristic factors that set these two forms of distillates apart. Without further ado, let us dive right in and see how Shatter and Wax compete against each other.
What Is Shatter?
Whenever you walk into a cannabis dispensary, you will often see a substance that looks like a cross between honey and tinted glass. The distinctive appearance of the substance really makes it easy to identify. The appearance of this concentrate really makes it look like hard candy. The concentrate usually has a golden or amber hue and is mostly translucent.
Shatter is a substance that has one of the highest THC content when compared to other cannabis products. Supposedly, shatter contains around 80% or higher THC content. Hence, shatter is one of the most potent and purest cannabis products that is out there.
How Is Shatter Made?
Hydrocarbon solvents or Butane is used in making Shatter. These chemicals are used to strip away the residual bulk of the plants in order to isolate the cannabinoids to get an oily extract. Furthermore, this oily extract goes through another screening process where the substance is heated to an excessive temperature. This vaporizes whatever residual substances are there in the extract. Subsequently, it is left to cool down and is then pressed into thin sheets. This gives the extract its iconic appearance and glassy texture, giving its name.
Even though manufacturing shatter might sound interesting and an easy process to replicate, it is definitely not the case. The process is a highly complex process that involves a number of flammable liquids. Therefore, we suggest that you try not to manufacture the substance at your home.
What Is Wax?
Similar to shatter, wax is not hard to identify as well. However, wax does not have the unique appearance that other concentrates have. For the most part, wax has a light brown color. The hue is closer to that of peanuts or almond butter. However, the overall texture of this substance is waxy and sticky but not as thick as butter. The best way to explain the consistency of the substance is more akin to frozen coconut oil.
Similar to shatter, wax is also a highly potent substance that can have a total THC content of 80% at least. So, when it comes to potency, both substances can really hit the home run.
How Is Wax Made?
Wax or Butane Hash Oil is one of the most potent cannabis products out there. BHO or wax is also made using solvents like Butane to strip away the plant residues and isolate the needed cannabinoids and is heated. This heating up further agitates the process. This makes the concentrate waxy and dry. Unlike shatter, BHO has some impurities, which is why wax has a more opaque texture.
The Differences
Now that you know what shatter and wax is, I think you can proceed to know and learn about what we are here for. This section will try to assess some of the most common and primary differences that will help us assess the Shatter Vs Wax debate effectively.
Stability
According to researchers, shatter has a more stable molecular arrangement than wax. This is why shatter has a longer shelf life than wax. This makes shatter a better alternative than wax for long-term usage.
Consistency
Another very obvious difference between wax and shatter is the overall consistency. While shatter is more of a solid substance, wax is crumbly and waxy. This makes the former a solid substance that can get a little hard to navigate. However, if you heat up the shatter, it gets easier to pull apart. Since wax is a more crumbly and viscous substance, it is an easier substance to measure and serve.
Usage
Usage is also another aspect that sets shatter and wax apart. If you have access to a dab rig, you can easily navigate your way around shatter as well as wax. The primary method of consuming concentrates like wax and shatter includes heating up the concentrate to a high temperature and then inhaling the vapor. If you are somebody who is fond of waxing, then wax is the preferable medium to do it.
However, when it comes to shatter, it does not accommodate that method of consumption. Also, if you are a traveler and want your cannabis concentrates on the go, then I believe that shatter is the better medium. It is hard, it is dry, and it stays fresh for a longer period of time. Also, shatter has a lower moisture content. As a result, it does not go bad that easily. So you can store it for a longer while.
End Note
In the end, that is all we have for today’s shatter vs wax debate. Two very important stages in the cannabis concentrate world. They provide a unique cannabis experience but shoot up the intensity to a whole other level. But if you look at things from an objective perspective, I will suggest that you gravitate towards wax as it is the better alternative.
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