Shatter, also known as shatter wax or dabs, refers to a hard and brittle cannabis extract with high THC levels. Shatter has a clear, glass-like appearance and breaks into pieces like shattered glass. Properly storing shatter is important to preserve its potency and consistency. Shatter is best stored in an airtight, non-stick container kept away from heat, light, and air. The ideal storage temperature is 60-70°F. With proper storage techniques, the shelf life of shatter can be extended to up to one year.
What is Shatter?
Shatter is a potent cannabis extract made through butane or propane extraction. The extract has a clear, smooth texture resembling a sheet of glass that can be broken or “shattered” into small pieces. It has ultra-high THC levels ranging from 70-90%, providing a very intense high. Shatter gets its signature texture from the extraction process which removes fats, lipids and waxes from the cannabis plant. This leaves behind pure cannabinoids like THC and CBD in a solid, stable form. Other common solvent-based cannabis extracts include wax, sap, budder, crumble and snap ‘n’ pull.
Properties of Shatter
Here are some key properties of shatter wax:
– Appearance: Clear, smooth and glassy with a shiny or translucent finish. Resembles a sheet of glass.
– Texture: Hard, brittle and solid. Easily breaks into small shards. Not sticky or tacky.
– THC levels: 70-90% due to high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
– Consistency: Stable solid at room temperature. Does not budder up or separate.
– Smell: Terpene-rich with aroma mirroring cannabis strain. Lemon, pine and earthy smells.
– Flavor: Robust cannabis flavors based on strain. Can be sweet, citrusy, earthy or floral.
– Consumption method: Inhaled through dabbing, vape pens or adding to joints/blunts.
Benefits of Shatter
Shatter offers several advantages over other forms of cannabis:
– Higher THC levels providing intense psychoactive effects
– Pure, solvent-free extract without impurities
– Easier dosing and portion control
-Discrete and easy to transport and handle
– Versatile consumption methods like dabbing and vaping
– Long shelf life with minimal degradation over time
How to Properly Store Shatter
Correct storage is crucial for maintaining the stability and potency of shatter wax. Follow these tips for ideal shatter storage:
Use Airtight, Non-Stick Containers
The best way to store shatter is in an airtight container that does not allow air and moisture to enter. Exposure to air can cause terpenes and cannabinoids to degrade. Use containers made of glass, silicone, plastic or other non-stick materials so the shatter does not stick to the sides. Parchment paper folded into an envelope also works. Avoid using materials like wax paper that can stick to the extract.
Store in Cool, Dark Location
Light and heat are two of the biggest enemies of cannabis extracts like shatter. Keep shatter stored away from direct light which can cause THC degradation. Store shatter in a cool, dark spot around 60-70°F for best preservation. Avoid keeping it near appliances, pipes or other heat sources. Refrigeration is not needed if stored properly at room temperature.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Moisture causes loss of terpenes and can lead to mold growth. Use storage containers that maintain low humidity levels. Boveda 62% humidity control packs can help regulate moisture in the container. Avoid very dry or very humid conditions. Ideal storage has relative humidity between 59% to 63%.
Keep Away from Oxygen
Exposure to oxygen can change the chemical profile of shatter over time. Ensure containers are completely airtight with no air gaps or openings. Only open briefly when taking shatter out for use. Oxygen absorbers like Ageless-Eye are an option for larger containers.
Divide into Smaller Portions
Storing shatter in several smaller containers is better than one large one. Breaking up the extract limits oxygen exposure when opening. It also allows taking out one portion at a time so the rest remains untouched.
No Freezer Storage
Freezing may seem like a good preservation method but it can negatively impact shatter. Moisture and condensation can build up leading to degradation. Freezing can also alter the texture, making it unstable, sticky or crumbly.
| Storage Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Airtight container | Prevents air exposure |
| Non-stick container | Shatter doesn’t stick to sides |
| Cool, dark spot | No heat or light degradation |
| Controlled humidity | Prevents moisture buildup |
| Minimal oxygen | Reduces oxidation |
| Small portions | Less air exposure when opening |
| No freezer storage | Avoids condensation issues |
Ideal Storage Containers for Shatter
Silicone Containers
Silicone offers a non-stick, airtight environment for shatter storage. Silicone withstands temperature changes without degrading. Containers should have a tight sealing lid. Silicone does not react with cannabinoids like plastic potentially can.
Glass Jars
Glass provides an impermeable barrier against air and moisture. Dark tinted glass prevents light exposure. Choose glass jars with rubber gaskets for a tight seal. Glass is also non-stick and chemically inert for cannabis extracts.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers like Tupperware are affordable and widely available. Ensure plastics used are food-grade, BPA-free and airtight. Plastic can potentially leach chemicals over time. Avoid cheap, porous plastics.
Parchment Paper
Folding shatter in parchment paper envelopes offers protection from light and oxygen. For best results, wrap shatter in parchment and place inside an airtight outer container. Most parchment paper is treated with silicone for non-stick properties.
Boveda Humidity Control
Boveda packs help regulate humidity levels within containers. They contain a salt solution that maintains moisture at 62% RH. Having a Boveda pack in the container creates a microclimate ideal for cannabis storage.
Proper Shatter Storage Temperatures
Room temperature – 60° to 70° F
This is the ideal temperature range for storing shatter. At room temperature, shatter maintains its stable texture and structure. Avoid major temperature swings and direct heat exposure. Use a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer.
Refrigerated – 35° to 50° F
Refrigeration can help buffer against temperature changes. However, moisture buildup can be an issue. Use an airtight container and strategic product placement in the refrigerator.
Minimize Freezer Storage
The freezer is too cold for long-term storage and introduces moisture issues. Limit freezer time to temporarily firming up texture for handling purposes. Do not store in the freezer long-term.
Avoid Warm Areas
Warm spots near appliances or in direct sunlight can degrade shatter over time. Heat impacts terpenes and activates THC leading to potency loss. Store shatter away from warm areas.
How Long Does Shatter Last with Proper Storage?
With ideal storage conditions, the shelf life of shatter can be extended substantially. Here are general timeframes:
Refrigerated shelf life – 1 to 2 years
Kept refrigerated with minimal opening, shatter can stay potent for 1-2 years. Use an airtight container and controlled conditions. Refrigeration slows degradation.
Room temperature shelf life – Up to 1 year
If stored properly at cool room temperature away from light and oxygen, shatter can last around a year before losing significant potency.
Opened shelf life – Up to 6 months
Once opened and exposed to air, the clock starts ticking faster on shatter’s shelf life. Even with careful storage, expect up to 6 months max potency once first opened.
Improper storage shelf life – weeks to months
With exposure to heat, light and air, shatter will begin degrading in a matter of weeks to months. Improper storage drastically shortens shelf life.
Signs of Shatter Going Bad
Here are indications that stored shatter may be deteriorating in quality:
Change in consistency
Shatter turning gooey, oily, sticky, crumbly or spreadable signals degradation. Properly stored shatter retains hardness.
Altered color
Fading color, darkening or discoloration points to chemical changes from improper storage.
Loss of aroma/flavor
Reduced or missing terpene smells and tastes means shatter is losing potency.
Cloudy appearance
Clarity fading to a cloudy or opaque shade indicates contamination or separation.
Mold growth
Any fuzzy or mushy mold spots signal expired, unsafe shatter.
Harsh smoke
Smoke that burns the throat more than expected can mean shatter has degraded. Weaker effects are also a sign.
Shatter Consistency & Texture
Ideal shatter has a smooth glass-like texture that breaks cleanly into small pieces without bending or sticking. Here are some common shatter textures:
Hard, brittle consistency
Properly made shatter has a stiff, snappable consistency. It should snap apart easily without bending or stretching. This maintains stability for storage.
Clear, transparent appearance
High quality shatter has a see-through, translucent appearance. Opaque or cloudy color is a sign of contamination or separation.
Non-sticky texture
Shatter should be non-sticky with no tackiness or residue when handled. Stickiness indicates trapped moisture or separation issues.
| Good Texture | Bad Texture |
|---|---|
| Hard, brittle | Soft, gummy |
| Transparent | Cloudy |
| Non-sticky | Sticky, tacky |
Minimize handling
Excessive touching and handling can degrade shatter texture over time by transferring dirt and oils. Handle gently using tools like dab pads or spatulas.
Shatter Dabbing Guide
Dabbing is a popular consumption method for shatter’s potent effects. Here is a dabbing guide for shatter:
Equipment
– Dab rig – Specialized water pipe for dabs. Improves vaporization.
– Nail or banger – Titanium, quartz or ceramic heating element that vaporizes the shatter.
– Torch – Used to heat the nail. Powerful butane torch recommended.
– Dab tool – Metal tool like a wand, scoop or needle to handle shatter.
– Carb cap – Optional accessory to improve vaporization.
Steps
1. Use torch to heat nail until red-hot or desired temperature. Allow to slightly cool.
2. Use dab tool to lift desired shatter amount onto heated nail. Recommended size is rice grain to pea sized dab.
3. Inhale vapor through rig mouthpiece. Cap nail with carb cap if available.
4. Swab nail clean with q-tip or dabber.
Tips
– The ideal nail temperature varies based on personal preference. Play around between 500°F to 800°F to find your sweet spot.
– Avoid burning or scorching your shatter. Too high heat can combust rather than vaporize.
– Let the nail cool for 5-10 seconds after heating to avoid combustion hits.
– Draw slow steady inhales rather than hard pulls for smoothest vapor.
– Q-tip the nail after each dab while still warm to clean it.
– Add a splash of water to the rig to act as moisture filter for cooled vapor.
Conclusion
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life and potency of shatter wax. Keep shatter in cool, dark places in airtight non-stick containers. Control temperature and humidity levels for ideal long-term storage. With the right techniques, shatter can retain quality and deliver powerful dabbing experiences for months to come. Following these guidelines will help your precious dab stash stay shatterific as long as possible!