What Is Shatter? | Effects & Dangers Of Abuse

Shatter is a concentrated form of cannabis that is used by people who want to feel a stronger high than the one produced by typical marijuana.

Shatter is a cannabis extract, or type of cannabis concentrate, that’s translucent in color, appears as glass, and is breakable. Shatter is potent and may come in other concentrates such as hash oil, cartridges, and wax.

Also known as butane hash oil (BHO), shatter has stronger effects than a typical cannabis flower. Shatter weed may have up to 90 percent of cannabinoid content and, when used, is known as dabbing. Dabbing involves inhaling waxy cannabis through a vaporizer or vape pen.

How Shatter Is Made

Many who make shatter in their own home use butane as a solvent for the extraction process due to the easy access and low price. The butane extraction removes terpenes, trichomes, and cannabidiol (CBD). This allows the substance to have much higher THC levels.

Because the mixture is a waxy substance, it is known by street names such as:

  • budder
  • honeycomb
  • honey oil
  • taffy

Shatter is a marijuana concentrate that is preferably consumed by dabbing. Dabbing involves consuming a form of cannabis by involving vaporization in the form of a bong or water pipe, also known as a dab rig.

Effects Of Shatter Abuse

Those who use shatter to receive a stronger high than that of smoking a cannabis plant should be aware of the effects.

In fact, shatter can make one experience:

  • bloodshot eyes
  • lung infections
  • increased heart rate
  • fluctuations in blood pressure
  • irritation of the throat

Because of THC and the primary method of use, the side effects of shatter may be similar to the effects that come from smoking a typical marijuana plant.

Dangers Of Shatter Abuse

Although marijuana is relatively harmless in regards to overdose, there are potential dangers for smoking shatter and other marijuana products.

Marijuana Use Disorder

Regular users of marijuana may enjoy the sedative and euphoric nature of the drug. Those who suffer from chronic illnesses may be prescribed cannabis products or receive medical marijuana. CBD shatter consists of more CBD and less THC for medicinal purposes.

You can purchase marijuana edibles at a dispensary in various parts of the United States, as well as other potent varieties like cannabis oil or simple plant material. However, abusing any marijuana substance can lead to addiction, which is also called marijuana use disorder.

Harmful Effects

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dabbing marijuana shatter can lead to a number of health concerns due to high THC concentration.

These can include:

  • anxiety
  • respiratory failure
  • paranoia
  • psychosis
  • agitation
  • pneumonia
  • chronic lung impairment
  • temporary loss of consciousness
  • lethargy

If you or a loved one live with substance use disorder, please contact us today to learn about our treatment options.

Written by
Northeast Addition Editorial Team

Published on

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This page does not provide medical advice.

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