Now that marijuana is slowly being legalized across different states, we are seeing an invention of different forms of the plant, particularly among its important variants wax, oil, shatter and hash. Wax and shatter are increasingly becoming popular means of medical cannabis consumption. These two variants possess high THC concentrations that give an effective high, assisting patients in dealing with pain and stress. They can be used for medical or recreational purposes.
Aside from their concentration, both these forms have a few more similarities. Wax and shutter are known as butane harsh oils or BHO. This is because the procedure of making them involves using butane to extract the needed cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a very concentrated content. When smoking herb, the THC concentration can be around 22 percent, while concentrations can go 80 percent or higher. This is one of the reasons why these two have gained so much popularity in the recent years.
What is Wax?
As its name implies, cannabis wax is like actual wax. The molecules of this oil crystalize because of the agitation process, resulting in a butter-like appearance. The term “wax” is collectively used to refer to the gooey waxes called budder to the medium soft waxes o the harder ones called honeycomb or crumble. The range of opaque oils gets its transparent look from the extraction process where lower heat is used
Making wax starts with stirring and shaking the concentrate during the extraction process using butane. In this stage, the molecules are agitated, leading to a crumbly final product. Lower temperatures are used in making marijuana wax.
What is Shatter?
Shatter is a flawless, transparent and glossy cannabis extract perceived to be the purest form available. Translucency, however, does not always indicate quality. Its texture, consistency and potency play an important role in classifying the extract. Weed shatter is translucent or clear because of the production process that leave the molecules agitated or undisturbed. The heat levels and terpene content also affect the product’s texture. Its THC levels usually range from 50 to 85 percent.
Making shatter involves blasting cannabis concentrates in columns containing liquid or distilled butane, separating the trichomes and cannabinoids from the plant residue. The resulting mixture is then heated in a vacuum pump for two days to remove the butane concentrate. Once completed, the final product has a brittle, glass-like texture.
Wax vs Shatter
- Appearance. Wax is opaque and its color ranges from brown to beige. On the other hand, shatter is translucent or transparent with a golden hue.
- Aroma. Wax is more aromatic because of less filtration during the making process, so it is usually preferred by smoking enthusiasts. Shatter has less aroma because of its more thorough filtration process.
- Concentration. Wax contains more trichomes, while shatter has less because of its filtration process.
- Durability. Wax is less stable, so it does not last as long as shatter.
- Handling. Wax is easier to handle because of its texture, and because it is solid. Shatter, on the other hand, easily crumbles.
- Process. Wax is processed with very little filtration using lower temperatures. Shatter is made using high temperatures and is thoroughly filtrated to create the final product.
- Texture. Wax looks crumbly and is soft with a butter-like texture, while shatter is brittle with a glass-like texture.
The decision on whether you should use wax or shatter will depend on your needs and preferences. Whatever your choice may be, what is more important is that you consume something that is of high quality. This is why it is important to purchase your medical cannabis goods only from trusted retailers. This way, you are assured of the best possible marijuana experience.
Also read : Why Is Shatter More Expensive Than Wax?
