If you’ve learned about the different types of concentrates, then you probably know shatter—it’s one of the most popular concentrates on dispensary shelves. But did you know there’s more than one kind of shatter on the market today? For your dabbing pleasure, we’ll provide the answers to all your questions and more in this guide to cured resin shatter and live resin shatter.
What is Shatter?
Shatter is a cannabis concentrate named for its glass-like appearance and brittle consistency. It’s amber-colored, translucent, and “shatters” into shards when broken apart, like a colored window pane. It’s typically smoked with a dab rig, but it can also be vaped with a dab pen or added to joints and bowls for an infused experience. Shatter is known for its immensely high THC content, with levels around 80-90%.1
Shatter is a form of butane hash oil (BHO), made through a solvent-based extraction process that uses butane, a highly flammable gas. The safe manufacture of shatter requires expertise and specialized equipment. Therefore, it should ONLY be done by experienced, licensed professionals in a qualified facility.2
What is Cured Resin Shatter?
Cured resin shatter is a cannabis concentrate made from cannabis plant material that has been dried and “cured,” meaning the harvested buds have been matured in a carefully controlled environment for several weeks.3 Curing helps preserve (and some say enhance) the plant’s full flavors and aromas by retaining a broad range of terpenes.4 The cured marijuana plant is then put through the same solvent-based extraction process, creating cured resin shatter.
What is Live Resin Shatter?
Live resin shatter is a cannabis concentrate made from cannabis plant material that has been flash frozen immediately after harvest, conserving cannabinoids and terpenes at the peak of freshness. This frozen material is then processed into shatter. Live resin has a smaller range of terpenes than cured resin, but it contains more terpenes overall.5
Shatter Production Methods
The key difference between the two types of shatter mentioned above is the starting material—cured or flash-frozen cannabis flower—while the production process remains the same.
To make shatter, cannabis flower, shake, or trim is packed into a pressurized tube, and liquid butane is passed through it, extracting desirable cannabinoids like THC and CBD from the plant material. The resulting oil is spread into a thin layer and purified in a low-temperature vacuum oven, which burns away any residual solvents. The final product is a translucent, glass-like concentrate—shatter.2
Depending on the solvent used, sometimes the extracted oil requires winterization, a process in which it’s mixed with ethanol and then chilled to remove waxes and fats. The ethanol is then filtered out, leaving behind a refined shatter with its characteristic clarity and texture.6
Live Resin Shatter Production
Live resin shatter is made from cannabis plant matter that was flash-frozen at harvest to protect the delicate trichomes. Some say this helps preserve a higher amount of the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a more aromatic, flavorful concentrate.5
Cured Resin Shatter Production
Cured resin shatter is more stable, glassy, and brittle, making it easier to break apart and handle than its live resin counterpart. The rich, diverse terpene profile creates an enhanced flavor complexity, but cured resin shatter may have a less pronounced entourage effect in comparison to live resin shatter.5 But the curing process does lend cured resin shatter a smooth, flavorful smoke with no harsh inhale.4
Shatter Potency and Cannabinoid Profile
Shatter can have some variations in texture, taste, and overall effect based on how it was made and what was used to make it.2
Live Resin Shatter Characteristics
Often slightly softer and more pliable due to the retained cannabinoids and terpenes, live resin shatter is less prone to cracking apart like cured resin shatter. It’s a fresh, flavorful, and full-spectrum experience, thanks to those terpenes and cannabinoids that were captured from trichomes at the height of their bloom.5 You may need to use lower temperatures to enjoy live resin shatter because of its delicate terpenes.
Cured Resin Shatter Characteristics
Cured resin shatter is more stable, glassy, and brittle, making it easier to break apart and handle than its live resin counterpart. The rich, diverse terpene profile creates an enhanced flavor complexity, but cured resin shatter may have a less pronounced entourage effect in comparison to live resin shatter.5 But the curing process does lend cured resin shatter a smooth, flavorful smoke with no harsh inhale.4
Consumption Methods
Both cured resin shatter and live resin shatter can be consumed using similar methods, but the experience may vary due to differences in their terpene content and consistency. Here are the ways you can consume them:
Dabbing
Dabbing is the most common way to enjoy concentrates. To dab either type of shatter with a dab rig, simply heat your nail, place a small amount of product inside, and inhale. You may notice that live resin shatter offers a more terpene-rich experience, while cured resin shatter delivers a cleaner, sharper hit. The terpenes in cured resin shatter are more stable, so you can use a higher temperature than you would with live resin shatter.6
Vaporizers
Dab pens offer a portable and convenient way to vape shatter on-the-go with controlled temperature settings. Use a dab pen designed for solid concentrates for best results.
Twaxing
You can use shatter to enhance your traditional smoke session by crumbling small pieces of it into ground cannabis flower in a joint, blunt, or bowl. However, twaxing with shatter can be slightly tricky, as you’ll first need to lightly heat the concentrate to make it malleable.7 But if you prefer smoking over dabbing and vaping, then twaxing is a great way to incorporate concentrates.
Infusing Edibles
Infusing concentrates into your favorite edible treats can deepen the experience. You’ll have to carefully heat shatter beforehand to decarboxylate it. Once that’s done, you can add it to cooking oils or butter and bake to your heart’s content.8 Cured resin shatter is often the better choice for cooking due to its stable profile, while the delicate terpenes in live resin shatter can be overshadowed or lost in the cooking process.
Pros and Cons: Cured Resin Shatter vs Live Resin Shatter
Choosing between cured resin shatter and live resin shatter depends on your priorities. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which best suits your preferences.
Live Resin Shatter Pros and Cons
If you prioritize flavor and the entourage effect, live resin shatter is a great choice.
Pros:
- Fresher, more vibrant terpene profile
- Stronger aroma and flavor due to flash-frozen extraction
- Often provides a more potent entourage effect
- Generally easier to find and lower in cost than cured resin5,9
Cons:
- Less stable texture, may be more prone to softening
- Some loss of terpene complexity
- Can be less shelf-stable than cured resin5,9
Cured Resin Shatter Pros and Cons
For a stable, long-lasting concentrate with a traditional shatter texture, cured resin shatter may be the better option.
Pros:
- More stable texture, maintaining traditional glassy shatter consistency
- Deeper, more refined flavor due to the curing process
- Better preservation of certain terpenes, leading to a well-rounded taste5,9
Cons:
- Higher production costs, often making it more expensive
- Less availability compared to live resin shatter
- Some terpene loss due to drying and curing5,9
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Shatter Types
Navigating the different types of shatter can be tricky; below are answers to some of the most common questions we get on shatter.
What makes cured resin shatter different?
Cured resin shatter is different from other forms of shatter in its starting material, terpene content, and sharp, brittle texture.
Is cured resin shatter more potent?
Not really. If you prefer pure THC intensity, opt for cured resin shatter, but if you want a more flavorful and full-spectrum experience, then live resin shatter is the way to go. Live resin shatter may actually feel stronger because terpenes modify and amplify its effect, even if its THC percentage is slightly lower.
How are these concentrates produced?
Both cured resin and live resin shatter are produced the same way, using a solvent-based extraction process. The difference is what material is used at the start of the process. Live resin uses fresh marijuana that has been flash-frozen, while cured resin uses dried and cured marijuana.
How do consumption methods differ?
You can consume either type of shatter with a dab rig or dab pen, or by infusing joints, bowls, or edibles. However, cured resin shatter can handle higher temperatures because of its stable terpenes.6
Are there flavor differences?
Yes, there are distinct flavor differences between cured resin shatter and live resin shatter due to differences in how they are processed and how terpenes are retained. Live resin shatter has a fresher, more vibrant flavor due to the flash-frozen process that preserves the plant’s natural terpene profile. In contrast, cured resin shatter develops a richer, more complex taste as the curing process alters and refines its terpenes. Ultimately, live resin shatter is best for those who prefer fresh, bold flavors, while cured resin shatter appeals to those who enjoy a more refined and developed taste.5
How do I store these concentrates?
Store any type of shatter in an airtight glass or silicone container in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation from air, heat, and light.10
Learning About Shatter & Cured Resin Shatter
Now that you know more about the differences between cured resin and live resin shatter, your choice may be obvious. But our budtenders are always standing by to help you find the perfect concentrate for your needs.
Find a Dispensary
Sources:
1. “Shatter,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/shatter
2. “How Shatter is Made,” Weedmaps, June 18, 2021, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/how-shatter-is-made
3. “Cure,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/cure
4. “Processing and extraction methods of medicinal cannabis: a narrative review,” Journal of Cannabis Research, July 19, 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8290527/
5. “Cured Resin vs Live Resin: Everything You Need to Know,” NuggMD, June 25, 2024, https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/cured-resin-vs-live-resin
6. “Best dabbing temperatures,” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/dabs/best-dabbing-temperatures
7. “What is twaxing?” CannaConnection, August 13, 2020, https://www.cannaconnection.com/blog/18515-what-is-twaxing
8. “How to make edibles with concentrates and dabs,” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles/how-to-make-edibles-cannabis-concentrates
9. “Freeze Drying vs. Cold Curing Cannabis: Revolutionizing Drying Methods,” Veriheal, August 31, 2023, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/freeze-drying-vs-cold-curing-cannabis-revolutionizing-drying-methods/
10. “How To Properly Store Cannabis Concentrates,” High Times, April 12, 2018, https://hightimes.com/guides/how-to-properly-store-cannabis-concentrates/
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.