I went for it anyway. What else was a California girl going to school on the East Coast supposed to do in 2008?

Things have changed a lot in the last decade. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize recreational weed. Since then, four additional states, including California, and the District of Columbia have followed suit. More than a dozen have also legalized medical marijuana.

Despite all this progress, airports still don’t seem to have the whole flying with weed situation figured out. Denver and Las Vegas both have “amnesty boxes” where passengers can ditch the weed they bought at state dispensaries before getting on their flights. And earlier this year, LAX in Los Angeles became the first major domestic airport to allow travellers to fly with weed. But TSA—the agency checking luggage—is federal (which means their employees can still confiscate your stuff) and LAX’s policy explicitly states that they can’t guarantee what’s going to happen to you where you land. That puts passengers like me, flying out of Los Angeles, in a precarious position. Is it worth the risk? And what exactly happens if you get caught? I wanted to find out—for myself.

I coincidentally had a flight booked out of Los Angeles back to New Orleans, where I now live, when some savvy passengers noticed LAX’s new policy about flying with weed. (Apparently, it’s been sitting on their website since the recreational market opened in California in January.) I’d also already gone to my favorite dispensary in Santa Ana to marvel at all the most recent products on California shelves: patches for pain, bath bombs, lubes, mints for microdosing…You’re lucky if you can find some half-decent flower in Louisiana.

In the past when I’d flown with weed, I’d only taken the most discreet products: vape pen cartridges, topicals (under 3.4 ounces, as designated by TSA), and small edibles, removed from their packaging and mixed in with other snacks.

This time I was making no attempt to hide anything. I bought three eighths: two from Canndescent—a cultivator with proprietary strains in sleek, Apple store-like packaging—and a dank Blue Dream. I also bought a bunch of other products, only available in California, that I thought might treat my various ailments: patches by Papa & Barkley for my neck injury; high CBD pills to relieve stress and aches; high CBD joints by Marley Natural for when I want to relax, but don’t want to get too high; and some low dose edibles for microdosing (5 mg espresso beans called Terra Bites and 2.5 mg mints by Kiva). It was all sitting, right on top of my clothing, in my rollaboard.

I checked in as I always do—at the self-service kiosk, hyper-focused on the task ahead, but, also, noticeably calmer than I’d been in the past when flying with weed. Maybe I was being naïve, but I kept thinking to myself: even if federal police or TSA agents find my weed, I can simply explain to them that I had read about LAX’s new policy. Even if, from their perspective, what I was doing was illegal, could they really fault me for being confused?’ IT IS CONFUSING and I’m a cannabis journalist.

I can’t deny, though, that there were still flutters in my gut, reminding me I might be hauled off to some cell by the tarmac or, at a minimum, have my weed confiscated. And I knew if some officer was having a bad day and wanted to take it out on me, I’d have little recourse. TSA spokespeople have said they’re not looking for weed in people’s luggage, even in states where it’s illegal, but that doesn’t change the fact that at least according to the feds: it’s illegal.

These were the thoughts playing ping-pong in my head as I approached that all-too-familiar conveyer belt. “Hi! How are you?!” I asked every TSA officer with an enthusiasm that could easily have been perceived as suspicious. (‘What the hell is sheeee smiling about?’)

The whole experience gave me flashbacks to that time I made it through security without a hitch and bolted straight for the bathroom—my heart pounding, my palms sweaty—only to have a female security guard with a dog enter the stall adjacent to mine. I was sure they were onto me. ‘Should I flush my weed down to the toilet?’

Or that time when a TSA Officer opened up my carry-on with cartridges for my friend in Louisiana with a chronic illness. The officer—with latex gloves on—pulled out the big yellow candle my mom had gifted me, swiped it for bomb residue, and sent me on my way.

(128)

The post How We Took Weed Through Airport Security at LAX appeared first on Weedistry.

It’s a familiar feeling for many who use marijuana: once you imbibe and the plant starts working its magic, every action of your day is made exponentially better with every hit. Pick up your perfect strain(s) and re-experience the following 7 ways that marijuana enhances day to day life.

Food And Drink

This one is as obvious as the smoke wafting out your living room window, but it’s also likely the most enhanceable, and thus takes first. Drinks like root beer or fresh squeezed juices taste delicious — even more so than usual — not only because the taste buds are stimulated, but because cannabis often causes what’s known colloquially as cottonmouth. Food on the other hand not only tastes better, but for those who need an appetite stimulant, it makes it go down easier and more abundantly. Cannabis can also enhance food as a delicious, nutritious and fun addition to most any recipe…

Bedroom Betterment

Though giggles or paranoia about performance can be bedroom buzzkills, they are the exceptions, not the rules, and usually occur by overdoing it on a high octane sativa. Some couples are actually experimenting with microdosing cannabis before entering a boudoir, savoring the experience of a light buzz that opens them up emotionally and sexually. Skin feels softer, sensations are enhanced and an even deeper mental connection is all common with cannabis as an aphrodisiac. Don’t be afraid to ask your local budtender which strains are best suited for sexual enhancement.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Movies in general are zoned into in depth if they already are set to resonate. Cannabis helps make plot connections and brings one to more deeply analyze a character’s motives, but undoubtedly the best movies to watch while high are either comedy or horror. A good comedy is absolutely enhanced by a joint or two both before and during. Belly laughs and the giggles are in store for high minded comedy connessoirs. Horror on the other hand becomes even more suspenseful, the music winding up the heartstrings so that jumping out of the seat or letting loose a little yelp is imminent.

Social Situations

Social anxiety runs rampant in the U.S. and yes, there’s a strain (or 10) that deals directly with the out and about jitters. Aside from making being social tolerable for the shy or anxious, though, cannabis also has the ability to enhance social situations and even lead the direction of a party to the mellow, fun, relaxing and laughing good time it aspires to be. Cannabis is being normalized all around and rather than the couch-locked stereotype of cannabis users in a group, marijuana is being used as a social lubricant akin to the social use of alcohol.

Having A “Talk”

When you and a loved one have reached an impasse, sometimes the best medicine is to pass the literal peace pipe. Cannabis is capable of opening up outlooks and the ability to see another’s perspective, even if it’s contrary to your own. The depth of discourse is also enhanced by the shared experience of cannabis. This type of enhancement is best done with either vaping or smoking the herb, as passing it back and forth and sharing in its properties creates a common ground and a springboard to delve deeper.

Exploring A Museum

The wonders to be found at historical, modern, classical and contemporary museums become all the more wonderful when experienced in a lifted state. As long as you’re taking public transportation or are walking, this is especially true of bringing your kids to the museum. Your own deeper dive into the artifacts and images will engage everyone involved and bring wonderment to the table. Cannabis helps us to take our time and be patient, curious and enthralled with what surrounds, especially when covered in eye candy and the curious histories of man- and animalkind.

The End Of A Long Day

Sometimes a day can leave a person feeling used up. Heavy, tired, maybe a little cranky and snippy even. Taking a few pulls of the right strain or a dropperful of tincture may be just the ticket to reset your mind before bed and stave of anxiety dreams. In this case, rather than enhancing the state your already in, cannabis enhances you to the next level up. Instead of feeling as if the world was out to get you, you see that a bossy supervisor, a nail-clicking co-worker, bumper to bumper traffic and the like are mere nuisances, while in truth your life is full of blessings, including the cannabinoids you’re ingesting to make most everything extracurricular, creative or fun all the better.

(94)

The post 7 Reasons Why Marijuana Is The Ultimate Enhancement Plant appeared first on Weedistry.

Here, we’ve rounded up the 10 headlines you need to know before this week is over.

• Federal: Attorney General Jeff Sessions submitted a letter of resignation to President Donald Trump Nov. 7, at Trump’s request. Matthew Whitaker, Sessions’ chief of staff, will serve as acting attorney general.
• Iowa: Next month, Iowa’s five medical cannabidiol dispensaries will open for business and offer gel capsules, tincture and cream forms of medical CBD to Iowans with a valid patient or caregiver registration card. The five dispensaries are located in Council Bluffs, Davenport, Sioux City, Windsor Heights and Waterloo.
• New Mexico: Nicole Sena, a medical cannabis caregiver to her infant daughter with a rare form of epilepsy, and medical marijuana provider Ultra Health prevailed in the lawsuit they jointly filed against the New Mexico Department of Health to secure an adequate supply of medical cannabis. Santa Fe District Court Judge David K. Thomson issued a 60-page ruling in favor of the plaintiffs, stating the NMDOH regulatory 450 plant count is arbitrary and capricious.
• California: The Bureau of Cannabis Control has approved the issuance of its first annual licenses for 12 commercial cannabis businesses in California. The businesses must first pay their licensing fee before their annual license will be issued and active, and annual licenses issued by the Bureau are effective for 12 months.
• Washington: The state of Washington has recourse to apply liquidated damages to its cannabis traceability provider, MJ Freeway, after the company missed a Nov. 6 deadline to implement its second Leaf Data Systems software release. The 1.37.5 release was largely focused on bug fixes, and the WSLCB has been in constant communication with MJ Freeway during the project.
• Michigan: Michigan voters approved Proposition 1 in the Nov. 6 election, legalizing recreational cannabis by a neat 56-44 margin. The voter approval marks Michigan as the first state in the Midwest to legalize adult-use cannabis—and the 10th state in the country to do so.
• North Dakota: Despite favorable poll numbers, North Dakota’s Issue 3, an adult-use cannabis legalization ballot measure, failed Nov. 6. Voters shot the issue down by a wide margin of 60 to 40.
• Missouri: Missouri voters approved Amendment 2—one of the three medical marijuana ballot initiatives in the state—in the midterm election. The initiative, sponsored by New Approach Missouri, outlines a medical marijuana program that will be regulated and licensed by the Missouri Department of Health.
• Utah: Utah has become the 32nd state to legalize medical marijuana with the passage of Prop. 2 in the Nov. 6 midterm election. The measure, backed by the Utah Patients Coalition, will establish a law to allow patients with qualifying conditions access to medical cannabis with a recommendation from their doctor.
• Massachusetts: Recreational marijuana sales in Massachusetts are likely just days away, after state regulators said they had cleared two licensed cannabis testing laboratories to officially begin operations. The move is a critical step toward the state’s first recreational sales, since retail marijuana shops can only sell products that have been tested by a licensed lab.

(100)

The post Attorney General Jeff Sessions Resigns, Voters Approve Adult-Use and MMJ Initiatives in Midterm Election: Week in Review appeared first on Weedistry.

The drug, Epidiolex, treats two rare types of epilepsy and is made from marijuana plants grown in the United Kingdom.

The maker of the medication, GW Pharmaceuticals, has said the tincture would cost about $32,500 a year.

U.S. insurance companies have not yet determined whether they’ll cover the medication, though GW Pharmaceuticals has announced it will cover some costs for potential patients who apply to the company.

Epidiolex was approved by the FDA in June, though sales could not begin until the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration removed legal restrictions around selling it.

The DEA decided in September that cannabinoid drugs approved by the FDA and containing no more than 0.1% THC would be classified as Schedule 5 drugs, rather than Schedule 1 drugs.

The change was the first time nonsynthetic cannabis has been cleared for medical use by the U.S. government.

GW Pharmaceuticals trades on the Nasdaq as GWPH.

(106)

The post Sales begin for first FDA-approved CBD drug appeared first on Weedistry.

However, that’s currently the case according to two recent polls that were featured in the Marijuana Moment newsletter. Minnesota elected some new lawmakers this week who are pro-cannabis reform, which puts it firmly in play for states that could legalize cannabis via legislative action in the near future.

According to a poll conducted by KSTP/SurveyUSA, which asked 1,000 state of Minnesota adults from Oct. 29, 2018 through Oct. 31, 2018 if they supported cannabis legalization, a healthy 56% of respondents stated that they support legalization. That’s compared to just 32% of respondents that supported prohibition. 12% of participants were undecided.

In Kansas, where a poll was conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs Fort Hays State University, 52% of respondents stated that they “strongly support” or “somewhat support” legalizing cannabis for adult use. Only 39% of respondents stated that they “somewhat oppose” or “strongly oppose” legalization.

Kansas is behind Minnesota when it comes to cannabis policy, but the poll results are very encouraging. With Michigan having voted to legalize cannabis this week, making it the first state to do so in the Midwest, the entire region is closer to legalizing cannabis than many would have thought just a few years ago.

If you live in Minnesota or Kansas, make sure to support cannabis reform efforts. Band together with other advocates and put pressure on elected officials. By doing so you will help get your state on the right side of history!

(114)

The post Polls Show Majority Support For Marijuana Legalization In Minnesota And Kansas appeared first on Weedistry.

The U.S. National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2016) estimated that about half of people age 12 and over currently drink alcohol and about 9% currently use marijuana. Among people who currently drink alcohol, estimates of co-use range from 10-27%. And, among people with an addiction to alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorder), estimates of co-use range from 23-58%. More than 20% of people aged 18-29 currently use marijuana and estimates of co-use range from 50-70%.

The negative things we know about the combined use of cannabis and alcohol:

• Effects like clumsiness, dizziness, and confusion
• Exaggerated and exacerbated paranoia, anxiety, and memory loss
• Increased likelihood of traffic accidents, arrest, and injury
• Unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases
• Intensified hangovers, depression, nausea, and negative side-effects

People addicted to cannabis are more likely to develop alcohol dependency. They may share the same genetic or social predisposition to dependency.

A 2015 study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research differentiated between simultaneous use of alcohol and concurrent use. And, they recommend actions that cannabis advocates might embrace:

• Require distributors to include warning labels communicating risks (especially regarding driving) associated with combining alcohol and cannabis on all cannabis packaging.
• Pursue additional research on the effects of simultaneous and concurrent use.
• Medical practitioners and rehabilitation clinicians should ask patients to disclose their co-use.

What’s happens when you combine cannabis with alcohol?

Alcohol influences your blood system, and whatever’s in the blood soon reaches the brain and the rest of your body. Even an occasional drink will send messages that change behavior and nervous system response. Drinking lightly has beneficial health effects. But, drinking frequently or heavily will damage heart, liver, skin, pancreas, and more. 

Cannabis also targets the brain and body through the circulatory system. It has many of the same effects on blood pressure, vascular function, and brain functions. So, consuming them simultaneously will increase the brain-body effects of both drugs.

Nonetheless, if you want to occasionally use alcohol with cannabis, here are some pairings you might consider:

  Wine might make the most pleasant way to combine cannabis and alcohol. Wine is more complex than marijuana. It has more subtle tastes and aromas, and it appeals to the tongue’s taste buds. Cannabis experiences are first perceived by palate and nasal experience.

That olfactory experience is enhanced when the elements are combined. It’s there that pairings make sense. Citrus tastes and aromas in cannabis match nicely with a fruity sauvignon blanc, crisp pinot grigio, or unoaked chardonnay. Earthy tastes and aromas stand up to a complex Cabernet, rich Malbec, or subtle pinot noir.

You must remember the piggyback effect where the THC will ride the alcohol to an early and potent punch. And, it wouldn’t make sense to pair cannabis use with cannabis-infused wine.

  Beer is probably the go-to option among adolescents and students who probably miss the clue that pot and hops come from similar botanical families. Still, the combination of cannabis use with craft beers cam pair the similar aromas and tastes.

Experience may also decide your choice of strain. That is, certain combinations might help with depression; others might deliver the desired couch-lock. But, you must remember that the alcohol will rush the THC to the brain and body faster and more potently than you might wish.

You might watch the alcohol content of the beer or choose a non- or low-alcohol beer to reduce or minimize the effect. You might choose your beer or ale with its taste and after-taste in mind. Certain strains may go better with pilsners, Belgians, or bock beers.

  Liquor is alcohol intensive, so combining it with cannabis runs some risk. And, you should not underestimate that risk. Any liquor drink, whether shots or cocktails, it is intoxicating, so using it with cannabis will increase its bioavailability and potency. The pleasure of the cocktail prompts an additional drink, so the delivery system to brain and body accelerates.

They will likely produce cannabis-infused liquors, but consumption of more than one drink on an occasion will endanger your health and safety.

A final warning

Extensive research is concerned with the use of alcohol and cannabis among adolescents. Adolescent brains are not full-developed nor their personalities truly developed. Numerous studies document the connection between adolescent low self-esteem and negative behaviors, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, and alcohol- and cannabis-abuse disorders.

One study found, “Approximately 50% of adolescents exposed to alcohol and illicit drugs prior to age 15 had no conduct-problem history yet were still at an increased risk for adult substance dependence, herpes infection, early pregnancy, and crime.” Of course, that means 50 percent did have conduct-problem history.

So, we are at a bit of an impasse here. There is no final word on the causation between alcohol/cannabis mixing and negative adolescent behaviors. But, it’s not a risk that sensible adults want to take.

And, responsible adults will reduce the risk to their health and safety with moderate concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis. That’s probably vain advice, but the target is responsible teens and adults.

(147)

The post What Happens When You Combine Cannabis and Alcohol? appeared first on Weedistry.

It’s easy to get confused because of the many varieties of marijuana products available, including oils, lotions and tinctures. Here’s a closer look at hemp oil and CBD oil, including where they come from and how they are most often put to use.

Hemp oil

Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds. Typically, it is taken from industrial hemp plants and contains very small amounts of THC, the chemical in the marijuana plant that causes the high feeling. In other words, it’s non-psychoactive.

Hemp oil gets used in diverse ways, perhaps the best known of which is in cooking as a replacement for olive oil. Hemp oil has a nutty flavor and is a source of protein.

Hemp oil also is used in lotions, as it is known to help hydrate the skin. Because it is a natural moisturizer, it also is used in the making of some types of soap. Some also believe it can treat atopic dermatitis and has anti-aging properties for the skin.

CBD Oil

CBD (short for cannabidiol) oil is extracted from the flower and leaves of the hemp plant. It is a naturally occurring chemical in marijuana that is non-psychoactive.

The uses of CBD usually revolve around medical applications. Athletes often use CBD products for pain management and to lessen inflammation. A CBD-based medicine also has been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for treatment of certain types of epilepsy.

The uses of CBD are expanding as new discoveries are made. For example, CBD oils have been used by some to treat depression and ease stress. Still others have used CBD products on their pets, also to lower stress. Cancer patients also have used marijuana and CBD to lessen nausea and increase appetite when undergoing chemotherapy.

Both hemp oil and CBD oil have important uses, but they different greatly in both where they come from and how they are used. Take the time to learn about both before making your purchase decision.

(162)

The post Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Weedistry.

Over the years, our movement has made significant progress through the ballot box. This year will be no different. Be part of the wave of change today and go vote!

Voters are weighing in on adult-use legalization initiatives in Michigan and North Dakota and medical marijuana measures in Utah and Missouri. Some residents of Ohio and Wisconsin, too, have a chance to voice their support for local measures ending punitive marijuana policies.

Voters in states without marijuana-related ballot initiatives can play a huge role in changing marijuana laws, too. Visit MPP‘s website to find out where candidates stand on marijuana policy in every gubernatorial race, along with in-depth state legislative voter guides for nine states. Roughly half the country lacks a ballot initiative process. The only way we can change marijuana laws in those states is to support thoughtful elected officials and oppose those who aren’t.

If you haven’t voted yet, make a plan right now. Look up your polling location and set a time to go. Spread the word on social media and urge your friends to vote, too!

There’s too much at stake to sit it out.

(132)

The post It’s Election Day – Vote Like Our Marijuana Policies Depend On It appeared first on Weedistry.

On October 31, the Mexican Supreme Court issued its fourth and fifth consecutive rulings that cannabis prohibition is unconstitutional. The court found that “the effects that marijuana produce do not justify the absolute prohibition of its use.”

In Mexico, unlike in the U.S., five of the same rulings are needed to set a legal precedent. Is Weed Now Legal in Mexico?

While it’s a landmark day for cannabis legalization in Mexico, these five rulings do not make cannabis legal in Mexico for everyone. However, it does mean that anyone who wants to cultivate or consume for their personal use can seek permission from the regulatory agency, Cofepris.

Zara Snapp, drug policy consultant and co-founder of the RIA Institution, tells Herb it will “possibly be a lengthy process for people to go through, but it means the cases wouldn’t need to go all the way to the Supreme Court. The lower court judges would need to rule following the same criteria.” That also means that only people with the means to hire a lawyer and take their case to court will likely be allowed to cultivate cannabis until legislators change the law.

What’s the Next Step for Legalization?

These rulings do not make adult use cannabis legal in Mexico because it’s not the Supreme Court’s job to write the law. They need lawmakers to cohere with the Supreme Court’s decision by removing cannabis prohibition from the General Health Law, and then by creating regulations for a cannabis market in Mexico.

Huffington Post Mexico reported that Congress has 90 days to respond to the Supreme Court’s ruling and repeal the articles of the General Health Law that make cannabis illegal.

For cannabis to become legal for everyone in Mexico, legislators need to follow through and write the law as well as regulations, and then the president has to sign it. The current president, Enrique Peña Nieto, has made it clear that he will not be signing any such laws. But Nieto will be replaced by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, or AMLO, as he’s known in Mexico, on December 1.

AMLO has been supportive of cannabis legalization in Mexico, but he wasn’t the only one elected on July 1. Mexico also elected new Congressmen and Senators, who took office on September 1. In fact, AMLO’s political party, Morena, now controls both the Congress and the Senate. Snapp tells Herb that Morena legislators are already moving forward with initiatives to regulate cannabis in Mexico. She also says her organization has been working with the head of the Morena party in Congress, Mario Delgado, “who is a supporter” and has “spoken often about the need to regulate cannabis.”

“We look forward to working with him and writing the initiative,” Snapp says.

What about Medical Marijuana in Mexico?

To complicate matters for patients, the Mexican regulatory agency, Cofepris, released “guidelines” for medical cannabis on October 30 that seem to be at odds with the fourth and fifth Supreme Court rulings that came less than 24 hours later. These guidelines only allow for the importation of cannabis products with 1 percent of THC or less; they don’t allow Mexicans to grow any plants at home, and it doesn’t allow for Mexican companies to begin cultivating and selling cannabis, because cultivation would be restricted to scientific research only.

“The patients are not in support of what was released,” says Snapp. “We believe that this is not a step forward. We do not believe that this follows the spirit of the law that is passed. We see it more as a way for certain companies to move forward with their import of products.”

These guidelines are not enough for medical cannabis patients in Mexico for many reasons, including the high cost of imported cannabis oil. Activists argue that growing your own medicine at home is the most accessible way for the average Mexican family to afford cannabis medicine, and so that right needs to be given to all.

“We’ve been working for the last six years to get to this point [five Supreme Court rulings] so it is a historic day, but my one concern is it doesn’t mean anyone can plant in their house and that’s what we really want,” explains Snapp. “We want anyone to be able to cultivate for their personal use or for small businesses to be able to have permission to sell their products…for people to have the access that’s required and not have bureaucratic papers or the need to hire a lawyer in order to so.”

Herb will keep readers informed as the cannabis legalization situation in Mexico progresses.

(96)

The post Mexico’s Supreme Court Rules Cannabis Prohibition Unconstitutional appeared first on Weedistry.

What is Shatter?

Shatter falls under the category of butane hash oil (BHO), which is a specific class of cannabis concentrate. Like all plants, marijuana contains an essential oil that can be extracted using a solvent. Shatter, like all BHOs, is created using the solvent butane. To separate psychoactive cannabis resin from unwanted plant material, butane binds with fatty molecules that give cannabis strains their crystal-coated appearance. The end result is a concentrate that produces between 40 and 70 percent THC on average.

Hard and see-through, shatter earned its name for its glass-like consistency. A high-quality shatter will be light to dark amber in color. Shatter is always translucent, which makes it distinct from other forms of butane hash oil. Waxes, budders, and crumbles are all opaque and malleable. Shatter, on the other hand, can take on a texture more akin to hard candy. Of all types of BHO, shatter has the longest shelf life.

Over time, however, the concentrate will begin to form crystals and lose its glossy shape and texture. On average, a properly stored shatter can last for several months. Many people extend the shelf life of their shatter by keeping it in a refrigerator. Yet, the concentrate will also keep well if stored in a cool, dark, dry, place in an air-tight and size-appropriate container.

Apart from its extended shelf-life and crystal-like appearance, whether or not you choose shatter above all other concentrates is a matter of personal preference. Shatters, waxes, and crumbles are all similar variations of the same thing. A well-made shatter, however, shows a little more skill and craftsmanship that many other types of concentrates. Getting a smooth glass finish on a shatter can be tricky. So, an attractive shatter provides a solid indication that the artisan behind the extract really knows their stuff.

The hard and glass-like texture of shatter also makes for a slightly different dabbing experience. Waxes and crumbles are softer, making them easy to melt in an oil rig. Shatter, on the other hand, can take a while to fully evaporate. For this reason, those who like to prolong their inhales will enjoy the slow-burning nature of shatter. If you’re hoping to get the best results from a shatter, consider heating your shatter to a lower temperature (350-400°F) and using a carb cap to preserve flavor and provide a comfortable experience.

How Shatter is Made

Butane hash oil was one of the first solvent-based cannabis concentrates to hit the market. Crude, backyard attempts at BHO showed up on some dispensary shelves, as brave home extractors sold their concentrates back to cannabis collectives before regulations and lab testing became the standard.

Now, however, the concentrate game is different entirely. Gone are the days of PVC pipes, cheesecloths, and fire extinguishers. Making high-quality shatter is a high-tech business that requires special equipment and a strict adherence to laboratory safety protocol. While butane is an excellent solvent, the gas is also highly flammable. When handled incorrectly, it can easily explode.

So, today’s high-quality shatter is made using special extraction equipment that not only prevents excess solvent from staying in the final product but also protects the extraction artists during the process. Extraction equipment is loaded with dried plant material, which is then passed through the butane solvent. The extract is also filtered, placed under vacuum pressure, and heat, ensuring that the cannabinoid-laden resin is sufficiently separated from the plant material. The end result is a golden liquid, which is then spread onto a baking sheet.

After extraction, the BHO is then placed into an oven for “purging.” The purging process evaporates any excess solvent that may be left in the concentrate. Once purging is through, shatter is left to cool and harden into its glass-like texture. Any agitation during this process may transform the shatter into a wax or a crumble.

Dabbing Shatter vs. Oil

Due to its hard texture, shatter is easier to dab than oil. While shatter is technically one formation of cannabis oil, the word “oil” is often used to describe cannabis concentrates with a runny or honey-like consistency. Unlike with oils, it may be necessary to gently heat your dab tool before dabbing in order to make the shatter easier to manipulate.

Shatter also typically has more flavor than the standard oil. Oils are usually extracted using CO2 as a solvent, which transforms them into a liquid. Different solvents, however, remove different terpene aroma molecules during the extraction process. Butane extraction generally allows for a greater amount of cannabis biomolecules to remain in the final product.

Dabbing Shatter vs. Wax

Shatter and wax are both types of BHO. The difference is in the preparation. To make a wax, the concentrate is agitated before it cools. This agitated wax can then be whipped further to create a budder. These waxy products tend to be softer. You can expect this softer material to melt on a nail faster than a hard, glassy shatter.

How to Properly Dab Shatter

Dabbing is all about temperature. The safest way to consume concentrates is via vaporization. Vaporization happens between 315 and 450℉. During vaporization, concentrates are heated just to the point of evaporation, creating a steam. When temperatures are increased, combustion occurs. Combustion transforms vapor into smoke, making dabbing a high-temperature way to smoke cannabis concentrates.

To determine the temperature of your dab nail, you need to either use a laser temperature gun or an electric dab nail. Both tools require a financial investment, yet the only other alternative is using a concentrate vaporizer. A portable concentrate vaporizer offers a slightly different experience than dabbing with an oil rig, however many consumers prefer the portability of a handheld vape.

1. Use a heat-safe dab tool to scoop up a small dollop of concentrate. If your shatter is tough, gently heat the dab tool with a lighter prior to scooping. An appropriate size for a beginner or moderate consumer is one to two square millimeters. Set your loaded dab tool to the side.
2. Make sure that your dome or carb cap is nearby, depending on the type of nail you are using.
3. Use a torch to heat a dab nail for a minimum of ten seconds. Some dabbers prefer to heat the nail until it begins to develop the slightest hints of red. Then, they let it cool for three to five seconds or so before adding oil.
4. Once the nail is hot, slide on your dome and quickly touch the loaded dab wand to your nail as you inhale, clearing the rig.
5. If using a carb cap, place on the cap shortly after beginning to inhale.
6. Do not remove or reload the nail until the nail has cooled.

When dabbing, it is important to keep in mind that the overall experience changes as you increase the temperature. High-temperature dabs can reach up to 900℉, which not only causes more damage to lung tissue but also releases more carcinogens during the combustion process.

The safest way to dab is to use low-temperature vaporization. However, if you do not have a concentrate vaporizer, heating your nail to a low temperature and using a carb cap will provide the closest experience.

How to Dab Shatter On a Quartz Nail

No matter what type of nail you use, the basic instructions for dabbing are more or less the same. Though, it is important to keep in mind that dabbing is a high-heat activity. As such, it is necessary to use heat-safe quartz if you decide to choose a glass nail. Apart from quartz, glass nails are prone to shatter or crack when exposed to excess heat, especially excess heat that has been repeated over time.

When dabbing shatter on a glass nail, it is first necessary to season the nail by heating it until it begins to show the faintest hints of red. Then, allow a small amount of shatter to sizzle on the nail before use. Use your dab tool to rub the base and inner sides of the nail while it seasons.

Quartz nails are sturdy and allow for excellent flavor, but they also lose heat quickly. When dabbing with a quartz nail, it is necessary to move fast so that you do not waste expensive shatter by using a nail that isn’t quite hot enough.

How to Dab Shatter on a TI Nail

Like a quartz nail, it is necessary to season your TI nail when using it for the first time. To season your titanium nail, simply heat the nail until it begins to show the faintest hints of red. Then, use your dab tool to rub shatter all around the bottom and inner rims of the nail.

Unlike quartz nails, TI nails have excellent heat retention. Dab nails made from titanium can take longer to cool down than other nails, so before you dab shatter on a TI nail, make sure to wait a few seconds before touching your concentrate onto the nail surface if it begins to show hints of red.

How to Dab Shatter on a Quartz Banger

Of all of the ways to dab, using a banger is perhaps the most cost-effective. The bucket style design of a banger allows for superior heat retention. In contrast, both domed and domeless TI and quartz nails can quickly lose heat due to their shallow constructions. For this reason, you may not need to heat your quartz banger as long as you would heat a TI or standard quartz nail.

You do, however, need to season your banger before use. To season, heat the banger with your torch from below. Then, use your dab tool to melt a little shatter on the bottom and partly up the sides of your banger. Seasoning your banger not only seals the small pores in the material before your first dab but also helps remove and burn off any debris that might remain on the banger after being made and sold.

Where Can You Find Shatter Wax for Sale?

The only place you can legally find shatter wax for sale is at sanctioned medical and recreational dispensaries. In Canada, concentrates are only sold legally to medical cannabis patients. In the United States, concentrates can be purchased by anyone in states that have legalized and regulated cannabis for adult use. Every state and legal access point will have its own requirements for how much shatter you are able to purchase.

What is the Average Shatter Wax Price?

As concentrates, you can expect a gram of shatter to cost more than even some exceptional top-shelf flower. In general, the price of shatter depends on the potency of the individual concentrate. The higher the potency, the more you can expect to pay for your concentrate. While the average gram of shatter will run between $25 to $30, some high-end concentrates can reach the $50 range and beyond depending on where it is purchased and the total concentration of cannabinoids.

(149)

The post What is Shatter and How is it Different From Other Extracts? appeared first on Weedistry.