Are you suggesting that THC (not THCA) can form glass-like shatter states but not lattice-structured crystals?
To my knowledge this is incorrect. I am fully under the impression that decarbing Shatter to THC is a non-reversible process that permanently alters the physical consistency of the Shatter to an oil-based form. THCA is a solid at room temperature, THC is a highly viscous oil at room temp.
If this is the case, then the decarbing of the molecule alters its ability to form intermolecular bonds, such as is described by @Photon_noir
@MagisterChemist Are you suggesting that THC can be forced into a shatter-like state at very cold temperatures? If so, is there a limit on what molecules can form glass-like states, or is temperature and contamination the two major factors?