When it comes to the flavor, aroma, and effects of your favorite cannabis products, terpenes are doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
These aromatic compounds are found all over nature, from citrus fruits and pine trees to cannabis plants, and they play a major role in shaping your overall cannabis experience. But not all terpenes are the same, and that’s where the debate around Cannabis-Derived Terpenes (CDT) vs. Botanically-Derived Terpenes (BDT) comes in.
If you’ve ever wondered why some vape carts taste like fresh OG Kush while others lean fruity or floral, or if you’ve been trying to figure out whether CDT or BDT is “better,” you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, compare their benefits, and help you decide which terpene profile fits your vibe.
Introduction to Terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give the cannabis plant its distinctive scents and flavors. These compounds are not just about smell; they play a significant role in enhancing the overall cannabis experience. With over 200 different terpenes identified in the cannabis plant, each strain boasts a unique terpene profile that influences its character and effects.
Terpenes interact with cannabinoids and our biology to produce unique experiences, making them a crucial aspect of the cannabis industry. Whether it’s the citrusy zing of limonene or the earthy undertones of myrcene, these aromatic compounds are essential in shaping the sensory and therapeutic qualities of cannabis.
The Cannabis Plant
The cannabis plant is a marvel of nature, packed with a diverse array of compounds, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids.
The specific terpenes present in a cannabis flower are ultimately determined by the hemp plants genetics. The quality and quantity of these terpenes are influenced by factors like fertilizers, climate, soil, and the plant’s maturation process. To harness these terpenes, producers use methods like steam distillation or solvent extraction.
These processes allow for the creation of various products, from cannabis-derived terpenes and live resin to botanical terpenes. Each method aims to preserve the plant’s aromatic and therapeutic properties, ensuring that the final product delivers a rich and authentic experience.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic and flavor compounds found in thousands of plants, not just cannabis. They’re what give lemons their zest, pine trees their bite, and cannabis strains their unique aroma, taste, and smell.
Beyond scent and flavor, terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to influence the overall effects of cannabis, think relaxation, focus, or even enhanced mood.
In cannabis products, terpenes can either be cannabis terpenes or botanical-derived terpenes, depending on their source.
What Are Cannabis-Derived Terpenes (CDTs)?
Cannabis terpenes are exactly what they sound like: terpenes extracted directly from cannabis, often through methods like steam distillation or solvent extraction. These terpenes come from the same strains you know and love, meaning they retain the exact terpene spectrum of the original flower.
Since they are pulled straight from cannabis flower, CDTs tend to have more complex, earthy, and sometimes funkier profiles. They’re favored by cannabis purists who want the most authentic experience possible, live resin users, we’re looking at you.
The specific terpenes present in a cannabis flower are determined by its genetics or cannabis genetics. CDTs also preserve the plant’s minor cannabinoids and can contribute to the entourage effect, a theory that suggests all plant components work better together than in isolation.
What Are Botanically Derived Terpenes (BDTs)?
Botanically-derived terpenes, on the other hand, are sourced from non-cannabis plants and essential oils—think lavender, citrus fruits, rosemary, and even pine needles. These plant-derived terpenes are molecularly identical to their cannabis counterparts but can be extracted in larger quantities and with more consistent results.
Botanical terpenes are often used to recreate specific terpene profiles or to craft entirely new ones for vape products, edibles, tinctures, and more. Because they don’t come from cannabis, they’re also legal in a broader range of products, especially in areas where cannabis remains illegal.
How Are CDTs and BDTs Made?
The process of creating cannabis-derived terpenes (CDTs) and botanically-derived terpenes (BDTs) starts with where they come from, either the cannabis plant or other terpene-rich plants like pine trees, citrus fruits, or lavender.
To extract CDTs, producers typically use various production methods such as steam distillation or solvent extraction on freshly harvested cannabis flower. This is especially true with live resin products, where the plant is flash-frozen right after harvest to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids in their purest form.
For BDTs, the process is nearly identical, but instead of cannabis, manufacturers use plants like oranges for limonene or cloves for beta-caryophyllene. These plant-derived terpenes are then isolated, purified, and sometimes blended to mimic the exact terpene spectrum of popular cannabis strains.
Because BDTs can be mass-produced more efficiently, they’re more common in hemp-derived products that require legal compliance across different states.
Flavor and Aroma: Can You Tell the Difference?
The aromatic and flavor compounds and smells in terpenes are what give each strain or product its personality. Think of Sour Diesel’s fuel-like nose or OG Kush’s earthy spice. CDTs tend to deliver these distinct terpene profiles more faithfully because they’re pulled directly from the cannabis itself.
As a result, products made with CDTs often offer a more authentic cannabis experience, especially for those who prefer flavors that lean earthy, herbal, or musky.
Botanical terpenes, by comparison, can be engineered for consistency or to highlight sweeter, fruitier notes. Some consumers may find BDTs smoother and more palatable, especially in vape products, but others say they lack the full-bodied complexity of true cannabis terpenes.
While the molecules themselves are the same, the overall sensory experience can feel different, especially to seasoned users.
Effects and Potency: Do CDTs Perform Better?
The effects you feel from a cannabis product are influenced not just by THC or CBD, but also by the terpenes involved. That’s where CDTs may have an edge.
Because they come from cannabis flower and often include minor cannabinoids and other plant components, they may more fully support the entourage effect, the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes interact synergistically to enhance therapeutic outcomes, including potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
That said, botanically-derived terpenes can also offer targeted benefits. For instance, if a BDT blend includes myrcene for relaxation or limonene for mood elevation, you’ll likely still notice effects. But without the nuanced backdrop of a full cannabis terpene profile, those effects might feel slightly less robust.
For those chasing maximum potency and authenticity, CDTs are often the go-to. For others seeking a gentler, more curated experience, BDTs still deliver.
Which Is Better for Vapes, Edibles, and More?
When it comes to product categories, cannabis terpenes and botanically derived terpenes each have their strengths. For vapes, CDTs are favored by connoisseurs who want the full-spectrum flavor and feel of the original cannabis strain, including certain cannabis strains known for their unique terpene profiles. Many live resin carts and high-end distillates are made with CDTs for this reason.
On the flip side, BDTs are more widely used in products like edibles, tinctures, and CBD vape oil, where a smoother or fruit-forward flavor is preferred. They also tend to be more stable, easier to work with during manufacturing, and allow for greater consistency across batches. If you’re after a fruity gummy that tastes like mango or a discreet vape that hits light and clean, BDTs are a great fit.
Legality and Safety
The legality of cannabis derived terpenes varies significantly from state to state. In regions where cannabis remains illegal, any product derived from the marijuana plant, including terpenes, could be considered illegal. However, hemp-derived products, including terpenes, may be permitted under certain THC concentration thresholds.
It’s crucial to check with local authorities to understand the specific regulations regarding the use and distribution of cannabis derived terpenes. Ensuring the quality and safety of these terpenes is equally important.
Manufacturers must adhere to strict quality control measures to produce high-quality terpenes, ensuring they are safe for consumption and free from contaminants.
Quality Control
Quality control is a cornerstone of the terpene industry. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet high standards of quality and purity. This involves rigorous testing for potency, purity, and contaminants, as well as using safe and efficient extraction methods.
Cannabis derived terpenes, in particular, require stringent quality control measures. Factors such as the quality of the cannabis plant, the extraction method used, and storage conditions can all impact the final product. By maintaining high standards, manufacturers can ensure that their terpenes deliver the desired effects and are safe for consumers.
Pros and Cons of CDTs vs BDTs
Cannabis-derived terpenes (CDTs) and botanically-derived terpenes (BDTs) both play an important role in shaping the cannabis experience, but they aren’t created equal. If you’re weighing which one might be better for you, it helps to look at the trade-offs side by side.
Here’s a quick visual breakdown to highlight the main differences:
Cannabis Derived Terpenes (CDTs)
When weighing the pros and cons of cannabis-derived terpenes (CDTs) versus botanically-derived terpenes (BDTs), it really comes down to what matters most to you as a consumer: flavor, authenticity, or accessibility.
CDTs are known for delivering the most authentic flavor and aroma, directly mimicking the complex terpene profiles found in cannabis flower. They’re often favored in live resin and full-spectrum products, thanks to their ability to fully support the entourage effect.
However, this authenticity comes with trade-offs: CDTs tend to be more expensive, harder to source, and not always legal in every state due to varying cannabis regulations.
Botanical Terpenes (BDTs)
On the other hand, botanically-derived terpenes offer a different set of strengths. They’re generally more affordable and offer other benefits such as quality preservation and potential enhancements in product efficacy, are widely available, and legal for use in industrial hemp and hemp-derived products across the country.
They also allow for more flavor variety and consistency, which is why they’re commonly found in vape products, edibles, and CBD oils. That said, seasoned cannabis enthusiasts sometimes find BDTs a little less “true to the plant,” and while they can still deliver targeted effects, they may not engage the entourage effect quite as fully as CDTs.
Which Terpene Is Right For You?
Before deciding between CDT and BDT products, consider what you’re hoping to get out of your cannabis experience. Are you drawn to the rich, earthy notes of a strain like Sour Diesel and want to capture that authentic cannabis experience? CDTs might be the way to go. Or are you someone who prioritizes legal clarity, smooth flavor, and consistent results? Then BDTs likely check more boxes.
Also, keep your terpene sensitivity in mind; some people find CDT-heavy vapes a bit more intense due to the full spectrum of aromatic compounds they contain. If you’re new to CDTs, it’s smart to start with a lower dose and always read labels to know exactly what you’re working with, whether it’s plant-derived terpenes, botanical blends, or cannabis-native formulations.
So, is one better than the other? The honest answer: it depends. CDTs might edge ahead in cannabis-derived products for those chasing full-bodied authenticity, but botanical terpenes have carved out their own lane with their versatility, affordability, and accessibility.
With a wide range of product formats and goals, from live resin carts to fruity edibles, there’s room for both options in your routine.
Future of Terpenes
The future of terpenes looks incredibly promising. Ongoing research and development are focused on understanding how terpenes affect the human body and exploring their potential therapeutic benefits.
As the cannabis industry continues to expand, the demand for high-quality terpenes is expected to rise, driving innovation and investment in the field.
New extraction methods and the discovery of novel terpenes are opening up endless possibilities for terpene-based products. Whether it’s cannabis derived terpenes, botanical terpenes, or other plant-derived terpenes, the future is bright.
We can expect to see a wide range of new and exciting products emerge, making it an exciting time for the industry.
Is One Better Than the Other?
The truth is, it depends. If you’re after the most accurate recreation of a classic cannabis strain, CDTs may be your top choice. They’re hard to beat in terms of terpene complexity and the unique characteristics of individual terpenes, and how they mirror the aromatic compounds of the original plant.
But if you’re looking for a cost-effective, legal, and still highly enjoyable experience, botanically-derived terpenes make a strong case. They’re widely used across the cannabis industry for good reason: they work, they’re versatile, and they keep products consistent.
At the end of the day, your personal preferences, product goals, and even your local legal status will be the deciding factors.
