Key Takeaways
- Since cannabis-derived terpenes (CDT) are extracted directly from hemp flower, they’re an authentic way to enjoy the flavor of your favorite strains.
- CDT also causes the entourage effect, which amplifies all dimensions of your high.
- Botanical-derived terpenes (BDT) can mimic a few sensory effects of cannabis.
- To decide between the two, decide whether you want an authentic and genuine cannabis experience. In that case, CDT is your answer. But BDT is budget-friendly and more versatile.
Cannabis isn’t limited to just THC, HHC, or CBD. There are so many different types of THC and plenty of other secondary cannabinoids that are making their way into the market.
But even the way terpenes are extracted can make a difference. This guide unpacks what separates cannabis-derived terpenes (CDT) from botanical-derived terpenes (BDT) so you can choose the perfect profile for your next buzz.
What is CDT Weed?
Cannabis-derived terpenes (CDT) are the aromatic oils pulled directly from hemp flower. In other words, they’re as authentic as it gets and help you experience cannabis strains exactly how they were intended. That’s a crucial part of deciding between CDT vs. BDT.
Extractors typically use gentle methods like steam distillation or supercritical CO2 to preserve each strain’s unique terpene fingerprint. The result? A terpene extract that mirrors the smell and flavor of the living plant perfectly.
The Entourage Effect
But what’s cool about CDT is how the terpenes mingle with cannabinoids to amplify your high in what fans call the “entourage effect.” It’s not just about taste and aroma. It enhances everything from focus to relaxation.
CDT replicates a strain’s exact aromatic profile for an authentic cannabis experience in vape carts, tinctures, and topicals. But there’s another side to the comparison.
What is BDT Weed?
Botanical-derived terpenes (BDT) come from non-cannabis plants. You read that right — all plants technically have terpenes, and it’s not just hemp or marijuana! BDTs can be pulled out of citrus fruits, pine needles, lavender flowers, or rosemary sprigs.
Comparing extraction methods for CDT and BDT, producers of the latter use steam distillation or solvent extraction (like ethanol) to pull those fragrant terpenes away from botanical matter. BDT offers a menu of pure limonene, pinene, linalool, and other individual terpenes at scale.
Cost-Effective, Custom Aroma Profiles
That’s really what it comes down to: cost. BDT doesn’t capture the full complexity of a cannabis strain, but it shines when you want to craft custom aroma profiles or save money.
Mixing BDT with your favorite cannabinoids lets you dial in bright, zesty highs with citrus notes or calming sessions loaded with lavender-like ease.
Key Differences Between CDT & BDT
In a perfect world, you’d only see CDTs used in cannabis products for the most true-to-strain experience. But that’s not always practical, and BDTs have their own advantages too. Here’s a closer look.
Extraction & Sourcing
What’s CDT extracted from? If you guessed hemp flower, you’re correct. According to a studied comparison, this extraction is done using supercritical CO₂ or steam distillation. The specialized equipment and rigorous testing involved here help you avoid solvent residues while ensuring each terpene retains its natural balance. This comes at a cost, though, as mentioned above.
In contrast, what you know as BDT is not sourced from the weed plant. Instead, it’s pulled from common botanicals via steam distillation or food-grade solvents like ethanol. The process is simpler and more scalable, but it yields single-note terpenes rather than the full spectrum found in cannabis.
Aroma & Authenticity
Which is more true to cannabis between these compounds, then? This is a no-brainer. CDT delivers the grassy, skunky, fruity, or piney scent of specific cannabis strains because it’s the same mix of terpenes the plant produces. It’s as true-to-strain as it gets, not just in terms of smell but experience too.
On the other hand, BDTs bring you bright, clean terpene notes but lack the subtle interplay of minor terpenes unique to cannabis. It’s great for accentuating a profile (like adding pure limonene for citrus zing), but the trained cannabis connoisseur will notice how it feels one-dimensional compared to CDT.
The Potential for Entourage Effect
What potential does BDT weed have for mimicking the entourage effect? This phenomenon is a great example of how cannabis is meant to be consumed with all of the individual parts intact, rather than extracted and stripped away from one another. This leads to more pronounced, amplified effects.
But between BDT and CDT, CDT shines here as it retains minor terpenes that work alongside cannabinoids to enhance therapeutic benefits, be it anti-inflammatory or mood-lifting effects. This is a more holistic way to use cannabis.
Pre-clinical research supports this synergy: certain cannabis terpenes, such as α-humulene and linalool, have been shown to activate CB1 receptors and enhance cannabinoid activity (Scientific Reports, 2021).
However, later pharmacological reviews note that evidence for a consistent entourage effect in humans remains mixed (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022).
Meanwhile, BDTs require careful formulation with cannabinoids to mimic entourage synergy. They won’t unlock the full joint benefits of the plant’s natural terpene-cannabinoid interactions alone, and this goes back to how you can quite literally feel the difference.
Versatility & Customization
BDTs are great for creating custom flavors for edibles and trying creative mixes. Want a lavender-mint fusion or a spicy-sweet combo? BDT wins the battle because of how it gives formulators and home enthusiasts boundless options.
CDT is best for strain-specific weed formulations. THC vape pens labeled “Blue Dream” or “GSC” truly reflect those strains. CDT is less flexible for custom blends, since you’re working within a fixed terpene profile. But again, that’s the whole point: true to strain!
Cost & Scalability
There’s one more difference between CDT and BDT, and that’s cost. This may be something the extractor/manufacturer deals with, but that doesn’t make you exempt, since extra costs are typically passed down to the consumer.
What’s unappealing about CDT is that it tends to be pricier because hemp cultivation and cannabis extraction follow strict regulations. Limited supply of specific strains can drive up costs.
BDT is generally more affordable. Lavender fields and citrus orchards yield massive terpene volumes, making BDT a budget-friendly choice for products requiring large terpene loads.
But you get what you pay for at the end of the day, which is why we encourage you to stick with lab-tested products that use CDTs.
Bringing Our Comparison to a Close
Choosing between these two types of terpenes comes down to what matters most to you. Do you crave the true essence of your favorite cannabis strain, or do you want the flexibility to craft unique terpene blends on a budget? That’s what’s so great about CDT, and partly the reason that it’s the better choice across the board.
Another way to look at it is how each terpene blend actually feels when used. Since CDT comes directly from cannabis, its aroma and effects tend to feel more “true to the plant.” BDT, on the other hand, can highlight certain notes like fruity, sweet, or earthy tones, making the flavor more pronounced. This makes BDT great for people who care more about taste than authenticity, while CDT is often preferred by those who want the full, natural cannabis vibe.About the Author
