You probably know that cannabis isn’t just about THC 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 something like the way terpenes are extracted makes a difference in your experience, and there are two main types: CDT vs BDT. But what’s the difference between CDT and BDT, and which is right for you? You’ve come to the right place.
We’ll unpack what separates cannabis-derived terpenes (CDT) from botanical-derived terpenes (BDT), so you can choose the perfect profile for your next MUNCHIES session.
What is CDT?
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 the cannabis strain exactly how it was intended.
Extractors typically use gentle methods like steam distillation or supercritical CO₂ to preserve each strain’s unique terpene fingerprint. You get a terpene extract that mirrors the smell and flavor of the living plant: be it the lemony spark of Super Lemon Haze or the deep pine and diesel notes of OG Kush.
But this isn’t just about taste and aroma. Those terpenes mingle with cannabinoids to amplify effects in what fans call the “entourage effect,” enhancing everything from focus to relaxation.
CDT replicates a strain’s exact aromatic profile for an authentic cannabis experience in vape carts, tinctures, and topicals. So what’s the other side of our CDT vs BDT comparison all about?
What is BDT?
Botanical-derived terpenes (BDT) come from non-cannabis plants. That’s right - all plants technically have terpenes, not just hemp or marijuana! BDTs can be pulled out of citrus fruits, pine needles, lavender flowers, or rosemary sprigs.
Whatever the case, producers 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.
That’s really what it comes down to - cost. While BDT doesn’t capture the full complexity of a cannabis strain, 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. But which is better between BDT vs CDT?
CDT vs BDT: Key Differences to Consider
In a perfect world, you’d only see CDTs used in cannabis products for the most true-to-strain experience. That’s not always practical, though - and we don’t want to villainize BDTs. Here’s a closer look at CDT vs BDT.
Extraction and Source
CDT is harvested from hemp flower using supercritical CO₂ or steam distillation. The specialized equipment and rigorous testing involved here helps you avoid solvent residues while ensuring each terpene retains its natural balance. This comes at a cost, though, as mentioned above.
In contrast, BDT is 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 legit between CDT vs BDT, 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.
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 it feels one-dimensional compared to CDT.
Entourage Effect Potential
The entourage effect simply says that 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.
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.
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 do have their own unique set of benefits - especially pertaining to mx-and-match creativity. Want a lavender-mint fusion or a spicy-sweet combo? BDT makes it easy, giving formulators and home enthusiasts boundless options.
CDT is best for strain-specific products. Vape carts labeled “Blue Dream” or “GSC” truly reflect those strains. 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 vs BDT: cost. This may be something the extractor/manufacturer deals with, but you can rest assured any extra costs are passed down to you, the consumer.
CDT 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 products that use CDTs - like our hemp-derived, lab-tested selection here at MUNCHIES!
Bringing our BDT vs CDT Comparison to a Close
Choosing between CDT vs BDT comes down to what matters most: 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? CDT tends to be the better choice across the board, though.
Want to learn more about the wide world of cannabis? Read our comparisons of live resin vs diamonds, the vape pen vs flower high, delta 8 vs CBN, or THCa vs delta 9.
Otherwise, why not feel the differences firsthand? We have all the hemp-derived cannabis products you could want to try here at MUNCHIES, so you can compare them side by side yourself!
Browse our online storefront today and see what keeps customers coming back for more.
