Cannabis-Derived Terpenes vs. Extracted Terpenes

If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you know that the plant is a complex mixture of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements. You may also know that while compounds like THC and CBD get all the attention, they’re only a small part of the larger equation.

In fact, in many cases, the experience you get when smoking or ingesting marijuana depends greatly on the terpenes present. For the uninitiated, terpenes are organic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. There are many different types of terpenes, and each one has its own health benefits.

So, because terpenes are so beneficial, many people try to take them individually instead of with the rest of the cannabis plant. But if terpenes are the goal, why not also extract them from other sources?

With that in mind, let’s compare cannabis-derived and botanical-derived terpenes. We’ll see how they compare and whether one option is better for you than the other.

What are Cannabis-Derived Terpenes?

As the name suggests, CDTs are extracted from the cannabis plant. The extraction process uses chemicals to separate individual compounds. From there, manufacturers can isolate those compounds to create specific products.

Because cannabis has so many health benefits, many people assume that CDT products are better. While that may be a matter of preference, it’s much harder to extract terpenes from cannabis than other sources.

So, as a consumer, you have to pay attention to the manufacturer. Some brands may claim they use sophisticated techniques. But because the industry is unregulated, it’s hard to say whether those claims are legitimate. Instead, you have to do your own research and verify different companies to ensure they’re true to their word.

What are Botanically Derived Terpenes?

Terpenes are present in many other plants, including lavender, citrus fruits, and thyme. Sometimes, the terpene concentrations are higher in these plants than they are in cannabis, although it depends on the specific strain.

One advantage that BDTs have over CDTs is that they’re easier to extract. Because other plants don’t have as many compounds as cannabis, manufacturers can isolate the terpenes more efficiently.
In some cases, the final product may be more concentrated and offer better health benefits than a CDT version.

Which is Better: CDT or BDT?

Technically speaking, since we’re discussing specific terpenes, the results should be nearly identical in both cases. For example, if you’re taking linalool, it should affect your body the same whether it comes from cannabis or lavender.

That said, some factors may affect your decision, such as:

• Flavors – If you love cannabis, you’ll appreciate the cannabis-friendly flavors that come with CDT products.
• Harshness – As a rule, BDTs are harsher and have a stronger aftertaste than CDTs.
• Combo Effects – While terpenes are beneficial, the rest of the cannabis plant can also help your body. So, you can take products that incorporate multiple terpenes and cannabinoids for an overall “entourage effect.”

Basically, the results come down to personal preferences, but if you’re a cannabis connoisseur, you’ll probably like CDTs better.

Though you may still be wondering about cannabis-derived terpenes vs. extracted terpenes, fortunately, Foothill Wellness has a wide selection of products so you can start on your path to a healthier you today.