CDT vs BDT: What’s the Difference

Since my last Kush JP review, I’ve had a few people reach out and ask me about CDT vs BDT: what’s the difference?

CDT = Cannabis-Derived Terpenes
BDT = Botanical-Derived Terpenes

They sound technical, or kind of like marketing fluff. But here’s the thing: the difference between CDT and BDT can affect how your product tastes, feels, and even how “real” it seems. I’m currently obsessed with products that use CDTs because the taste is unlike anything else… except for the real thing, that is. That said, BDT’s can also taste delicious, especially when blended well.

So let’s break it down in a way that makes sense — whether you’re brand new to the terpene world or already deep in the rabbit hole.

First: What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants. They’re what give:

Lemon its citrus smell
Lavender its floral fragrance
Pine trees their forest scent

And terpenes give cannabis its distinctive scent and flavor.

They don’t cause the high themselves, but they shape the experience. This is often called the entourage effect — the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create a fuller effect.

Now let’s get into the two types you’ll see most often.

What Are BDTs? (Botanical-Derived Terpenes)

BDT stands for Botanical-Derived Terpenes.

These terpenes are extracted from non-cannabis plants. For example:

Limonene from citrus peels
Linalool from lavender
Pinene from pine needles

They’re then blended to recreate classic strain profiles like OG Kush, Gelato, or Blue Dream.

Why Brands Use BDTs

Legal simplicity
Easier sourcing
More consistent supply
Often lower cost

And to be clear — BDTs aren’t “fake.” They’re real terpenes. Just sourced from different plants.

What BDT Feels Like

In my experience (especially here in Japan’s altnoid market):

Flavors can be bright and punchy
Sometimes slightly sharper or sweeter
Effects can feel clean, but occasionally one-dimensional

Not bad. Just… slightly less layered. They still add to the overall feeling (after all, smell and taste influence mood!) and are perfect if you prefer sweeter, fruitier or milder flavors. And when done well, they can actually smell and taste like the real thing. Or just taste straight up delicious.

What Are CDTs? (Cannabis-Derived Terpenes)

CDT stands for Cannabis-Derived Terpenes.

These terpenes are extracted directly from the cannabis plant itself which means they’re not synthesized or recreated. They’re actually captured from the actual plant and taste like it, too.

Why That Matters

Cannabis contains dozens (sometimes hundreds) of minor terpene compounds that are hard to replicate from other plants perfectly. CDTs can preserve that more complex, strain-specific fingerprint.

What CDT Feels Like

When done well, CDT products tend to feel:

Earthier
More authentic
Less candy-like
Closer to the “real deal” aroma

The taste often has that slightly funky, herbal, layered depth that seasoned users recognize immediately. Subtle, but noticeable. Especially if you’ve experienced legal cannabis abroad and come back trying to find something comparable within Japan’s legal framework (ask me how I know. Thailand did a number on my taste buds). This is perfect if you want to feel nostalgic for the taste of the real thing or experience the taste (without breaking the law!).

Does CDT Make You “Higher”?

Short answer: not necessarily.

Terpenes don’t increase potency directly, but they do influence how the cannabinoids interact with your body. That means the force of the entourage effect is strong with CDT’s (and a huge reason why I love products with them).

Some people report:

More rounded body effects
Less sharp or jittery edges
A smoother overall ride

But this depends on the formulation, cannabinoid blend, and your own chemistry. There’s also got to be something about a possible placebo effect happening too. I mean, even with BDT’s, if it tastes like chocolate, it’s said it can still increase your dopamine like real chocolate can.

Why CDT Is Harder to Find in Japan

Here’s where things get practical. Japan’s regulations are strict and constantly evolving. Anything cannabis-adjacent must exist within extremely tight legal parameters.

Sourcing high-quality CDTs that meet compliance standards is:

More complex
More expensive
More logistically tricky

That’s why many products here use BDT. It’s easier and cheaper, too.

So… Which Is Better?

This isn’t a black-and-white answer.

BDT might be better if:

You like sweeter, fruit-forward flavors
You’re price-conscious
You’re new and just exploring

CDT might be better if:

You care deeply about authenticity
You’ve experienced legal cannabis abroad
You’re chasing a more layered, earthy profile

It’s less about right or wrong — and more about preference. But if you’ve ever thought, “I want something that tastes more like the actual plant,” you’re probably CDT-curious.

My Honest Take (Living in Japan)

After testing more Japan-legal products than I can reasonably admit, here’s what I’ve noticed:

The brands that lean into CDT-style profiles tend to feel more refined. It’s a big reason why I loved Delta Farms so much while they were operating in Japan. When a brand goes the extra mile to source higher-quality terpenes, it usually shows in the overall experience and blend.

That doesn’t mean you need CDT every time. But if you’re exploring and wondering why some products feel more “real” than others, now you know what to look for on the label. So far the only company I’ve found that is currently selling products (psychoactive and non-psychoactive) is Kush JP, so if you’re looking to see how CDT stacks up, start there.

Otherwise, BDT’s are still wonderful (and found naturally!), and when mixed well are *chef’s kiss*

Final Thoughts

CDT vs BDT isn’t just alphabet soup for ingredient nerds. If you’re serious about finding the most authentic experience Japan’s legal market can offer, follow the terpenes. The brands using CDT right now are quietly raising the bar.

Stay lifted 🍃