When getting into vaping, there are many things to understand, and it can be confusing trying to work out all the technology. One such answer that people want to know about vaping is who is the winner when it comes to CDT carts vs non-CDT carts?
Sadly, the answer isn’t a simple one but thankfully we’re here to break it down for you. We’ll look at what these two terms mean, the difference between the two, and whether or not it’s important. Read on to find out more!
What are CDT Carts and Non-CDT Carts
Before getting into which one is better, it’s first important to know exactly what they are. We’ll start by looking at CDT carts.
What are CDT Carts?
CDT stands for cannabis-derived terpenes, and therefore CDT carts are vape cartridges that contain CDT. The crucial distinction is that cannabis oil has been combined with terpenes that come from the same cannabis plant.
This is in contrast to other types of vape cartridges on the market, which often use synthetic terpenes or ones that come from another plant. Many believe cannabis terpenes offer a more natural flavor and one that has a more authentic smell.
There is also something called the ‘entourage effect.’ This is a theory that the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes may enhance the overall effects of cannabis oil. It’s important to point out that this is just a theory, with only anecdotal evidence to back it up.
CDT carts are popular among cannabis enthusiasts who are looking for quality and authenticity. While that’s true, not all cards are created quality, and the quality can change from one brand to the other.
So while CDT carts are often associated with quality, it’s not always true. It’s also important to put out there that is no way to tell whether or not oil and terpenes from the same plant have been used together.
As with all products, it’s important to choose reputable brands to ensure that you are only getting the highest quality and genuine CDT.
What are non-CDT Carts?
As you’ve probably guessed already, non-CDT carts are vape cartridges that don’t have any CDT. These carts can either have synthetically made terpenes, or those that come from other plants and sometimes have no terpenes at all.
Synthetic terpenes have been made in a lab and therefore have a different chemical makeup from natural terpenes. Other natural terpenes, however, have the same quality as CDT but can also be used for different things. For example, terpenes derived from other plants, such as citrus or lavender, may be added to enhance the flavor and aroma profile of the cartridge.
Non-CDT carts (especially those that are synthetic) may also contain other additives, such as flavorings, cutting agents, or thickening agents, to modify the consistency and flavor of the oil. It’s important to note that some of these additives may not be safe for inhalation or may alter the overall effects of the cannabis oil.
Overall, non-CDT carts may offer a different vaping experience compared to CDT carts, and it’s up to the individual user to decide which type of cartridge they prefer.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of plants. They are responsible for the distinctive aroma and flavor of different plants.
Terpenes are found in many plants, not just cannabis, and are often used in aromatherapy and alternative medicine. They are believed to have a variety of therapeutic properties, including helping with inflammation, anxiety, and depression.
With cannabis terpenes, each strain can have different qualities and offer different levels of concentration. There are also different types of terpenes too, with the likes of limonene and pinene being two of the most popular.
Some companies extract and isolate terpenes from cannabis plants to create terpene products that can be added to other products such as food, drinks, and skin care. These products are often marketed for their therapeutic effects and to enhance the aroma and flavor of other products.
CDT Carts Vs Non-CDT Carts
Hopefully, by now you can understand the difference between these two types of carts, but which one is the winner? Many would say CDT carts as they can offer a more authentic and natural profile compared to non-CDT carts. However, they are not always better than non-CDT carts.
The quality of CDT carts is heavily dependent on the quality of the plant being used. Since the oil and the terpenes come from the same plant, the quality is reliant on it coming from a good batch. This is why some CDT carts are going to be better than others.
While CDT carts may offer a more authentic flavor profile, another potential downside is that natural cannabis terpenes can be more fragile and may degrade more quickly than synthetic or non-cannabis-derived terpenes. This can impact the overall quality and shelf life of the cartridge.
Finally, it’s important to note that CDT carts can be more expensive than non-CDT carts, due to the higher cost of sourcing and extracting cannabis terpenes. This is why many prefer to have non-CDT carts that have natural terpenes from other plants.
Overall, whether CDT carts or non-CDT carts are better will depend on individual preferences. As we’ve seen, CDT carts don’t automatically mean high quality. There are many non-CDT carts out there that are better quality than the lowest quality CDT carts.
What are the Sources of Terpenes?
We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s important to know where terpenes come from and how this can affect your buying decisions.
There are three ways you can consume terpenes, and that is from a cannabis plant, from another type of plant, or it can be made synthetically. Let’s look at them in more detail.
- Cannabis-Derived Terpenes – These are terpenes that have been taken directly from a cannabis plant. Theoretically, the terpenes should be extracted from the same plant that was used for the cannabis oil. These terpenes can be used for other cannabis products, such as edibles, but can also be used for the likes of aromatherapy.
- Botanically-Derived Terpenes – These terpenes are as healthy for you as cannabis-derived products, which is why many are happy to use non-CDT carts, which are understandably called BDT carts. These terpenes can be taken from many plants, from fruits and vegetables to flowers and herbs. These terpenes will often take qualities from the plant they were extracted from.
- Synthetic Terpenes – The benefit of synthetic terpenes is that they can be made with endless possibilities. You can create any type of flavor or fragrance you want. However, they don’t come from any natural source, which can pose a problem. As we look next, there are many concerns about synthetic vaping.
What is the best source of terpenes? Well, for quality and authenticity, it’s hard to argue against cannabis-derived terpenes. However, there is nothing wrong with botanically derived terpenes, and they can often give you a wider range of flavors and aromas.
The Concern About Synthetic Terpenes for Vaping
It may seem like synthetic terpenes would be a good replacement for natural terpenes, but the opposite is true. These terpenes have become popular as they can be made to have great flavors and aromas. While that sounds great, there are concerns over their safety.
Simply put, synthetic terpenes may not be safe for inhalation. This is in stark contrast to natural terpenes, which have been proven safe. A variety of chemicals can be inhaled when synthetic terpene is heated.
While that’s true, there are also concerns about the regulation of synthetic terpenes, along with the variances in their manufacturing. It’s impossible to know the quality of synthetic terpene, and we don’t yet know its long-term health implications.
Natural terpenes have been used for a long time, not only in vaping but also for the likes of aromatherapy and alternative medicine. We know the positive effects they can have and the lack of chemicals they produce.
As you can see, if you have the choice, then it’s always better to go for natural terpenes. Does that mean choosing CDT carts? Well, not always, as you can still get the same benefits from terpenes that come from other plants.
Overall, it’s important to be cautious when using synthetic terpenes for vaping and choose reputable brands that have been tested for safety. It’s important to note that there is very little research in the area. Synthetic terpenes may be proven safe at some point in the future, but you may not be willing to take that risk.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to say whether or not CDT Carts are better or not than Non-CDT Carts. That’s because if you’re looking for the benefits of terpenes, then both can be as good as each other. There is also no way to prove that the terpenes in CDT Carts come from a cannabis plant.
Whichever one you’re choosing, you want to buy from a reputable seller so you can be confident that the terpenes are natural. That way, you can be sure to receive all of their benefits without worrying about any potential downsides.
