When it comes to cannabis products, terpenes play a huge role in aroma, flavor, and effects. But not all terpenes are created equal. Many cannabis brands use either botanical terpenes or cannabis-derived terpenes in their formulations—but what’s the difference, and why does it matter?

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, fruits, and herbs. They’re responsible for the distinctive scents of lavender, citrus, pine, and, of course, cannabis. Beyond aroma, terpenes also interact with cannabinoids to influence the overall effects of a product—a concept known as the entourage effect.

Why Cannabis-Derived Terpenes Matter

Many edibles brands rely on botanical terpenes, which are extracted from non-cannabis plants and then added to distillate-based products to create specific flavors. While this may provide a more controlled flavor experience, it completely misses the full-spectrum essence of cannabis. Botanical terpenes do not carry the nuanced effects of strain-specific cannabis, and their interaction with cannabinoids lacks the synergy that defines a truly authentic cannabis experience.

The Superiority of Cannabis-Derived Terpenes

At Drops Candies, we take a different approach. Because we use full-spectrum, strain-specific concentrates, the natural terpenes are already present in each of our candies. This means you’re experiencing the true essence of a single cannabis strain—not a mixture of distillate from various strains with added terpenes. Our method preserves the full-spectrum experience, ensuring that every edible delivers authentic strain-specific effects rather than a generic THC high.

Why This Matters for Your Experience

• True-to-Strain Effects – Our edibles maintain the complex terpene profile of the original plant, giving you the full benefits of cannabis rather than just THC.

• Enhanced Entourage Effect – The interaction of cannabinoids and cannabis-derived terpenes results in a more balanced, longer-lasting experience.

• No Artificial Flavoring or Botanical Additives – You’re consuming a product that stays true to the plant, without unnecessary fillers or synthetic compounds.

The Problem with Food-Grade Flavoring Agents

Some cannabis brands, particularly in the inhalables and edibles space, use food-grade flavoring compounds to create artificial flavors like churro, cupcake, or pizza. While this may sound appealing, these products are essentially distillate infused with non-cannabis-derived flavor additives. This eliminates the opportunity to savor the entourage effect—the synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes that enhances the overall cannabis experience. Sure, you’re getting high on THC, but the effects tend to be one-note, short-lived, and lack the depth of a full-spectrum cannabis experience.

Why Choose Drops Candies?

At Drops Candies, we believe in preserving the plant’s full potential, which is why we use strain-specific cannabis-derived terpenes in our edibles. This ensures an authentic experience, rich in both flavor and effects, while honoring the unique characteristics of each strain. Unlike distillate-based edibles with added terpenes, our products contain the naturally occurring terpenes from the original strain, allowing you to experience cannabis the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

The Future of Terpenes in Cannabis

As extraction methods evolve, we may see even more innovation in how terpenes are utilized in cannabis products. But one thing remains clear: if you want the most authentic, full-spectrum cannabis experience, strain-specific cannabis-derived terpenes are the only way to go.

Want to experience the difference for yourself? Explore our selection of strain-specific, live rosin-infused edibles, crafted with care to bring you the best of what cannabis has to offer.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Consume cannabis products responsibly and in accordance with local laws. Must be 21+ to purchase and consume cannabis products.