Stiiizy CDT pods. CDT stands for Cannabis Derived Terpenes, and these pods provide a different type of cannabis experience from their existing Botanical Terpenes (BT) pods.
In this article, we will break down the differences between BT pods and CDT pods based on personal experience and backed up by scientific evidence. Our focus will include the flavor/aroma comparison, effects comparison and cost/availability comparison between the two products.
The Foundation: What Are We Actually Comparing?
Before comparing BT pods to CDT pods, we must define the two types of pods.
- BT Stiiizy Pods (Botanical Terpenes): These are the original, widely used pods offered by Stiiizy. BT pods begin with a THC distillate (a highly concentrated form of cannabis containing over 90% THC) that has virtually all of the plant's other chemicals removed. Stiiizy uses botanical terpenes to add flavor and to create a desired effect. Botanical terpenes are chemical compounds in cannabis plants, but they are derived from other plants such as fruit, herbs and flowers.
- CDT Stiiizy Pods (Cannabis-Derived Terpenes): CDT pods are the newest addition to the Stiiizy product line. Like BT pods, CDT pods are based upon a highly purified THC distillate base, but unlike BT pods, the CDT pods contain terpenes that are derived from the cannabis plant itself. Therefore, the flavor and aroma from CDT pods come from the original cannabis strain and are intended to mimic a full spectrum-like experience.
Now, we will go into detail about the differences between the two types of pods.
1. The Flavor & Aroma Experience: Artificial vs. Authentic
This is probably the most obvious distinction.
The BT pods are great tasting, but in a sweet and predictable manner. Smelling a strawberry cough BT pod tastes like a perfectly crafted strawberry flavored hard candy. It is smooth, good-tasting and consistent. The Blue Dream BT pod tastes like a big bowl of freshly picked blueberries. The BT pods lack surprise, so for many people, that is a plus, not a minus.
The CDT pods are a completely different ball game. When I tried the gelato CDT for the first time, I was amazed. It did not taste like 'gelato flavor', it tasted like taking apart a super sticky nugget of gelato. There is a gasping, earthy, slightly sweet smell on the exhalation of the CDT pods that cannot be replicated with botanical terps. In fact, the CDT pods taste more like the plant itself rather than a flavor. Sometimes, they may have a stronger, funkier taste that to connoisseurs indicates a true, genuine flavor.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Natural Products noted that the specific combination and ratios of terpenes present in cannabis (including minor terpenes commonly absent from botanical blends) are responsible for the unique strain-specific scents associated with each strain. CDT pods seek to preserve the individual "terpene fingerprints" of each cannabis strain.
2. The Effects: One-Dimensional vs. Multi-Layered
The debate surrounding the two types of pods is growing increasingly more interesting, and now the conversation extends beyond just taste.
The high from a BT Stiiizy pod is intense and clean, but it is extremely "uni-directional". That is, the THC distillate high goes straight to either your head or body depending on whether the strain is Sativa or Indica. The terpenes appear to subtly influence the effect, but the THC distillate is the primary driver. I find it ideal for providing a convenient, functional buzz or when I do not want any complexity in my mind.
The high from a CDT pod appears more balanced and complex. Utilizing the King Louis XIII CDT as an example, the high is not merely a large blanket of sedation. First, I feel the high behind my eyes, followed by a gradual, creeping relaxation that moves through my shoulders. The CDT pods provide a clear, medical-quality couch lock sensation that I would describe as more powerful than the high from the regular Indica pods. The CDT pods are my choice when I require a true relaxation experience or when I am attempting to relieve chronic pain, as the entourage effect appears to be more apparent.
The Entourage Effect Theory, as advocated by Dr. Ethan Russo, states that the various cannabinoids, such as THC, interact with each other as well as the terpenes and other cannabinoids to produce a collective, additive, and synergistic therapeutic effect. Although distillate contains minimal amounts of secondary cannabinoids, the reintroduction of the original cannabis terpenes in CDT pods represents a significant improvement in simulating the Entourage Effect compared to utilizing botanical terpenes.
3. Price & Availability: The Convenience Tax
My Take: There is no getting around the fact that CDT pods represent a premium. You will generally expect to spend $5-$10 extra for each CDT pod versus the BT pod. Additionally, CDT pods are not as ubiquitous as BT pods. While every dispensary sells the BT pod line, you may need to search longer to locate CDT strains.
To the everyday user on a budget, the value and consistency of BT pods is undeniable. The CDT pods are my "weekend treats" or the pod that I purchase when I require a more effective treatment option. The premium price is definitely felt, but I justify it for the enhanced experience for special occasions.
The Verdict: Which One is For You?
After conducting...ahem...extensive research, here is my ultimate summary.
Select the Regular Stiiizy Pods if:
- You are new to vaping or cannabis.
- You prioritize flavor/aroma consistency and sweetness.
- Your primary objective is to receive a high potency, direct THC experience.
- Price and availability are key considerations for you.
- You enjoy the discretion of a less "weedy" smelling vapor.
Select the Stiiizy CDT Pods if:
- You consider yourself a cannabis connoisseur and appreciate the terpene profiles of cannabis.
- You believe in and are able to identify the Entourage Effect.
- You prefer a genuine, plant-like flavor over a synthetic one.
- You find the single-dimensional high of distillate-based BT pods too fast-paced or extreme.
- You are willing to pay a premium for a more complex, possibly more therapeutically effective experience.
I keep both BT pods and CDT pods in my arsenal. The BT pods are my dependable daily drivers - reliable, flavorful, and effective. However, the CDT pods remind me why I enjoy cannabis. The CDT pods provide a level of depth and genuineness that draws me closer to the experience of smoking flower, all while maintaining the unparalleled convenience of the Stiiizy system. It is not merely an upgrade, it is a fundamental paradigm shift in what a pod can be.