Category: News and Education

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Cannabinoid Carbon Chains and CBD Conversion Explained

marijuana science, carbon chains and cannabinoid conversions

Back in the day the only cannabinoid most people had ever heard of was Delta-9 THC. Taught in schools, discussed in the news, and widely known as the compound in marijuana responsible for getting people “high,” THC was the household name. Today the picture is much bigger. Cannabinoids share a similar backbone, and small differences, especially in the length of their carbon side chain, change how they interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. Add to that the fact that CBD is easy to produce in hemp and relatively abundant, and you have a reliable “mother cannabinoid” that can be converted into many others. This article will keep the science real but understandable and show why these processes are more common (and less intimidating) than they sound.

CBD as the “mother cannabinoid”

In hemp plants, CBGA is the true starting point, but CBD is one of the most abundant outcomes after enzymes do their work. That abundance is why manufacturers usually start with CBD isolate when creating hemp-derived cannabinoids. CBD can be rearranged or slightly modified into other molecules the plant itself produces in very small amounts. For more on CBD itself, see Understanding CBD.

How conversion actually works

Turning CBD into other cannabinoids relies on standard organic chemistry steps. Think of them as kitchen recipes, only carried out in lab glassware:

  • Isomerization: Rearranging CBD under acidic conditions can make Delta-8 THC. No new atoms are added, they are just shuffled. Learn more in Understanding Delta-8.
  • Hydrogenation: Adding hydrogen across double bonds converts a THC isomer into HHC. This same approach is used to turn vegetable oil into margarine. For details see Understanding HHC.
  • Purification: Chromatography and distillation clean up the result. These techniques are also used in decaf coffee, vitamins, and common food flavorings.

If you have ever eaten fortified cereal or used vanilla extract, you have already consumed products touched by similar science.

The carbon chain tail and receptor fit

Cannabinoids have a tail of carbon atoms attached to the main molecule. The length of that tail matters. A 5-carbon chain such as in Delta-9 THC fits CB1 receptors differently than a 7-carbon chain such as in THCP or a 3-carbon chain such as in THCV. Receptors can be thought of as locks and cannabinoids as keys. If the key’s teeth are a little longer or shorter, it may fit the lock more tightly or loosely. For more detail, see Understanding THCV and Understanding THCP.

Cannabinoids and Their Side Chain Lengths

The length of the alkyl side chain helps define different cannabinoid families. Fewer carbons usually reduce CB1 receptor affinity, while longer chains increase it in lab models.

Cannabinoids and Their Side Chain Lengths

Here are known cannabinoids grouped by the length of their alkyl side chain, from shorter to longer. Research ties longer chains to increased binding affinity in lab models, though effects vary in reality.

FamilyCarbon CountExamplesNotes
Varin3 carbons (C3)THCV, CBDV, CBCVShorter chain, weaker or context-dependent CB1 interaction.
Standard5 carbons (C5)THC, CBD, CBN, CBCMost common in cannabis and hemp. Δ9-THC is the reference point.
Hexyl6 carbons (C6)THC-HHexyl homologue. Limited published data but fits between Δ9-THC and THCP structurally.
Phorol7 carbons (C7)THCP, CBDPHeptyl chain. Reported as higher CB1 affinity in vitro. Δ9-THCP binding ~33× stronger
Octyl8 carbons (C8)THC-JDOctyl side chain. Very rare, limited research. One study suggests ~19× potency of Δ9-THC

Making the science approachable

These processes may sound intimidating, but they are ordinary and well understood. The cannabinoids produced are chemically identical to what the plant can make naturally, only in greater supply. What matters most is quality control, including clear labeling, third-party lab tests, and transparent sourcing. That is why our Cannabinoid Products collection features brands like Dazed8, Half-Bak’d, and Hemplitude, which provide lab reports with their products.

Important Information

  • For adults only. Age restrictions vary by state and local law.
  • Not evaluated by the FDA.
  • Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Check your local laws before purchase.

FAQs

Is CBD really the starting point for other cannabinoids?

Yes. CBD is abundant in hemp, making it a practical starting point for isomerization into cannabinoids like Delta-8 or further conversions such as HHC.

Does converting CBD make cannabinoids synthetic?

No. The molecules are identical to cannabinoids the plant produces naturally in trace amounts. The word “synthetic” usually refers to compounds that do not exist in nature.

What other industries use the same chemistry?

Hydrogenation is used to make margarine from vegetable oil. Chromatography decaffeinates coffee and purifies vitamins. These processes are routine and safe when done correctly.

Why does the carbon chain length matter?

It influences how cannabinoids fit into CB1 and CB2 receptors. Longer chains usually increase binding affinity in lab studies, while shorter chains reduce it.

What should I look for when shopping?

Choose products with clear labeling and verified third-party lab results. Explore our cannabinoid collection to compare reputable brands.

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What Is Kratom? A Beginner’s Guide To This Botanical

what is kratom, guide to kratom botanical

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen in the coffee family, native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain naturally occurring alkaloids and have been part of traditional use in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. In the United States, kratom is offered as a botanical product for adults where permitted. At The Botany Bay, we stock kratom from multiple trusted brands, including Earth Kratom, 1836 Kratom, MIT 45, and others.

How Kratom Strains Are Named

Kratom strain names don’t all follow the same system. Instead, they can come from several traditions:

  • Regional Names: Some strains reference where kratom has historically been grown or exported, such as Bali, Malay, or Sumatra. These names are widely used in the marketplace, even though they don’t always guarantee exact geographic origin today.
  • Leaf Characteristics and Harvesting: Names like Horn, Elephant, and Maeng Da are connected to selective harvesting and leaf traits rather than region.
  • Processing and Drying Techniques: Certain strains are identified by how the leaves are dried or fermented. Bentuangie, for example, is a fermented kratom. The familiar red, green, and white designations are also tied to drying methods and harvest timing, not separate species of kratom.
  • “Gold” Kratom: Gold is not a true vein color. Instead, the label usually refers to blends of other veins (often red and green) or to particular drying or fermentation methods. Some companies use “gold” purely as a marketing term.

These naming conventions help organize products but don’t always indicate a fundamental difference in the plant itself. Much of the variation comes from processing and alkaloid profile.

Common Kratom Formats

  • Powder: Finely ground leaf, usually packaged in resealable bags.
  • Capsules: Pre-measured powder in capsule form. See our kratom capsule selection.
  • Extracts: Concentrated products made by isolating kratom’s alkaloids. These are offered as shots, tinctures, and sometimes capsules. Extracts often focus on alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. We also carry 7-hydroxy products and kratom/kava blend shots, which are especially popular.

Important Clarification on 7-Hydroxymitragynine

The alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine has been the subject of debate. Some sources mistakenly claim it is artificial, which has led to confusion. In fact, 7-hydroxymitragynine is naturally occurring, though it is present only in trace amounts in raw kratom leaves. Products highlighting this alkaloid are available, but it is important to understand that kratom naturally contains it without chemical alteration.

Legal and Regulatory Notes

Regulations in the U.S. vary by state, county, and municipality. Some jurisdictions have adopted versions of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which sets standards for labeling and sales. Age requirements also differ, with some areas setting the minimum at 18 and others at 21. Always confirm local laws before purchasing kratom.

Important Information

  • For adults only. Age restrictions vary by location.
  • Not evaluated by the FDA.
  • Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plant does kratom come from?

Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen in the coffee family.

What types of kratom products are available at The Botany Bay?

We offer kratom powders, capsules, extracts, and kratom/kava blends from multiple established brands. Availability may vary online and in-store.

Is 7-hydroxymitragynine naturally occurring?

Yes. While present only in trace amounts, 7-hydroxymitragynine is naturally found in kratom leaves. It is not an artificial compound.

Do kratom extracts differ from powders and capsules?

Yes. Extracts are concentrated products that emphasize alkaloid content. Powders and capsules contain the whole ground leaf, while extracts are processed for specific components or convenience formats.

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Sativa vs. Indica: Why the Old Labels Don’t Tell the Full Story

sativa vs indica

For decades, cannabis has been put into two neat little boxes: sativa and indica.
Ask an old-school smoker and they might tell you:

  • Sativa = uplifting head high, good for daytime.
  • Indica = heavy body high, good for bedtime.

Simple, right? Well… too simple.

The truth is that those labels came from botanical traits, not effects. Cannabis sativa plants tended to be tall and lanky, while Cannabis indica plants were shorter and bushier. Over years of crossbreeding, those physical distinctions blurred, and most strains today are hybrids. Yet the old ideas about their effects stuck around, even though the science told a different story.

Sativa cannabis plant, lanky structure, more space between nodes
indica plant close up
Indica cannabis plant, compact structure, closer node spacing.

The Real Difference: The “Band” Playing in Your Brain

Instead of thinking “sativa” or “indica,” imagine each strain as a band.
THC is the frontman, always front and center, but the rest of the sound depends on the supporting musicians: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This is what scientists call the entourage effect.

A strain with limonene (bright citrus notes) and pinene (pine freshness) might feel upbeat and energizing, like a band heavy on horns and percussion.

A strain with myrcene (earthy, musky) and linalool (floral, calming) might feel mellow and sedative, more like a slow jazz set with deep bass and strings.

The arrangement of these compounds is what really shapes your experience. Two strains with the same THC level can feel completely different depending on who’s in the band.

Cannabinoids: The Core Players

Beyond THC, other cannabinoids change the vibe:

  • CBD – Smooths out THC’s sharper edges, relaxing without knocking you out.
  • THCV – Can feel stimulating in small doses.
  • CBN – Often linked with sedation.
  • CBG – Potentially boosts focus and clarity.

These act like special guest musicians, adding depth or changing the energy of the set.

Terpenes: The Mood Makers

Terpenes, aromatic compounds that give cannabis its scent, are often the biggest influence on whether a strain feels more “daytime” or “nighttime.”

More uplifting terpenes:

More sedating terpenes:

Moving Beyond Sativa & Indica

The modern approach is to think about chemovars, the actual chemical profile of the flower, rather than old morphological categories. When you look at a strain’s dominant cannabinoids and terpenes, you get a far clearer picture of how it might make you feel than just a “sativa” or “indica” label. In fact, thanks to decades of crossbreeding, a plant that grows tall and lanky like a traditional sativa might actually share more in chemical makeup with an old-school indica.

The Takeaway

If you want an energizing strain, look for a profile rich in limonene + pinene with moderate THC and maybe some THCV.
If you’re chasing deep relaxation, lean toward myrcene + linalool with THC supported by CBN or CBD.

Think less about plant shape and more about the orchestra of compounds working together. After all, the magic isn’t just the singer—it’s the whole band.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individual experiences may vary. Always consult a physician before using cannabinoid products, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.