KANNA

Kanna is commonly described as a euphoric botanical, mood enhancer, social lubricant, natural empathogen, stress supplement, nootropic, relaxation aid, and natural antidepressant. I have only recently discovered Kanna and I credit it with helping me get my mojo back! I noticed after my first cup a sense of ease and flow, an opening of my heart and a desire to socialise and dance again.

Kanna is a remarkable and sacred plant with a rich history of use by the San and Khoikhoi peoples of Southern Africa. Over the last two decades, extensive research and personal experience have highlighted the plant’s unique ability to promote emotional balance, mental clarity, and a deep sense of calm. Kanna’s potential benefits make it a valuable ally in addressing modern-day challenges such as anxiety, stress, and disconnection.

Kanna is the traditional name for Sceletium tortuosum, a small succulent plant native to the arid regions of South Africa, particularly the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family and is characterised by its fleshy, succulent leaves, low-growing habit and pale-colored flowers. Its recurved leaves contain distinctive water cells, and the stems become woody as the plant ages.

Kanna has been utilized by indigenous communities as a traditional medicine and sacrament for centuries. The plant is also called Channa and Kougoed, with Kougoed traditionally referring to the fermented plant preparation. Kanna has a long history of traditional use among the Khoikhoi (Khoe) and San peoples of southern Africa. Kanna remains a culturally significant plant with medicinal and spiritual value to the Khoisan people.

Traditionally, Kanna was valued for its effects on mood, wellbeing, relaxation and endurance. It was also used to ease thirst and hunger during journeys and hunting, and for various physical complaints including toothache and abdominal discomfort. It is known for elevating mood and decreasing anxiety, stress and tension. Traditional use could also have social and ceremonial dimensions, with the plant valued for its ability to alter mood and consciousness.

The plant shares its nickname with the Eland antelope, also known as Kanna. To the Khoisan bushmen, the Eland was a conduit to the spiritual world and played an essential role as a magical ally in Kanna ceremonies. Kanna’s mildly psychedelic effects, assisted by fasting, drumming, and communal dances, served as a gateway to trance states and heightened awareness during rituals and ceremonies.

The plant was traditionally fermented before use. This preparation became known as kougoed, meaning approximately "chewing stuff" in Afrikaans. Fermentation is thought to alter the plant's alkaloid profile and was traditionally associated with a stronger psychoactive effect. Traditionally Kanna has been inhaled as a snuff, smoked, chewed or drunk as a tea. The plant contains more than 25 alkaloids, with mesembrine-type alkaloids predominating.

One of the most fascinating aspects of kanna is its chemistry. The plant contains a group of naturally occurring alkaloids known as mesembrine-type alkaloids, including mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol and tortuosamine. These alkaloids interact with the brain’s dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline systems, influencing mood, anxiety, and stress response.

These alkaloids exhibit anti-depressant, anxiolytic, and cognitive-enhancing effects, with potential medicinal applications in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. The synergy between mesembrine and mesembrenone gives it mood-enhancing and relaxing properties.

Scientific investigations have found that fermentation can significantly alter the proportions of these compounds. Research examining traditionally fermented material found an increase in mesembrine alongside a corresponding reduction in mesembrenone, demonstrating that fermentation is not simply a drying process but can chemically transform the plant material.

More recent research published in 2024 has begun examining the fermentation process in greater detail, including the microorganisms involved and the way the alkaloid profile changes over time. This work identified changes beginning within the first several days of fermentation and found evidence that microorganisms, including Fusarium species, may contribute to these chemical transformations.

Contemporary interest has particularly focused on Kanna's relationship with mood, stress, relaxation and cognitive function. Laboratory research suggests that mesembrine-type alkaloids interact with neurological pathways including serotonin signalling, while studies of standardised Sceletium extracts have investigated their effects on stress, anxiety, mood and cognition. It is also used to alleviate depression as it brightens mood, heightens motivation and increases energy.

Kanna is often used for its adaptogenic properties that support emotional well-being. Its benefits include reducing stress & anxiety, enhancing mood, improving confidence & social comfort, it also stimulating & energising. Kanna is considered a natural empathogen, in the way it interacts with the body. Rather than overriding or amplifying, Kanna works subtly, supporting connection while keeping you grounded and present.

Kanna has been gaining a lot of attention as a less-risky alternative for party drugs because it has been reported as having a blissful, euphoric and anxiety-reducing effect on users, as well as elevating mood, increasing sociability and emotional warmth.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Natures MDMA’ due to its relaxing, mood-lifting and socially opening effect. Kanna's effects are subtle and it doesn't cause the kind of serotonin depletion or harsh physical side effects MDMA is known for. Comparing Kanna to MDMA is like comparing a caffeine to cocaine.

Kanna is now available to purchase through my dispensary. I stock only premium grade freshly harvested fermented Kanna.
 
Directions: One teaspoon of dried herb per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 mins. Strain and enjoy. Use in moderation. Avoid combining with alcohol. Kanna shouldn’t be taken with MAO inhibitors, MDMA, 5HTP, and/or SSRI antidepressants. The combination can rapidly increase your serotonin levels, which may lead to serotonin syndrome.
 
10g (IN AMBER GLASS JAR) $25
20g (IN AMBER GLASS JAR) $50
 
Herbal products can affect people differently. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking prescription or other medicines, have a medical condition, or are unsure whether a particular herb is suitable for you, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Individual herbs may not be suitable for everyone. Responsibility for determining the suitability of a product for your individual circumstances rests with the consumer. These products are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.