For hundreds of years, Kanna plants have been used as a psychedelic. Kanna, also known as Sceletium Tortuosum, is a succulent that grows in South Africa. It can be found in areas where other plants often fail to survive. By being able to hold moisture for a very long time, Kanna plants can live through the driest periods of time. Nowadays, Kanna is grown in South African nurseries and can be purchased in various forms, such as powder, as a full plant, as honey, and even as tea. In addition, there are different kind of extracts and isolations of specific alkaloids (mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembremol, and tortuosamine) available. Want to grow your own Kanna plant? Then there are also Kanna seeds on the market!
A little bit of history
The earliest written records of the use of Kanna date back to 1662. When the Dutch arrived in South Africa, the succulents were mainly known as “Kougoed” (kauwgoed), which literally means “something to chew” or “chew(able) goodies”. Over time, the plant also got the names Canna and Channa. Traditionally, Kanna plants are fermented and dried before being chewed, smoked or used as a snuff. Traditional societies of South Africa, such as the San and Khoi people, would use Kanna to alleviate pain and enhance their mood. It was mainly used by hunter-gatherers, who would travel long distances by foot. By chewing on Kanna, they could satisfy their thirst, hunger, and pain. By using Kanna, hunters were also able to reduce fear and alter their minds whilst hunting on dangerous animals.
What are the effects of Kanna?
People often describe the effects of Kanna as being similar to alcohol or even cocaine. However, when keeping to the recommended dosage, Kanna is a lot safer. Kanna hardly has any side effects, is less toxic to the liver, is not considered addictive and won’t give you a bad hangover. Kanna can be used to fight stress and depression, alleviate hunger and to relieve pain. It may also elevate mood and decrease stress, tension, and anxiety. In other words, Kanna can give you a general feeling of wellbeing.
How to use Kanna?
Kanna can be smoked. To do this, using a rough grind with fresh Kanna leaves is most enjoyable. However, you can also use a fine powder or shredded Kanna. For e-cigarettes and hybrid vaporizer models, you can use the Kanna e-liquid. Other ways of using Kanna are placing it under the tongue and holding for a prolonged period of time, chewing it (as a gum), using it as snuff or drinking Kanna as a tea. Drinking Kanna as tea is suitable to relieve pain and relax.
We have a large range of diffferent Kanna products.
At Avalon Magic Plants we sell different kinds of Kanna products. You can, for example, find Kanna powders, extracts, e-liquids, full-grown plants, leaves, honey, and Kanna seeds! There is something for everyone in the webshop.
The alkaloids behind Kanna's effects
The effects of Sceletium tortuosum come from a group of unique alkaloids concentrated mainly in the roots, stems, and leaves. Mesembrine is the most abundant and the most studied. It acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, which together contribute to the mood-lifting and anti-anxiety properties the plant is known for. Mesembrenone works alongside mesembrine, though it also shows some activity on the dopamine system. Two further alkaloids, mesembrenol and tortuosamine, are present in smaller amounts and may play supporting roles, though research into their precise mechanisms is still ongoing.
What sets Kanna apart from many other mood-active botanicals is how these alkaloids interact. The combination produces effects that are noticeably gentler than synthetic SSRIs, with a faster onset and a much shorter duration. Most people report that the experience peaks within thirty to sixty minutes and subsides within a few hours, depending on how it is taken. This predictable profile is one reason Kanna has attracted serious scientific interest in recent years.
Kanna product forms compared
The way Kanna reaches your system depends heavily on the form you choose. Each method has a different absorption route, and that changes both how quickly you feel something and how intense it is.
Dried plant material and powder are the most traditional forms. Chewing the dried herb is how the San and Khoi people used it for centuries. The alkaloids are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, which means the onset is relatively quick — usually within ten to twenty minutes. Holding the material under the tongue speeds this up further. Powder works the same way and is simply easier to measure.
Extracts are standardised concentrates. They require smaller amounts to achieve the same effect as raw plant material, so dosing needs more care. A 10x extract, for example, is roughly ten times more potent by weight than plain dried Kanna. Kanna Krystal Ultimate is one of the most concentrated options available at Avalon Magic Plants and is intended for experienced users.
Tea is the mildest preparation. Boiling destroys some of the alkaloids, which means the effects are softer and more relaxing than other methods. It is a good starting point if you want something gentle, particularly for stress relief or winding down in the evening.
Smoking and vaporising produce the fastest onset, within minutes, but also the shortest duration. The alkaloids pass directly from the lungs into the bloodstream. For vaporisers, the dedicated e-liquid format is the cleanest option.
Nasal use (snuff) was common historically and still produces a quick effect, though it is less popular today. It is also the most likely method to cause temporary irritation.
Dosage guidelines
Kanna dosage depends on the product form, the alkaloid content of the batch, and individual sensitivity. As a general orientation for dried plant material or standard powder:
A low dose is around 50–100 mg. At this level, most people notice a mild lift in mood, a slight reduction in tension, and heightened sociability. A moderate dose is 200–400 mg, where the effects become more noticeable, relaxation deepens, appetite may decrease, and some users report a light euphoric quality. Doses above 500 mg are considered high and are not recommended for beginners. At higher doses the sedative component becomes more pronounced.
For extracts, divide these figures by the concentration factor. A 10x extract means a 40 mg dose is already equivalent to 400 mg of plain material. Always start low with any extract, especially if you are switching from standard powder or trying a new product for the first time.
This product is not a medicine. These dosage indications are informational. If you use prescription medication, in particular SSRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs, consult a doctor before using Kanna.
Safety and interactions
Kanna is considered low-risk when used at sensible doses. It is not physically addictive, does not appear to harm the liver at normal use levels, and does not cause the kind of hangover associated with alcohol. Tolerance can develop with frequent use, so most experienced users space sessions at least several days apart.
The most important safety consideration is drug interaction. Because mesembrine inhibits serotonin reuptake, combining Kanna with other serotonergic substances, including SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, St John's Wort, or recreational MDMA. raises the theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition. The combination is not recommended under any circumstances. If you are currently taking antidepressant medication, speak to your doctor before using Kanna.
Common side effects at higher doses include mild nausea, slight headache, and temporary appetite suppression. These typically resolve within a few hours. Kanna is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Legal status
Sceletium tortuosum is legal in the Netherlands and across most of Europe. It is not listed on any controlled substances schedule in the EU. In South Africa, where the plant originates, it was declared a protected natural resource in 2008, which regulates commercial export but does not restrict personal use.
In a small number of countries, the legal status differs. Australia has placed mesembrine-containing preparations under scheduling controls. If you are ordering from outside the EU, it is your responsibility to verify the legal status in your own country before purchasing.
Growing your own Kanna plant
Sceletium tortuosum is a slow-growing succulent, but it is not especially difficult to cultivate if you understand its natural habitat. It comes from the semi-arid regions of the Western and Eastern Cape in South Africa, where it deals with intense sun, poor sandy soil, and very little rain. Replicating those conditions is the key.
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with good drainage holes. Place the plant in the sunniest spot available, a south-facing windowsill works well in the Netherlands. Water sparingly: in summer, once every two weeks is usually sufficient; in winter, once a month or less. Overwatering is the most common mistake and will cause root rot quickly.
Seeds germinate slowly, sometimes taking several weeks. Young plants are delicate and grow best in a warm, stable environment. Once established, Kanna is remarkably hardy and can live for years with minimal attention. Plants ready to use are available in our shop, along with seeds if you prefer to start from scratch.
Frequently asked questions about Kanna
What does Kanna feel like?
At a low to moderate dose, most people describe a calm, sociable feeling, similar to a mild mood lift with reduced anxiety. At higher doses, a more sedative quality comes through. The experience is generally described as smooth and manageable, without the disorientation that stronger psychoactives can produce.
How long do the effects of Kanna last?
This depends on the method of use. Chewing or sublingual use typically produces effects lasting one to two hours. Smoked or vaporised Kanna acts faster but wears off within thirty to sixty minutes. Tea tends to be the most gradual, with a gentler onset and a longer, softer tail.
Can you combine Kanna with other substances?
Combining Kanna with serotonergic substances, including SSRIs, MAOIs, MDMA, or St John's Wort, is not safe and should be avoided entirely. Combining with cannabis or alcohol is something users do, but it intensifies the effects of both and is not something we recommend, particularly for first-time users.
Is Kanna the same as Kougoed?
Yes. Kougoed is the Afrikaans name used historically in South Africa, meaning roughly "something to chew." It refers to the same plant, Sceletium tortuosum. The name Kanna, or sometimes Channa, became more common over time and is now the standard name used in international trade.
Can you become addicted to Kanna?
Kanna is not considered physically addictive. There is no documented withdrawal syndrome. Psychological habituation is theoretically possible with any substance that affects mood, but this appears to be rare with Kanna when used sensibly. Building tolerance is more common, regular users often find they need to increase the dose over time to achieve the same effect, which is a good reason to use it occasionally rather than daily.
What is the difference between Kanna powder and Kanna extract?
Kanna powder is made from dried, ground plant material and contains the full spectrum of alkaloids at natural concentrations. An extract is a more processed product in which the alkaloid content has been concentrated to a multiple of the natural level. Extracts are more potent by weight and require more careful dosing. For most beginners, starting with standard powder gives better control over the experience.
