Kanna

Kanna from Avalon Magic Plants

Kanna, scientifically known as Sceletium tortuosum, is one of the oldest ethnobotanical plants in the world. The first written accounts of kanna use date back to 1662, when Dutch explorer Jan van Riebeeck reported on local South African tribes chewing certain leaves. These leaves were called "kougoed", which literally means "something to chew" or "chewing goods". At Avalon Magic Plants, we offer an extensive range of kanna products, from raw powder and leaves to concentrated extracts and ready-to-use capsules.

History and traditional use

The San and Khoikhoi peoples of South Africa used kanna as part of their daily life. Hunters chewed on the plant during long journeys to suppress hunger, thirst and fatigue. The plant was also used in rituals and social gatherings. Around 1685, Dutch botanist Simon van der Stel described how the local population collected, fermented and stored the plant in sheepskin bags for use throughout the year.

Traditionally, kanna was fermented and dried before being chewed, smoked or snorted. This fermentation process increases the concentration of active alkaloids and enhances the effects. Today, more forms of use are available, including extracts, tinctures and capsules.

Active compounds in kanna

Kanna contains four important psychoactive alkaloids: mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol and tortuosamine. Mesembrine is the most studied of these. Scientific research suggests that mesembrine works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), similar to some antidepressants. This may explain why kanna was traditionally used to relieve anxiety and low mood.

A 2013 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology examined Zembrin, a patented form of Sceletium tortuosum, and found that it works both as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a PDE4 inhibitor. This could contribute to the reported anxiolytic effects.

Different kanna products

Our range includes various forms of kanna, each with their own characteristics:

Kanna powder is finely ground plant material, suitable for making tea or for sublingual use. Kanna leaves are the whole or shredded leaves of the plant, ideal for smoking or vaporizing. Kanna extracts are concentrated forms where 10X extract means that 1 gram of extract equals 10 grams of dried plant. Smokanna (UB40) is specially developed for use in vaporizers, with a coarser texture that vaporizes optimally at 188°C.

For those who prefer ready-to-use products, we offer Kannagizer capsules and pills. These contain a mix of kanna extract with other ingredients such as cacao extract. We also have kanna seeds and live kanna plants for those who want to grow their own.

Effects and usage

Users report various effects depending on the dosage and method of use. At low doses, kanna can have a meditative, calming effect. Higher doses can lead to a more euphoric, uplifting feeling. The effect usually begins within 30-60 minutes and then gradually decreases to a more relaxed state.

The fastest effects are achieved by snorting, where 20 mg can already be noticeable. When smoking, typically 50-500 mg is used. For tea or sublingual use, higher doses are needed as absorption is slower.

Safety and warnings

Kanna is relatively safe when used responsibly. South African peoples have used it for centuries without addiction issues or serious side effects. Possible mild side effects include nausea, light headache or irritability. At too high doses, heart palpitations and feelings of anxiety may occur.

Important: never combine kanna with SSRI medications such as Seroxat or Prozac, or with MAO inhibitors such as Peganum harmala (Syrian rue), Banisteriopsis caapi, passionflower or yohimbe. These combinations can cause dangerous interactions. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not suitable for persons under 18 years of age.

Why choose Avalon Magic Plants?

Avalon Magic Plants has been one of Europe's leading smartshops since 2009. With more than 15 years of experience in ethnobotanical products, we know exactly what to look for when sourcing kanna. We only work with suppliers who meet our strict quality requirements and regularly test for purity and alkaloid content. Read more about our background and vision.

On our blog you will find extensive articles about kanna, its history, effects and responsible use. Do you have questions about which kanna product suits you? Contact our customer service, our team is ready to help you Monday through Friday.