Kanna: Frequently asked questions, effects, uses and safety

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant from South Africa that has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples, of which the San and Khoikhoi are good examples, according to this study from 2021. They then mainly use the herb of this plant, which is known for its mood-enhancing properties. Because of this, kanna has also gained popularity in other countries in recent years, for example as a natural aid against stress, anxiety and depressive feelings. However, kanna also raises many questions. For example, people are curious about its effects, use and potential risks. Below we therefore answer all frequently asked questions about kanna!

So Kanna comes from South Africa. It is a succulent whose leaves and stems are harvested. They are then fermented and dried so they can be used as an herb. Kanna has several active compounds, but they are mainly so-called alkaloids, according to this South African study. Mesembrenol, mesembrine and mesembrenone are examples. These substances have an inhibitory effect on serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRI), meaning they can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. This explains the sedative and euphoric effects of kanna.

Speaking of the effects of kanna, it is appropriate to name them directly. It is good to know that the effects can feel subtle to powerful, this depends on your dosage and form of administration. Below we list a few of the effects you may feel after using Sceletium tortuosum:

• Increased mood or even euphoria
• Improved focus
• Reduction of anxiety and/or stress
• Increased sense of empathy and social comfort
• Slightly stimulating or relaxing

According to this study among rats kanna can be used as an antidepressant, which of course is related to the above effects of this herb.

You can take kanna in several ways; these methods are the most commonly used:

• Sniffing: Works quickly and provides an intense effect.
• Chewing: The traditional method. Slower action that you do continue to feel longer.
• Capsules/tablets: Easy to dose and great for beginners.
• Tea: The mildest method. The effect comes on slowly and is usually relaxing.
• Vaporize: Works intensely and quickly, although it depends on the form you use.

The proper dosage varies greatly by user and form of administration. Extracts are often referred to as 10x, 20x or even 40x, which means they are much stronger than the natural form.

How long kanna continues to work depends on the method of use:

• Sniffing: You notice the effects within 15 minutes. After 1 to 2 hours, the effects are over.
• Capsules and tea: Effective within 30 to 60 minutes, effects linger for 2 to 4 hours.
• Chewing: Very similar to capsules and tea, but the effect is slightly longer lasting.
• Vaping: You notice the effect quickly, but the duration is not very long, at most 2 hours.

Kanna is generally considered safe by experts, especially if your dosage is low or medium. Side effects are rare, but can occur at high doses or in people with sensitivities. Below are some examples of potential side effects of kanna, from this study by Smith:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Increased heart rate

If you combine kanna with other drugs, risks may also arise. So it is better not to do so.

Critical note on scientific sources:
While there are scientific studies on kanna, it is important to realize that many of these studies are animal studies. The effects on rats cannot simply be directly applied to humans. Few large-scale clinical studies in humans are available yet. Therefore, caution is advised, and anyone wishing to use kanna as an alternative to medication should always discuss it with a physician first.

Is kanna addictive?

There is no scientific evidence that kanna is physically addictive. Experts therefore expect that you cannot become addicted to this herb. However, you may suffer from psychological habituation, especially if it is used as a coping mechanism for stress or gloom.

No! You should never combine kanna with antidepressants. This can be dangerous, especially if you take SSRIs or MAOIs in addition to kanna. Both drugs affect the serotonin system and the combination can be dangerous, according to this study from 2013 lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of this include confusion, overheating, muscle spasms and heart palpitations. So never use kanna together with serotonergic medications without consulting a doctor.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Although kanna may be legal in your country, it can affect your serotonin system and caution is advised if you are on medication or have mental health issues. Always consult a doctor before using kanna, especially if you are taking antidepressants or other medications. Use kanna consciously, in moderation, and do not combine it with other psychoactive substances without thorough knowledge or guidance.