The Plant
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent ground-cover plant native to the arid regions of South Africa. Traditional names include kanna, channa, and kougoed — roughly, something to chew. The plant has fleshy leaves and small yellow or white flowers, and it is built for dry country.
The Three Main Alkaloids
Kanna's effects come from three main alkaloids: mesembrine, mesembrenone, and ∆7-mesembrenone. Mesembrine is associated with brighter, more social, daytime effects. Mesembrenone is associated with calm and physical ease. ∆7-mesembrenone pulls toward winding down.
The share each alkaloid holds — the alkaloid profile — determines what a product feels like. Two extracts at the same total concentration can feel very different. The full chemistry is covered in The Chemistry Of Kanna, and what the differences feel like in practice is covered in What Does Kanna Feel Like?
To check what is in a kanna product, read the label for the total alkaloid percentage and the alkaloid profile, and ask whether a certificate of analysis is available for the lot. What a certificate shows and how to read one is covered in The Importance Of Lab Testing And Third-Party Testing. How To Choose A Kanna Extract works through the rest of the label.
History
Kanna has been used by the San and Khoi peoples of South Africa for centuries — traditionally fermented and chewed during hunts, rituals, and daily life. Historical records also describe its role in trade. Four centuries of those records are summarized in Kanna's Past, Present, & Future.
The Range
Kanna is used to support mood, energy, focus, and connection. Our range is organized by alkaloid profile and purpose.
LIFT is the bright, social, daytime extract. BLISS is the warm, body-centred one. REST is the calm, evening one.
The Kanna Dailies put a measured serving of extract in a capsule: PLAY for mood and motivation, RELAX for calm presence, FOCUS for concentration and energy, DREAM for deep rest, and DESIRE for warmth and connection.
Formats
- Pure extract powder — measured with a micro-scoop. A serving is 25mg. Onset is usually around 30 minutes, and effects last two to three hours.
- Extract oil — Kanna Drops, measured in drops. A serving is 2 to 4 drops.
- Capsules — the Kanna Dailies. One capsule is a serving. Onset is 30 to 60 minutes, because the capsule has to open first.
- Herb — Fortified Kanna Herb, for tea, infusions, and herbal blends. As a tea, steep 5 to 10 minutes.
Timing
Match the profile to the moment. Brighter, mesembrine-dominant profiles fit the daytime. Calmer profiles fit the evening. Effects run two to three hours, so take it when you want that window to be.
Servings
Start with one serving.
For the standard extract powders, a serving is 25mg — roughly 2 to 3 micro-scoops. For LIFT XR, our extra strength extract, published guidance is to start at one micro-scoop, about 10mg. For the Dailies, the serving is one capsule, and two capsules may be taken for a stronger effect. For Kanna Drops, a serving is 2 to 4 drops.
First-timers sometimes feel very little. That is normal — stay at one serving and give it a few sessions.
Safety
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) contains alkaloids with serotonergic activity. Do not use kanna if you take an SSRI, SNRI, MAO inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressant, lithium, a triptan, tramadol, dextromethorphan, St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, or any other serotonergic medication or supplement, unless you have first consulted the prescribing clinician. Combining serotonergic substances can cause serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Not for use by anyone under 18, or by people who are pregnant or nursing. Side effects are uncommon but can include headache or nausea. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how kanna affects you. The full picture is in Kanna Side Effects & Safety.
Common Questions
How long does kanna take to work, and how long does it last?
Extract powder and oil come on in about 30 minutes. Capsules take 30 to 60 minutes, because the capsule has to open first. Effects run two to three hours in both cases. Kanna acts acutely — nothing accumulates over days.
Will kanna show up on a drug test?
Standard workplace panels screen for a defined list of substances — amphetamines, cocaine metabolites, opiates, PCP, and THC on the common five-panel test. Kanna's alkaloids are not among the compounds those panels look for.
That is a statement about what the tests screen for, not a guarantee about any particular test or program. If you are subject to testing under a specific policy — military service, professional licensing, competitive sport, or a court order — check that program's own rules on botanical supplements before taking anything. Some programs restrict supplements well beyond what they test for.
Can I take kanna every day?
The Kanna Dailies are formulated as a one-capsule daily serving. Beyond that we do not publish a cycling or loading protocol, because we have no data to base one on. If you plan on regular use, raise it with a healthcare provider — particularly if you take any other supplement or medication.
Which one should I start with?
LIFT. It is our entry product and the reference point the rest of the line is described against. Start with one serving. How To Choose A Kanna Extract covers the reasoning.
How is kanna different from kava?
They are unrelated plants with different active compounds, different preparation, and different traditions. Kanna vs Kava sets the two side by side.
Is kanna legal?
Kanna is not federally scheduled in the United States as of this writing. State and local law can differ, and rules outside the United States vary widely. Is Kanna Legal? covers the detail, including the Louisiana statute. Check the law where you live before ordering.
Kanna is serotonergic. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you take any serotonergic medication or supplement.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
