We're delighted to highlight this episode of the MP Podcast, hosted by Lana Pribic, featuring our founder Ryan Latreille. Dive into an in-depth exploration of Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) as a safe, legal plant for mood support, energy, focus, and emotional connection.
Ryan shares his journey with Kanna, beginning over a decade ago in a ceremonial setting that sparked his passion for empathogens and led to founding Hearthstone Collective for daily wellness products and Kanna Extract Co. for premium, high-potency extracts. He describes Kanna as a "very special" succulent from South Africa's Karoo region, with deep roots in Khoi and San cultures, where it's tied to the Eland antelope symbolizing abundance and used in rituals and daily life through fermented chews or smokes.
The science takes center stage: Kanna's 28+ alkaloids, including mesembrine for uplifting euphoria, mesembrenone for calm, and d7mesembrenone for relaxation, act as a bioamine releaser to boost serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It offers mild SSRI-like support and PDE4 inhibition for cognitive benefits like enhanced focus and resilience, without overwhelming effects. Ryan notes, "There are very few substances on the planet that are this potent," highlighting its pro-cognitive and heart-opening qualities for positivity and emotional awareness.
Benefits shine through for everyday wellness—elevating mood, boosting energy, sharpening focus, and fostering deeper connections, making it a natural alternative for social settings without next-day issues. Traditional lifelong use among indigenous peoples underscores its gentle, supportive nature, with effects like raising baseline optimism and stress resilience.
Dosing guidelines emphasize starting low based on alkaloid content: subtle daily amounts for ongoing support, or higher for immersive experiences. Methods include sublingual extracts, tinctures (e.g., a few drops for quick uplift), capsules, or innovative drops for fast relief. Ryan recommends protocols like 5 days on, 2 off, and stresses its non-habit-forming profile—no tolerance buildup, safe for long-term use.
Safety is paramount: Kanna has no known lethal dose, rare mild side effects like occasional headache or nausea, and a 30-year research history. Always consult a healthcare provider, especially if on certain medications, to avoid interactions.
Ethical sourcing is a core value—Ryan partners with Khoi communities, donating 3% of kanna purchases to support cultural preservation, festivals, and economic initiatives against poverty. This ensures high-alkaloid, lab-tested strains from sustainable farms.
At Kanna Extract Co., we offer blends like LIFT for stimulating energy and BLISS for balanced relaxation, building on Hearthstone's foundation of tinctures and stacks with botanicals like rhodiola or lion's mane. Use code LANA for 10% off your first order. Whether for daily vitality or ceremonial heart-opening, this episode reveals why Kanna is a transformative ally. Visit KannaExtract.com to explore our ethically sourced products and enhance your wellness today.
