Flying with Kanna: What You Need to Know for Domestic & International Trips

by Kat Austin August 08, 2025 5 min read

Flying with Kanna: What You Need to Know for Domestic & International Trips - VO Inc

Curious if you can fly with kanna in your carry-on or checked bag? You're not alone. As kanna (also known as Sceletium tortuosum) gains popularity for its mood-boosting and calming effects, more travelers are asking: Can you bring kanna on a plane?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about flying with kanna—whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or heading overseas. We'll cover TSA policies, legal considerations, smart packing tips, and more so you can fly stress-free.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Kanna is generally legal to fly with in the U.S.—but international laws vary, so always check your destination’s regulations.

  • Pack smart: Use original labeled packaging, avoid loose powders, and keep kanna in your carry-on for smoother TSA screening.

  • Kanna is mildly psychoactive and affects serotonin—do not combine with antidepressants, and avoid bringing it where it's restricted.

What Is Kanna?

Kanna is a succulent plant native to South Africa, traditionally used by the Khoisan people for centuries to reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and elevate mood. Today, it's often found in:

  • Powder form

  • Capsules or tablets

  • Chewing extracts or tinctures

  • Teas or snuffs

How Kanna Works

Kanna contains alkaloids (like mesembrine) that act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), which can enhance mood and promote relaxation.

Important note:While kanna is not classified as a controlled substance in most countries, its psychoactive properties can raise questions with border security or customs.

Can You Bring Kanna on a Plane?

Short answer:Yes, in most cases, you can bring kanna on a plane—but there are some big caveats depending on your destination and the form of kanna you’re carrying.
Let’s break it down by region and regulation.

Flying Domestically Within the U.S.

TSA Policy on Kanna
The TSA does not explicitly ban kanna, but they’re focused on safety and potential illegal drugs. Here’s what you need to know:

  • TSA doesn’t screen for legal supplements, but suspicious or unlabeled substances may trigger a closer inspection

  • Kanna is not classified as a controlled substance in the U.S.

  • It’s best to travel with original packaging and clear labeling

Tips for Domestic Flights:

  • Pack kanna in its original, sealed container

  • Keep it in your carry-on for better visibility and less chance of being mistaken for a suspicious powder

  • Avoid homemade mixtures, especially powders in baggies, which could raise red flags

Can You Bring Kanna on International Flights?

Here’s where things get tricky. While kanna is legal or unregulated in many places, some countries restrict or even ban it outright due to its psychoactive properties.

Countries Where Kanna May Be Restricted or Illegal

Country

Legal Status

South Africa

Controlled – permit required

Canada

Unscheduled, but importing may raise issues

Australia

Schedule 9 – prohibited

United Kingdom

Not scheduled, but under review

Germany

Legal, but can be flagged at customs

Netherlands

Sold in smart shops, but airport customs may inspect

Japan

Likely restricted – avoid bringing kanna

 

Always check with that country’s customs authority before traveling.

Pro tip:If you’re unsure about legality, leave it behind. Customs seizures (or worse, detainment) can ruin your trip.

Packing Tips: How to Travel Safely with Kanna

Whether you're flying with kanna domestically or internationally, how you pack it matters.

Best Practices for Packing Kanna

✅ Use original packaging with ingredient labels
✅ Include documentation (receipt, product info) if available
✅ Store in your carry-on for easy access and clarity
✅ Limit the amount to personal use only

Avoid:

❌ Unlabeled powders or capsules in baggies
❌ Liquid extracts over 3.4 oz (TSA limit for liquids)
❌ Mixing kanna with other supplements that could confuse authorities

What Happens If You're Stopped?

While unlikely on domestic U.S. flights, TSA agents may question unfamiliar substances. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Stay calm and courteous

  • Explain that kanna is a legal herbal supplement

  • Show the original packaging and ingredients

  • Be prepared to surrender it if an agent insists

International customs, however, may not be as forgiving. If you’re unsure about a destination, it’s often safer to avoid bringing kanna abroad.

Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Bring Kanna

If you’re traveling to a country where kanna is restricted or uncertain:

  • Use a legal alternative like ashwagandha, valerian root, or magnesium supplements

  • Buy kanna at your destination (if available and legal)

  • Try kanna-free calming tools: meditation apps, journaling, or breathing exercises

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Bringing Kanna on a Plane?

Kanna can be a wonderful aid for stress and travel anxiety—but only if you travel smart.

To recap:Can you bring kanna on a plane? Usually yes—within the U.S. and sometimes abroad

Key to success:label everything clearly, research your destination, and travel with small personal-use amounts

When in doubt: skip it, or contact your airline or destination's customs office ahead of time

Quick FAQ’s About Taking Kanna on a Plane

Is kanna a banned substance?

No, kanna is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States. However, it is restricted or banned in some countries like Australia and South Africa, so always checklocal laws before traveling.

Can you take edibles on a plane in your carry-on?

Only if they are completely legal in both your departure and arrival locations. Kanna-based edibles are generally allowed if properly labeled, but THC-infused edibles are federally illegal and not permitted on U.S. flights.

Is kanna extract a drug?

Kanna extract is a natural herbal supplement, not a drug in most jurisdictions. However, because it affects serotonin and has psychoactive properties, some countries may regulate it as a controlled substance.

How psychoactive is kanna?

Kanna is mildly psychoactive. It can promote relaxation, euphoria, and mood elevation—but it does not produce hallucinations. Effects depend on the dose and form (powder, extract, capsule, etc.).

What does kanna do to your brain?

Kanna works primarily as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI). It may increase serotonin availability in the brain, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety. Do not combine it with SSRIs or other serotonergic substances without medical guidance.

Is kanna allowed in the military?

In most branches of the U.S. military, kanna is not explicitly banned, but service members should exercise caution. Any supplement with psychoactive effects may be subject to scrutiny. Check your branch's policies or consult your commanding officer.

Can I fly with kanna powder?

Yes, but pack it smart. Keep it in original, labeled packaging and store it in your carry-on. Loose powders in baggies can raise TSA concerns and may be confiscated or tested.



 


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