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