The Best Ways to Take Kanna: Chews, Capsules, Tea, and More

Looking for a natural way to boost your mood or ease anxiety? Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a South African herb gaining popularity for its calming, mood-lifting effects.

But if you're new to it, you might be wondering how to take kanna, which form works best, and what to expect. 

This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the most popular ways to use kanna—like chews, capsules, tea, and more—so you can find the method that fits your goals, lifestyle, and comfort level. You'll also learn key dosage tips, effects, safety info, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Table of Contents

• What Is Kanna?
• How to Take Kanna: 6 Popular Methods Compared
• Choosing the Right Kanna Form for You
• General Kanna Dosage Guide
• How Kanna Feels: Effects You Can Expect
• Is Kanna Safe?
• Legal and Quality Considerations
• Final Thoughts: How to Take Kanna the Smart Way
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Quick Takeaways 🧠

• Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a mood-boosting South African plant.

• Common forms includechews,capsules,tea,snuff, andsublingual extracts.

• Effects vary based ondose and method—some are fast-acting, others more subtle and long-lasting.

• Not regulated by the FDA;buy from reputable sources.

• May interact withantidepressants or serotonin-based medications—consult a doctor before use.

What Is Kanna?

Kanna is a succulent herb native to South Africa, traditionally used to ease anxiety, elevate mood, and enhance focus. Indigenous groups chewed the fermented plant to relax after hunting or before stressful events.

Modern research suggests kanna works by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, similar to how some antidepressants function—boosting mood and promoting calm.

Today, kanna is available in many modern forms: powders, teas, capsules, tinctures, chews, and more. The way you take it can change the kanna effects significantly.

How to Take Kanna: 6 Popular Methods Compared

1. Sublingual Extracts (Under the Tongue)

One of the fastest and most efficient ways to take kanna, sublingual extracts involve placing a small amount of kanna powder or tincture under your tongue. This allows it to absorb quickly into your bloodstream for rapid mood enhancement.

For more info about how long it certain dosing methods take to work, see our guide on how long kanna takes to kick in.

• Onset:5–15 minutes

• Duration: 1–2 hours

• Best for: Fast mood lift, social anxiety, occasional stress

2. Kanna Chews and Lozenges

Kanna chews are a beginner-friendly, tasty way to take kanna without measuring powders. The active compounds are absorbed through the mouth, offering a balanced blend of convenience and effectiveness.

• Onset:15–30 minutes

• Duration: 1–3 hours

• Best for:On-the-go stress relief, social settings

3. Capsules or Tablets

Capsules are the most convenient option if you want a controlled dose and longer-lasting benefits. Since they pass through your digestive system, the effects come on gradually and last longer.

• Onset: 45–90 minutes

• Duration: 4–6 hours

• Best for:Long-lasting calm, work focus, daily supplementation

 

Great for consistent daily dosing. If you’re curious, check our full kanna dosage guide.

 

4. Kanna Tea or Warm Beverages

Brewing kanna into tea is a gentle, relaxing way to enjoy its benefits. While the onset is slower, it offers a calming effect perfect for winding down in the evening.

• Onset:30–60 minutes

• Duration: 3–5 hours

• Best for: Evening wind-down, anxiety support

5. Smoking or Vaping Kanna

Smoking kanna provides immediate effects and is often used for a quick mood boost. This traditional method is fast-acting but not ideal for regular use.We cover this in detail in can you smoke kanna?

• Onset:Immediate (1–5 minutes)

• Duration: 30–90 minutes

• Best for:Quick mood shifts, stacking with other herbs

6. Snuff (Insufflation)

A traditional but less common way to take kanna, snuff involves inhaling finely ground powder. This method offers fast absorption but is intense and not recommended for beginners.

• Onset: 5–10 minutes

• Duration: 1–2 hours

• Best for: Traditional use, fast-acting boost

Choosing the Right Kanna Form for You

General Kanna Dosage Guide

Always startlow and slow, especially if you're new to kanna or sensitive to herbs.

 

Always start low and slow. Dosages vary depending on extract strength (2:1, 10:1, etc.). Learn more in our full kanna tolerance break guide if you plan to use it regularly.

How Kanna Feels: Effects You Can Expect

When taken at a proper dose, kanna can feel like:

• Awave of calm washing over you

• Enhancedmood and positivity

• Increasedsociability and decreased tension

• Sharpenedfocus and mental clarity

At higher doses, some people may experience:

• Mild euphoria

• Drowsiness or sedation

• Overstimulation or irritability (rare)

 Curious about how long kanna lasts? It depends on the form you take.

Is Kanna Safe?

Kanna is generally well tolerated, but here are some key safety points:

✅ Use Caution If You Take:

• SSRIs or SNRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline)

• MAOIs or5-HTP

• Otherserotonergic substances (could lead to serotonin syndrome)

✅ Start with:

• Low doses

• Asingle method of intake

• Tracking how you feel

For a deeper dive, see our full guide: is kanna safe?.

Legal and Quality Considerations

• Kanna isnot a controlled substance in the U.S., Canada, or most of Europe.

• However, it isnot FDA-approved or regulated as a supplement.

• Always buy from vendors that:

• Offerthird-party testing

• Listactive alkaloid content

• Provideclear dosage guidelines

Learn more here: is kanna legal in the US?. Always buy from reputable brands with third-party testing.

Final Thoughts: How to Take Kanna the Smart Way

Kanna is a versatile, natural mood booster that can be chewed, brewed, swallowed, or smoked. The best way to take kanna depends on yourgoals, preferences, and sensitivity. Start small, choose a trusted product, and listen to your body.

Whether you’re looking fordaily calm,social confidence, or a gentleherbal nootropic, kanna has something to offer—if you take it the right way. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is kanna traditionally taken?

Traditionally, kanna was chewed or used as snuff by South African tribes for mood and stress relief. Modern equivalents include chews, lozenges, and sublingual extracts, which mimic those fast-acting effects.

Will kanna show up on a drug test?

No, standard panels don’t test for it. See our full breakdown: will kanna fail a drug test?.

What is the most effective way to take kanna?

It depends on your goal. For fast effects, try sublingual extracts or snuff. For daily support, capsules or tea offer longer-lasting, gentler benefits. Start low and see what works best for you.

What not to take with kanna?

Avoid combining kanna with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, 5-HTP, MDMA, or other serotonin-boosting substances. It may raise serotonin too much and cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if unsure.

Is kanna a stimulant or depressant?

Kanna acts as a mood enhancer, not a true stimulant or depressant. Low doses can feel energizing, while higher doses may feel calming or even sedating, especially in capsule or tea form.

Is kanna illegal in the US?

No. Kanna is legal in the U.S. and not classified as a controlled substance. However, it's not FDA-regulated, so always choose high-quality, lab-tested products from trusted vendors.

Does kanna make you sleepy?

It can—especially at higher doses or when taken as a tea or capsule. Lower doses or sublingual forms are more likely to feel uplifting. Adjust your method and dose to match your needs.