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Kanna, a plant native to South Africa known for its calming and mood-boosting effects, is gaining popularity in herbal wellness circles. But many people are left wondering: Is Kanna legal in the U.S.?
In the U.S., Kanna is widely considered legal to purchase, own, and use. It isn’t listed as a controlled substance at the federal level, so possessing it won’t typically result in any legal issues.
Whether you're thinking about trying Kanna capsules, teas, or chews—or just curious about this intriguing botanical—this guide will help you understand the legal status of Kanna across the United States and around the world.
✅ Kanna is federally legal in the U.S. and allowed in 49 states—Louisiana is the only state where it’s banned for human consumption.
🌍 Legal status varies worldwide—Kanna is legal or unregulated in many countries but banned or restricted in places like Australia, Japan, and Sweden.
⚠️ Check local laws before buying or traveling with Kanna, and always purchase from trusted, clearly labeled sources.
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant traditionally used by Indigenous South African communities for stress relief, improved mood, and social connection. Today, it’s often used as a natural supplement to promote calm, focus, and emotional balance.
Unlike marijuana or CBD, Kanna works mainly by interacting with serotonin in the brain. Many users describe the feeling as mildly euphoric or emotionally grounding—not intoxicating or psychedelic in typical doses.
As of 2025, Kanna is federally legal in the United States. It is not classified as a controlled substance, and it’s not listed on the DEA’s schedule of illegal drugs. This means it’s generally legal to buy, sell, possess, and use Kanna at the national level.
However, federal legality doesn’t always mean it’s legal everywhere. Some states have their own rules, and Kanna’s status can still vary locally.
Louisiana is currently the only U.S. state where Kanna is banned for human consumption. The state includes plants from the Mesembryanthemum genus (which includes Kanna) on its list of illegal hallucinogenic plants.
Louisiana’s Act 159, RS 40:989.1 prohibits the cultivation, possession, or sale of certain plants defined as "hallucinogenic.”
You cannot legally buy, sell, or use Kanna for personal use in Louisiana.
Even possessing Kanna products labeled for human use could result in criminal charges.
Tip: If you live in or are traveling to Louisiana, avoid bringing any Kanna products with you—even if they’re legal where you bought them.
Kanna is legal in the remaining 49 U.S. states and Washington D.C.
In these areas, you can typically purchase Kanna supplements online or in specialty wellness stores. Be sure to buy from trusted sources that offer lab testing and transparent ingredients.
Yes—as long as you’re not traveling to or through Louisiana.
For peace of mind:
Check product labeling before flying (TSA generally allows herbal supplements in carry-ons).
Carry Kanna in its original packaging.
Be prepared to explain what it is if questioned by airport security or local law enforcement.
Kanna’s international legal status is more complex and often unclear. It’s not widely regulated, but some countries treat it more cautiously than others.
Canada – Legal to possess; often sold as a supplement.
Germany– Sold legally online in small doses.
Netherlands – Legal and available in smart shops.
South Africa– Legal for traditional and personal use (Kanna’s native country).
United Kingdom– Not a controlled substance as of 2025, but subject to food supplement regulations.
Australia – Kanna is a controlled substance (due to its mesembrine content).
New Zealand– Similar restrictions to Australia; generally not legal for sale or use.
Japan – May be restricted under psychoactive substance laws.
Sweden – Likely banned under analog drug laws, though not explicitly listed.
Singapore, UAE, and other strict drug-law countries– Avoid bringing Kanna; even herbal supplements may trigger penalties.
Important: Laws change often. Always check the latest local regulations before traveling internationally with Kanna.
Some regions don’t have clear laws about Kanna, meaning it’s neither officially legal nor explicitly banned. In these cases:
You may be able to order Kanna online, but it’s a “use at your own risk” situation.
Customs officials may seize packages depending on their interpretation of local laws.
Local police may treat Kanna as a suspicious substance even if it’s not technically illegal.
When in doubt, check with a legal resource or avoid purchasing Kanna in those regions.
Here are some tips to stay on the right side of the law and avoid low-quality products:
✅ Buy from reputable sellers that offer third-party lab testing.
✅ Avoid health claims like “cures anxiety”—legit sellers won’t make those claims.
✅ Read customer reviews to get an idea of how others are using it.
✅ Don’t buy from sketchy websites or overseas suppliers without clear sourcing and legal info.
In short: yes, Kanna is legal in most places—but not everywhere. It’s federally legal in the U.S., legal in 49 states, and widely accepted in many other countries. However, states like Louisiana and countries like Australia do restrict it.
Before you buy or try Kanna:
Double-check the laws in your state or country.
Make sure the product is clearly labeled and third-party tested.
Stay cautious if traveling internationally with Kanna in your bag.
As more people discover the benefits of this powerful plant, we’ll likely see laws evolve. For now, informed choices are the best way to enjoy Kanna legally and responsibly.
Yes, Kanna is legal at the federal level in the U.S. It’s not classified as a controlled substance, so it’s generally legal to buy, possess, and use in most states—except Louisiana, where it is banned for human consumption.
Kanna interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which may promote a sense of calm, elevate mood, and reduce stress or anxiety. It’s also believed to have mild cognitive-enhancing and energizing effects depending on the dose.
Kanna does not contain THC or other substances typically screened for in standard drug tests. However, since it affects serotonin, it may show up on more specialized tests, though this is rare. When in doubt, consult with your healthcare provider or employer.
As of now, Walmart does not sell Kanna in stores or online. You’re more likely to find it through specialty supplement shops or wellness retailers that focus on herbal or natural products.
No, Kanna is not approved by the FDA as a drug. However, it can be legally sold in the U.S. as a dietary supplement, provided it follows FDA labeling regulations and doesn’t make unproven medical claims.
Kanna has gained popularity as a natural alternative for mood support, stress relief, and mental clarity. It's often marketed as a plant-based option for people seeking calm or focus without the high of cannabis or the side effects of prescription meds.
People who are taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or other medications that affect serotonin should avoid Kanna due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also avoid it, as safety has not been established.
Yes, smoking Kanna can produce fast-acting effects like relaxation and mild euphoria. However, it’s more commonly used as a chewable or in capsule form for longer-lasting benefits and more consistent dosing.
Kanna is considered psychotropic because it affects mood, perception, and mental state—but it’s not a hallucinogen. The effects are subtle and generally do not impair cognition or cause intoxication at normal doses.
Kanna is not known to be physically addictive. In traditional use and modern supplements, it hasn’t shown signs of dependence or withdrawal, though more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects.
1. "Louisianna RS 40:989.2 "https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=726196
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