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Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is gaining popularity as a natural way to boost mood, ease stress, and promote emotional balance—especially in convenient formats like gummies. But what exactly is kanna, and does it live up to the hype?
Used for centuries by indigenous people of South Africa, kanna is now being rediscovered as a plant-based mood enhancer. This guide breaks down the benefits, side effects, usage, and legal status of kanna for mood support, especially for those new to the herb.
Kanna is a succulent herb traditionally used for mood support and mental clarity.
Modern kanna products—like gummies—offer a convenient way to experience its uplifting effects.
While generally safe, kanna may interact with medications and cause mild side effects in some people.
Kanna is a small succulent plant native to South Africa. Its scientific name isSceletium tortuosum, and it has long been used by the Khoisan people to reduce anxiety, suppress hunger, and elevate mood during long treks.
Historically chewed or held under the tongue as fermented plant matter
Used in healing, social, and spiritual rituals by the indigenous Khoisan people
Said to reduce fatigue, thirst, and emotional distress during long journeys
Today, kanna is available in many forms: powder, tinctures, capsules, tea, vape liquids, and increasingly, gummies. Learn more about different ways to take kanna.
Kanna’s mood-enhancing effects stem from its alkaloids—especially mesembrine and mesembrenone—which inhibit serotonin reuptake. This increases serotonin availability in the brain, a key neurotransmitter tied to feelings of well-being.
🌿Elevated Mood – Users often feel lighter, more positive, and emotionally resilient
😌Reduced Anxiety and Tension – Promotes relaxation without sedation
🧠Mental Clarity – May enhance attention, focus, and memory
🛌Better Sleep Support – Relaxing effects may improve sleep quality
Anecdotal reports describe a subtle, calming euphoria, with effects typically felt within one to two hours and lasting several hours. See our quick guide to kanna effects for more details.
While kanna has a long track record of traditional use, modern research is still emerging.
Anxiolytic and antidepressant potential: Animal and small-scale human studies suggest kanna may reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. A double-blind, placebo-controlledstudy found that Zembrin®, a standardized kanna extract, reduced activity in the brain’s fear center (amygdala), indicating potential anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
Cognitive enhancement: Asmall proof-of-concept study found kanna may improve executive function and memory, potentially benefiting early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Other possible effects: Research hints atanti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Clinical trials are limited in size and duration
A 2023 meta-analysis found no significant difference between kanna and placebo in anxiety scores
Further large-scale, controlled studies are needed
So while kanna is promising, its clinical effectiveness remains under investigation.
Read more about kanna’s long-term effects.
Gummies have made kanna more accessible to beginners. They provide:
Easy, pre-measured dosing
Tasty, travel-friendly delivery
Combinations with calming herbs like ashwagandha or L-theanine
A gentle entry into kanna's mood-enhancing effects
✅Standardized Extracts:Look for listed mesembrine content (e.g., 25 mg)
✅Third-Party Testing:Verifies quality and purity
✅Clean Label: No unnecessary sweeteners or fillers
✅Transparent Sourcing: Prefer South African-grown, ethically harvested kanna
Dosage depends on product type and individual sensitivity.
|
Format |
Typical Dose |
Onset |
Duration |
|
Gummies |
25–50 mg mesembrine alkaloids |
30–60 min |
4–6 hours |
|
Sublingual |
5–25 mg extract |
15–30 min |
2–4 hours |
|
Powder |
100–200 mg raw |
30–60 min |
4–6 hours |
Start low and increase slowly. Overdoing kanna may increase anxiety rather than improve it.
See kanna dosage guide for safe ranges.
While kanna is generally safe, there are important precautions to keep in mind.
Mild nausea or stomach upset
Headache or dizziness
Increased anxiety with high doses
Reduced effectiveness with overuse
Donot combine kanna with:
SSRIs or SNRIs
MAOIs or MDMA
5-HTP or other serotonin-boosting supplements
These combinations may lead toserotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition with symptoms like fever, shivering, confusion, and rapid heart rate. For more on safety, see is kanna safe?.
Individuals on serotonin-related medications
Those with a history of substance abuse or addiction
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
People with unmanaged mental health conditions
Though non-addictive, kanna may trigger drug-seeking behavior in susceptible individuals.
In most places, including the United States, kanna is legal to buy and use. However:
🌍Always check local laws before purchasing
🧪Avoid products that lack transparency or testing
🚫Do not mix kanna with illegal drugs or unregulated substances
While kanna is legal, it’s still best approached with respect and mindfulness—especially when used recreationally or for mood support.
|
Herb |
Best For |
Notes |
|
Kanna |
Mood, anxiety relief |
Serotonin support, fast onset |
|
Ashwagandha |
Stress & cortisol |
Adaptogen, works over time |
|
Rhodiola |
Energy & fatigue |
May improve focus and stamina |
|
St. John’s Wort |
Depression |
Strong drug interactions, caution advised |
Kanna offers quick, subtle emotional support without heavy sedation or fatigue—making it ideal for daytime use.
🌿Start low—especially with extracts or gummies
🧘Use in calm, comfortable settings to observe effects
🚫Avoid combining with alcohol or stimulants
🧃Stay hydrated and give your body time to respond
Kanna presents an exciting, natural alternative for people looking to support their mood and emotional wellness. Whether you're curious about stress relief or seeking a subtle lift in your day, kanna may offer a gentle, plant-powered solution.
Just remember: more is not always better, and it’s not a replacement for therapy or professional care. Use it wisely, listen to your body, and enjoy nature’s calm—one gummy at a time.
Learn more about kanna’s effects and methods.
It’s neither—it acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, producing uplifting yet calming effects.
No. The effects are more subtle—think calm clarity, not intense euphoria.
Occasional use is best. Daily use can reduce effects or trigger tolerance.
No. It’s not tested for in standard drug screenings.
No, but overuse can lead to psychological habituation or reduced effect.
“Acute Effects of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin), a Dual 5-HT Reuptake and PDE4 Inhibitor, in the Human Amygdala and its Connection to the Hypothalamus”https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3828542/
“Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Study of Cognition Effects of the Proprietary Extract Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin) Targeting Phosphodiesterase-4 in Cognitively Healthy Subjects: Implications for Alzheimer's Dementia”https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4217361/#:~:text=In%20our%20proof%2Dof%2Dconcept,and%20mesembranol)%20of%200.4%25.
“A Chewable Cure “Kanna”: Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8124331/#:~:text=Sceletium%20tortuosum%20(L.),from%20the%20Sceletium%20tortuosum%20plant.
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