Native to South Africa and adapted to dry and challenging environments, the kanna plant contains unique alkaloids that may influence serotonin pathways in the brain. Some even call it nature’s MDMA, sparking curiosity in people exploring plant-based products for mood or overall well-being support.
In this guide, we’ll talk about where the kanna plant comes from, how it was traditionally used, what modern science says about its cognitive and mood-related effects, and what to know about safety before taking kanna supplements.
What is Kanna?
Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a low-growing succulent plant of the genus Sceletium (part of the Aizoaceae family of hardy plants).
The name Sceletium is derived from the Latin word for skeleton, referring to the dried, vein-like structure that becomes visible in the plant's leaves as they age. Growing close to the ground, Kanna produces small, fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers that range from pale to yellow-white.
Like many succulents, it stores water in its tissues, which allows it to survive the arid regions of the Western and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa.
Traditional Use of Sceletium Tortuosum
Historically, the South African medicine was used by the native San hunter-gatherers and Khoi pastoralist communities, with written accounts dating back to the late 1600s.
The process, known as kougoed, involved harvesting, fermenting, and drying the above-ground parts of the plant. This was believed to refine and modify the plant's effects before consumption.
Kanna was most commonly chewed, but records also note it being used as a tea, and in some cases, it was smoked or used as a snuff.
Contrary to popular belief, kanna was not a hallucinogen.
Accounts on kanna consumption describe the plant as a traditional South African medicine to ease fatigue, curb thirst and hunger, smooth out stress, aid toothaches, and calm abdominal discomfort.
The Psychoactive Compounds Inside Kanna
Kanna contains plant alkaloids, which are naturally occurring compounds affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
Researchers have identified four dominant alkaloids in Sceletium tortuosum:
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Mesembrine
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Mesembrenone
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Mesembrenol
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Mesembranol
These alkaloids interact with the serotonin transporter (SERT) between brain cells and inhibit phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inside brain cells. This basically means serotonin stays active a little longer between brain cells and adjusts how signals travel inside those cells.
Potential Benefits of Kanna Extract
Here’s what the evidence suggests so far on the potential health benefits of kanna:
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In small human studies using a standardized kanna extract, participants showed signs of reduced stress/anxiety.
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Trials in healthy adults suggest potential benefits for mood and calm.
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A small randomized study found improvements in areas like cognitive set flexibility and executive function, with positive changes in mood and sleep.
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Reviews discuss anti-inflammatory/antioxidant and other biological effects (largely based on lab/animal data).
Most of these studies are small and short, often using standardized extracts and specific doses, so we can’t assume every kanna product works the same way.
What to Know About Standardized Kanna Extracts and Dosage
A standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum means the product has been processed to ensure consistent levels of its key alkaloids.
This helps:
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Improve consistency
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Reduce unpredictable potency
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Align with research-based formulations
One of the most common standardized kanna extracts you’ll see in the research is Zembrin®, standardized to 0.35-0.45% total alkaloids (with mesembrenone/mesembrenol making up a large share, and mesembrine present in lower amounts).
Human studies most commonly use 25 mg/day of Zembrin, taken orally. Some trials have also used 50 mg/day, but a high dose doesn't automatically mean you'll get stronger beneficial effects.
Types of Kanna Supplements Available
Today, kanna supplements are commonly available as:
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Chewables: Traditionally prepared kanna meant to be chewed; this is the closest to how kanna was historically consumed.
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Capsules: Pre-measured kanna in pill form with consistent alkaloid levels, similar to CBD pills and gummies, where you know exactly how much you're taking.
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Non-standardized capsules: Capsules made from whole plant or variable extracts, so potency may differ from batch to batch.
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Powders: Loose kanna that you measure yourself and mix into drinks or take directly.
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Tinctures: Concentrated kanna in liquid form taken by drops, similar to cannabis tinctures.
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Functional drinks: Wellness "nootropic" beverages or alcohol-free social drinks that, like cannabis drinks, are usually marketed for mood, connection, or stress support.
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Snuff: Powdered kanna inhaled nasally or smoked.
What to Know Before Taking Kanna
If you’re considering taking kanna, here’s a clear, research-informed checklist to keep in mind:
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Always choose a standardized extract to ensure consistent levels of mesembrine alkaloids.
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Avoid high dose experiementation, as it may increase the likelihood of acute effects like headache or restlessness.
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Kanna acts on serotonin reuptake inhibitors, so combining it casually with other serotonergic psychoactive drugs can increase the risk of side effects.
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Individuals taking prescription serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other medications affecting mood should speak with mental health professionals before use.
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Use extra caution if you have a diagnosed mental health condition, as research involving people with major depression or other mental diseases remains limited.
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Be cautious if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing brain disorders, as data in these populations is lacking.
So, Is Kanna Nature’s MDMA?
Not quite.
MDMA is a potent synthetic empathogen that strongly increases serotonergic, dopamine, and norepinephrine release. Kanna, on the other hand, contains alkaloids like mesembrine that primarily act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and also interact with PDE4 pathways.
MDMA's effects can feel explosive, sometimes hallucinogenic, while kanna is more calming, centering, and gently mood-elevating.
So "nature's MDMA" is more marketing metaphor than scientific match.
FAQs
Is kanna extract considered a party drug?
No. While headlines sometimes compare it to MDMA, kanna is traditionally known as an herbal remedy used for promoting relaxation and supporting a healthy stress response. It’s not classified as a hallucinogen and wasn’t historically used for party-style intensity.
Can kanna extract help with anxiety symptoms or depression symptoms?
Small studies in healthy adults suggest standardized extracts may support mood balance and help reduce anxiety symptoms linked to everyday stress. That said, more research is needed, especially in people with clinical anxiety or depression symptoms.
How does the kanna plant affect cognitive function?
Early research suggests kanna may support certain areas of cognitive function, such as flexibility and executive processing. These findings, however, come from small trials using standardized extracts and shouldn’t be overstated.
Does consuming kanna impact stress hormones?
Kanna appears to influence serotonin pathways and may support a healthy stress response, but direct large-scale data on stress hormones like cortisol are still limited.
Are kanna supplements considered dietary supplements?
Yes. In most markets, kanna products are sold as dietary supplements, not pharmaceutical drugs. While research explores their biological and pharmaceutical properties, they are not approved as medications.
Has kanna extract undergone a toxicological safety assessment?
Standardized extracts in research have undergone toxicological safety assessment in healthy adults at studied doses. Long-term data and research in vulnerable populations are still developing.
Does 1906 sell kanna extract products?
Yes. 1906 Bliss drop features kanna as one of its key botanical ingredients. Other 1906 products like Go, Genius, and Love drops, Pain gummies, and Off-Duty shots are cannabis-based dietary supplements and beverages made solely from cannabis (THC/CBD) and other plant medicines.
Final Thoughts
Historically, kanna wasn't used to chase euphoria, but rather to steady nerves and support endurance. Modern small-scale studies suggest it may help with stress response and mood regulation.
If you're new to cannabis and kanna, our cannabis glossary breaks down all the key terms in plain English. And if you're unsure which product is the right fit for you, our 1906 Discovery Kit offers a curated way to explore different plant-powdered experiences.