Short answer: Not in the way most people mean the word “high.” Kanna can produce noticeable effects, including improved mood, social ease, focused energy that allows a greater sense of presence in the moment, and, for some people, a mild sense of euphoria. What it does not produce is the intoxication, cognitive impairment, or loss of control typically associated with cannabis, alcohol, or other recreational drugs.
Picture two very different Friday nights.
In one, you meet up with friends for drinks. A few pints in, the conversations get louder, but your judgment gets fuzzier. Your mood might be riding high, but you’re just as likely to feel the depressant effects of the alcohol. It’s a bit of a crapshoot. Fast forward to the next morning, and you’re starting the day with aspirin and regret.
In the other, you take a standardized Kanna tablet before heading out with your friends. By the time your party’s reached its destination, your mood has already begun to lift. You feel more energized and present, and it seems easier than normal to socialize. You feel a little more relaxed and, perhaps, a little less inclined to overthink every interaction. And in the morning, you hit the day running without any hint of a hangover.
Both experiences involve a noticeable shift in mood, but clearly they’re very different.
At a Glance
|
Question |
Short Answer |
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Does Kanna get you high? |
Not in the traditional sense. Most users describe feeling relaxed, uplifted, and mentally clear rather than intoxicated. |
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Will it impair judgment? |
Standardized Kanna extracts are not intended to produce the cognitive impairment associated with alcohol or cannabis. |
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Can it elevate mood? |
Yes. Many users report feeling calmer, more optimistic, or more socially comfortable. |
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Is it legal? |
Kanna is legal in the United States and many other countries, although regulations vary internationally. |
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Is it the same as cannabis? |
No. Kanna and cannabis are different plants and act through entirely different biological pathways. |
Why People Ask If Kanna Gets You High
The word high means different things to different people. For some, it means feeling euphoric. For others, it means being intoxicated or mentally impaired. Those aren’t the same experience. Unfortunately, many people chasing the former end up experiencing the latter, because they turn to alcohol or cannabis to get them there.
With Kanna products, many users report feeling lighter, more relaxed, or more emotionally open. Some even describe a gentle sense of well-being that could reasonably be called euphoric. But unlike substances that impair coordination or distort perception, Kanna is more often associated with mental clarity than mental fog. You remain yourself. Just, perhaps, a version of yourself that isn’t carrying quite as much tension.
What Does Kanna Actually Feel Like?
No two people experience botanicals in exactly the same way, of course, but certain descriptions appear again and again. Our customers often tell us that Kanna helps them feel more comfortable in social situations. Conversations seem to flow more naturally. Everyday stress feels less overwhelming. Some notice improved focus alongside a calmer state of mind, while others simply describe feeling “good” without feeling stimulated or sedated. The experience is subtle enough that first-time users are sometimes surprised. They’re expecting fireworks. Instead, what many notice is the absence of constant mental chatter.
If you’ve ever walked into a crowded room and spent the first fifteen minutes worrying about whether you were saying the right thing, imagine that internal commentary getting a little quieter. That’s closer to how many people describe Kanna than the stereotypical idea of getting high.
Why Kanna Feels Different Than Cannabis
Although Kanna is sometimes described as a cannabis alternative, that comparison or association can only go so far. Cannabis primarily interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Depending on the dose, the product, and the individual, its THC component may alter perception, slow reaction time, impair short-term memory, and produce intoxication.
Kanna’s effects are a result of naturally occurring alkaloids, particularly mesembrine, that influence serotonin signaling through serotonin reuptake inhibition (SRI). Other alkaloids demonstrate phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitory activity in laboratory studies.
Different biology produces a different experience. Rather than altering perception, as weed does, standardized Kanna products are more commonly associated with emotional ease, relaxation, and a positive mood while allowing users to remain mentally engaged.
Kanna as an Alternative to Alcohol
People don’t always pour a glass of wine because they want to get drunk. Often they’re simply trying to unwind after work, quiet social nerves before dinner, or make conversation feel a little easier. That’s one reason Kanna has become increasingly popular among people exploring a sober curious lifestyle. It offers a different path to the same goal.
Instead of lowering inhibitions through intoxication, many users describe Kanna as helping them feel more comfortable without sacrificing mental clarity. There are no slurred conversations, no impaired coordination, and no alcohol-related hangover lurking for the next morning.
Can Kanna Cause Euphoria?
Yes, that’s actually the term a fair number of our customers have used to describe the feeling of Kanna extract: euphoria. Think of it more as an elevated sense of well-being rather than an overwhelming rush. It’s less “party drug” and more “today feels like a really good day.”
With microdosed Kanna products, like our Daily Mood Kanna Gummies, it can feel like a gust of positive energy to carry you through your day. With our higher dosed Party Kanna Tablets, that euphoric feeling is more amplified.
Using Kanna Responsibly
Because Kanna can noticeably influence mood, it’s still something to approach thoughtfully. If you’re trying it for the first time, start with the recommended serving of one gummy or tablet, and then give yourself time to see how your body responds. Avoid combining Kanna with medications that affect serotonin unless your healthcare provider advises it’s appropriate, and be cautious about mixing it with alcohol. The goal isn’t to chase increasingly stronger effects. In fact, many experienced Kanna users will tell you that moderation often produces the most enjoyable experience.
Higher Thinking
Sometimes the language gets in the way. When people ask whether Kanna gets you high, what they’re usually asking is whether they can ditch the stress and enjoy themselves. And in that sense, Kanna delivers. But it doesn’t feel like marijuana or booze. It’s simply a thoughtful alternative.
FAQs
Does Kanna Get You High?
Most people would say no. Standardized Kanna extracts may promote relaxation, positive mood, and mild euphoria, but they are not intended to produce the intoxication or cognitive impairment associated with alcohol or cannabis.
Does Kanna Feel Like Weed?
Not generally. Cannabis and Kanna work through different biological pathways and produce very different subjective experiences. Kanna users more commonly describe calm focus and emotional ease rather than altered perception.
Can Kanna Make You Euphoric?
Some users report a mild sense of euphoria or elevated well-being. These effects are generally described as subtle and clear-headed rather than overwhelming.
Is Kanna a Good Alcohol Alternative?
Many people exploring a sober curious lifestyle use Kanna because they appreciate feeling more relaxed and socially comfortable without drinking. While it doesn’t recreate alcohol's intoxicating effects, it may offer a different kind of social support.
Is Kanna Legal?
Kanna is currently legal in the United States and many other countries, although regulations can vary by jurisdiction. Always check your local laws before purchasing botanical supplements.
References
Harvey, A.L., L.C. Young, A.M. Viljoen and N.P. Gericke. 2011. "Pharmacological actions of the South African medicinal and functional food plant Sceletium tortuosum and its principal alkaloids." Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21798331/
Olatunji, T.L., F. Siebert, A.E. Adetunji, B.H. Harvey, J. Gericke, J.H. Hamman and F. van der Kooy. 2021. "Sceletium tortuosum: A review on its phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, biological and clinical activities." Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34333104/
Terburg, D., S. Syal, L.A. Rosenberger, S. Heany, N. Phillips, N. Gericke, D.J. Stein and J. van Honk. 2013. "Acute effects of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin), a dual 5-HT reuptake and PDE4 inhibitor, in the human amygdala and its connection to the hypothalamus." Neuropsychopharmacology. https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2013183
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "Herbs at a Glance." https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance
