Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa that has been used traditionally for centuries to promote a sense of calm focus, improve mood, and encourage social connection. Today, it’s most commonly available as a standardized extract in gummies, tablets, capsules, tinctures, and powders.

Researchers believe kanna’s effects are primarily due to naturally occurring alkaloids (most notably, mesembrine), which interact with serotonin pathways in the brain. That research is still ongoing, so it’s important to remember that kanna is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.

Many users describe kanna as producing a calm, clear-headed sense of well-being. Depending on the serving size and the type of extract, people often report feeling more relaxed and able to focus, more sociable, and mentally lighter without feeling heavily sedated.

Unlike caffeine, kanna generally isn’t associated with jitteriness, and unlike alcohol, it typically doesn’t impair judgment or coordination when used responsibly. As with any botanical, individual responses may vary.

The serving size for our Ferris Wheel products is one gummy, tablet, or chocolate square. Once you take it, be patient. Edibles can take a little while to kick in. Wait 45–60 minutes to see how it hits before determining if you want a second one. Once it does kick in, you can expect the ride to last 2–4 hours with a smooth, no-crash landing. Do not exceed more than two servings per day. 

If you’re trying kanna for the first time, begin with the lowest suggested serving and give yourself adequate time to understand how your body responds before considering more. Many experienced users find that smaller servings provide the most balanced experience. Taking more doesn’t necessarily produce better results and may increase the likelihood of unwanted side effects.

Kanna doesn’t impair individuals like alcohol, but many are still turning to kanna as an alcohol alternative. With its euphoric effects (especially in higher doses, as with our Party Kanna Tablets) and socialization benefits, kanna has become a favorite for late-night, high-energy social events. And unlike alcohol, kanna produces no next-day hangovers.

Some adults choose to incorporate kanna into their daily wellness routine, but long-term human research on everyday use remains limited.

If you’re considering daily use, it’s a good idea to pay attention to how your body responds over time and to use the lowest effective serving. Some users also choose to take occasional breaks as part of their routine. As always, if you have any underlying medical conditions or take prescription medications, consult your healthcare provider before using kanna regularly.

The biggest difference between raw kanna powder and kanna extract is concentration.

Raw kanna powder is made from the dried plant material and contains naturally occurring alkaloids in their original concentrations. Standardized kanna extracts, on the other hand, are concentrated and formulated to contain consistent levels of specific alkaloids, such as mesembrine.

Because extracts are standardized, they generally provide more predictable results from one serving to the next. That’s one reason many beginners and long-time users prefer gummies or tablets made with standardized extracts instead of raw powder.

Most people tolerate kanna well when used responsibly, but side effects are possible. Some users report mild headache, nausea, stomach discomfort, dizziness, or drowsiness, particularly when taking larger servings than recommended.

Starting with a low serving and purchasing a high-quality, standardized extract from a reputable manufacturer can help reduce the likelihood of unwanted effects.

If you experience significant discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

While some people enjoy kanna (generally, in mild doses) with their daily caffeine fix, it’s not recommended that you mix caffeine with alcohol.

Many people enjoy kanna alongside their morning coffee, and some users report that the combination feels balanced and enjoyable. Because everyone responds differently, it’s best to begin with conservative amounts of both until you understand how they affect you together.

Alcohol is a different story.

We generally recommend avoiding alcohol while using kanna. Both substances can affect mood and alertness, and combining them may increase the likelihood of unwanted side effects such as dizziness, impaired coordination, or excessive drowsiness. If your goal is to enjoy kanna’s unique effects, it’s usually best to experience it on its own first.

Yes. Because kanna appears to influence serotonin activity, it should not be combined with medications that also affect serotonin without first speaking with your healthcare provider. This includes many antidepressants: particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and certain other psychiatric medications.

Combining serotonergic substances may increase the risk of serious side effects. If you’re currently taking prescription medication or have a medical condition, it’s always best to discuss kanna with your physician or pharmacist before trying it.

Standard workplace drug tests are not designed to detect kanna or its naturally occurring alkaloids. Most common drug screening panels test for substances such as THC, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP: not Sceletium tortuosum.

That said, specialized laboratory testing can detect many compounds if specifically requested. If you’re subject to highly specialized testing or have concerns about employment-related drug screening, it’s worth discussing the matter with your employer or testing provider.

There are several possible explanations as to why someone might not have felt their kanna product, including product quality, serving size, body chemistry, and type of kanna extract. 

Regarding product quality, it’s important to remember that not all kanna products contain standardized extracts, and some contain very little of the active alkaloids responsible for the plant’s effects.

Serving size also matters. Some people simply need a slightly different amount than others. Body chemistry, metabolism, recent meals, and even expectations can all influence the experience.

Finally, different kanna extracts are standardized for different alkaloid profiles. Two products labeled “kanna” may produce noticeably different experiences. If your first experience wasn’t what you expected, it doesn’t necessarily mean kanna doesn’t work for you. It may simply mean a different extract or serving is a better fit.

In the US, kanna is not a controlled substance under federal law. However, specific state and local laws may vary.