What is the effect of Kanna and is it a suitable party drug?

Author: Elena Experience expert (psychedelics and psychoactive & medicinal plants), blogger, passion for healthy food

Kanna, have you ever heard of it? We at Sirius certainly know this special plant. The smartshop product kanna has been sold in our smartshop for many years now. Both kanna powder and extracts are for sale at Sirius. Effects of kanna are described as energetic, euphoric and suitable for a party. Some see kanna as a natural alternative to hard drugs like cocaine. Read on and discover the history and effects of kanna. 

South African drug from the desert

Kanna has an interesting history that begins far from the West. South Africa is where this psychoactive drug originates from. Kanna is a succulent plant (succulent) and grows wild in different areas of this great country. 

The plant has been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples of South Africa for its psychoactive effects. Traditionally, kanna - also called 'kauwgoed' herb - is fermented and then chewed. The active substances are thus absorbed through saliva and swallowed.

The South African Khoikhoi have used kanna for thousands of years as a medicine and to facilitate strenuous efforts, such as hunting.

The Latin name for this plant is Sceletium tortuosum. The plant was first described botanically in 1662 by Jan Van Riebeeck. It then took decades before the Western market became more familiar with kanna.

Effects of kanna: euphoria & energy 

Kanna is known as a perfect smartdrug for a party. The combination of high energy and a euphoric mood make this drug an excellent alternative to other (hard) drugs.

Kanna also inhibits feelings of anxiety and boosts your self-confidence. Users also report an enhanced sense of empathy and more courage to make new contacts. At a party this is a nice bonus.

Traditionally, kanna is also used during animal hunting, as it increases alertness and focus. Also, kanna reduces the feeling of hunger, a property that comes in handy during long hunts. In addition, kanna gives your body a strong energy boost, allowing you to run after a rabbit longer, or shake on the dance floor.

The euphoric effect of kanna has to do with, among other things, the interesting ingredient mesembrine: this substance acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This is a mechanism that is also used in certain antidepressants to keep more serotonin in the body. SSRIs are used for depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter related to our mood, sleep and energy. 

Kanna as an antidepressant: natural Prozac?

For many users, the antidepressant properties of kanna stand out immediately. Several users therefore see kanna as a natural alternative to antidepressants such as Prozac. Unlike many synthetic antidepressants, kanna does not have as many side effects. Therefore, kanna is a suitable drug to use as a mood enhancer.

However, be very careful when combining kanna and other drugs, including medications such as antidepressants. Kanna causes more serotonin to circulate in the brain. This combined with other drugs that increase serotonin levels can cause serotonin syndrome.

Effects of kanna 

• Improved mood
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Suppressed feeling of hunger
• Increased state of alertness
• Euphoria
• Increased ability to empathize
• Greater desire for sex

Possible side effects of kanna 

In addition to the positive effects of kanna, it is also possible that you will experience side effects. Especially inexperienced users may experience strong effects from kanna for the first time. So always start with a low dose of a smartshop product containing kanna. The chances of the following side effects increase when you take a dose of kanna that's too high:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Panic

Kanna as a natural alternative to coke and speed

At a party, all kinds of psychoactive drugs go around. Unfortunately, there are also many (hard) drugs that can be harmful to your health and are best avoided. As an alternative to the popular coke and speed, you can try kanna. Kanna also gives a kick, but of course it is 100% natural and you can be sure that you have a safe product in your hands, that has not been contaminated with anything.

Will kanna make you hallucinate?

Many people think that kanna has a hallucinatory effect, but this is not correct. However, it is possible that kanna has a stronger effect on some people. So always start with a small amount and see how you react.

It is also good to ask yourself why you want to use kanna. Is it for recreation and do you want to combine it with other drugs? Or are you trying it as a natural antidepressant? Be sure to read the warnings as well, because kanna does not always react well with other drugs and medications. 

How do you use kanna?

The traditional way of using kanna is not possible with us, because it is not easy to get hold of fresh kanna. If you do manage to get fresh kanna, this is the way to use it:

1. Use the whole plant, so roots, leaves and stems. Start the fermentation process by first bruising the plant. Then put the plant material in an airtight, preferably transparent container. Make sure you are very hygienic. 
2. Let the kanna ferment for about 8 days. Open the container occasionally to allow some air to reach the plant material. The kanna will become increasingly darker in color.
3. Spread the kanna on a shallow plate and let it dry in the sun for a few days. It is also possible to dry the kanna in an oven at 80 degrees Celsius.
4. After this you can grind it into powder or use it in pieces to chew on. 

Kanna powder and extract for sale at Sirius Smartshop

We sell kanna in the form of powder. This is the dried plant ground into powder. From this powder various products can be made such as extracts of different strengths.

There are several different kanna products for sale in our Smartshop. Below I give an overview of the different kanna products for sale at Sirius. Also mentioned is how you can use this smart drug.

Chewing kanna powder

To get to know kanna it is smart to first go for kanna powder. This is simply dried kanna and ground into a fine powder. 

Kanna is also known as chewing powder and this is due to its traditional use: indigenous people in South Africa enjoy chewing the plant to release its active alkaloids. 

Traditionally, chewing on stems, leaves and flowers is a common way to absorb psychoactive substances from plants. 

You can mimic this method of consumption by putting a dose of cinnamon powder along with a chew in your mouth and chewing it. 

For this experience, the recommended dosage is 50-150 milligrams. For a strong experience, take 200 mg.

Kanna powder sublingually

Another way to use kanna is to hold a dose of powder under your tongue. That way you absorb the active ingredients through the salivary glands in your mouth.

For a normal effect you use about 200-400 milligrams. 

Kanna UB40 Extract especially for Vaporizers

An interesting but not so well-known kanna product from our Smartshop is the Kanna UB40 Extract which is also suitable to put in your vape. So it is possible to vaporize and inhale the powdered kanna plant. In addition, it is also possible to take the UB40 Extract orally or snort it.

Kanna ET2 Extract

The most potent kanna extract is Kanna ET2. This potent kanna product is suitable for people with experience. Kanna ET2 is usually snorted. 

Synergistic effects between cannabis and kanna

Cannabis and kanna go well together. The two psychoactive plants enhance each other's effects and have a synergistic effect. For many psychonauts, this makes for interesting research.

Is kanna addictive?

Although research does not show that kanna would be addictive, it is still not recommended to use kanna every day. The effects of kanna have to do with the reward system in the brain. The neurotransmitter dopamine is released and this is associated with an increased risk of addiction. 

Warning use of kanna and interactions with drugs and medications

Because kanna acts like an SSRI, it is important not to combine this smart drug with medications for the heart, antidepressants or benzodiazepines. Do not combine kanna with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) including Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala), passion flower and yohime. Furthermore, there are several medications that should not be combined with kanna. When in doubt, consult a physician.  

Order kanna powder and kanna extract in our online smartshop

Can't wait to get started with kanna and discover what the effects of the psychoactive substance can do for you? For additional advice you can visit one of our physical smartshops in Maastricht or Roermond. It's also possible to order kanna online in our webshop. This is easy and fast. 

For each order you receive Spacemiles. A full Spacemiles card means 25 euros discount on your next order!

Elena Experience expert (psychedelics and psychoactive & medicinal plants), blogger, passion for healthy food

Elena studies Organic and Biodynamic agriculture because, besides psychedelics and psychoactive & medicinal plants, she also has a passion for healthy food. Learning about the endocannabinoid system, different cannabinoids and terpenes is super interesting.

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