A Plant for the Present
Kanna promotes emotional balance, cognitive clarity, and a healthy stress response—gently uplifting mood while supporting the nervous system. Its effects may include ENHANCED PRESENCE, HEIGHTENED AWARENESS, and a SUBTLE EUPHORIA at HIGHER AMOUNTS, while NOT BEING hallucinogenic. Traditionally used to ease tension and support social ease, its active alkaloids may help foster calm, connection, and resilience. Emerging research says it may support libido and deeper interpersonal connection, making Kanna a powerful ally for emotional and physical well-being.
Kanna's Journey
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa, traditionally used by the San and Khoikhoi peoples to support emotional balance, connection, and resilience. Whether chewed, smoked, or brewed as tea, Kanna played a meaningful role in promoting calm and clarity—especially in regions like Namaqualand and Kannaland. Introduced to Europe by Dutch settlers in the 1600s, its unique properties didn’t gain broader scientific interest until the late 20th century. Modern research confirms what traditional wisdom has long known: Kanna’s naturally occurring alkaloids may interact with key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, supporting mood, focus, and the body’s natural response to occasional stress.
Kanna's Chemistry
Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as Kanna, contains a unique blend of naturally occurring alkaloids—including mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and tortuosamine. These compounds are believed to interact with key neurotransmitter systems in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—each of which plays an important role in mood and emotional balance. Mesembrine, for example, has been shown to support healthy serotonin activity by promoting its release and slowing reuptake, while mesembrenone and mesembrenol may influence monoamine levels and interact with cannabinoid receptors. Together, these alkaloids are thought to contribute to Kanna’s ability to support a calm state of mind, uplift mood, and promote mental clarity and emotional resilience.
