Kanna at a glance
| Plant | Sceletium tortuosum, a low-growing succulent (ice plant family) |
| Also called | Kanna, kougoed, channa, sceletium |
| From | The Western and Northern Cape of South Africa (Karoo and Namaqualand) |
| Main compounds | Alkaloids: mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol |
| Forms | Ready-to-drink cans and tonics, extracts, tinctures, powders, capsules |
| Legal status (US) | Not a federally controlled substance; check state and local rules |
| Skip it if | You take antidepressants or other serotonergic medication, you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or you're under 21 |
Where kanna comes from
Kanna grows wild in the dry Succulent Karoo and Fynbos regions of South Africa. The San and Khoikhoi peoples have used it for centuries, often fermenting the crushed plant into a preparation called kougoed (roughly "chewable stuff") and chewing it, or brewing it as a tea. European botanists recorded it at the Cape in the 1600s, and Linnaeus described it in 1753.
What's in it
Kanna's main compounds are alkaloids: mesembrine, mesembrenone and mesembrenol. We don't describe how kanna affects people, because that varies and the research is still young. What matters most before you try it is the cautions: never combine kanna with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonergic medications. Kanna label facts and who should skip it.
Kanna drinks vs. kanna extracts
- Ready-to-drink cans are the easiest way to start: the amount is set for you, the flavor hides kanna's herbal, slightly bitter taste, and you drink it like any other can. There are still only a few on the market. The best kanna drinks.
- Extracts, tinctures and powders are much more concentrated and vary a lot in strength from brand to brand, even between products with the same label claim. We don't cover them here.
The easiest way to try kanna
Botanical Brewing Co.'s Kanna Pomegranate Fusion is one of the very few ready-to-drink kanna cans you can buy. It's sparkling pomegranate and raspberry, made with a blend of three kanna types (per BBCo's listing), zero alcohol, and it's the lowest-priced can in their lineup. It pours pink and fits a dinner-party table.
Kanna vs. kava vs. kratom
| Kanna | Kava | Kratom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | South African succulent | South Pacific root | Southeast Asian leaf |
| Key caution | Never with antidepressants | Liver caution; never with alcohol | Habit-forming with regular use; 21+; restricted in some places |
| Can to try | Pomegranate Fusion | Orange Dream | Island Breeze |
Full comparisons: kava vs. kanna · kanna vs. kratom · kava vs. kratom
Who should skip kanna
- Kanna drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kanna if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Never combine kanna with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonergic medications.
- Talk to your doctor first if you take sedatives, sleep aids or any other daily medication.
- Rules on botanical products vary by state and country. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can is one serving. Don't drink it with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
These are general cautions, not medical advice. If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions people ask
What is kanna?
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent from South Africa with centuries of traditional use by San and Khoikhoi communities. Today it's used in drinks, extracts and supplements.
What's in kanna?
Its main compounds are alkaloids such as mesembrine, mesembrenone and mesembrenol.
Is kanna legal in the US?
Kanna isn't a controlled substance under US federal law, but rules can vary by state and city, so check where you live. Kanna drinks are for adults 21+.
Can you take kanna with antidepressants?
No. Never combine kanna with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs or other serotonergic medications.
What is kougoed?
Kougoed is the traditional fermented kanna preparation made by San and Khoikhoi people, chewed or brewed as a tea.
What's the best way to try kanna?
A ready-to-drink can, because the amount is set and the flavor hides kanna's bitter taste. Botanical Brewing's Kanna Pomegranate Fusion is our pick.
Is kanna the same as kava?
No. Kanna is a South African succulent; kava is a South Pacific root. They're unrelated plants with different cautions.
