Exploring the Kanna Plant: Uses, Benefits, and Effects

The kanna plant has been consumed by people for over 300 years. It’s native to South Africa and thrives in dry, challenging environments. Local tribes traditionally chewed the plant to help quench thirst and support mood during long hunts.

Today, people are drawn to its potential calming effects and natural mood-enhancing qualities. Some say it helps with anxious behaviors and promotes emotional balance. But how does it work?

What’s the best way to take it? This beginner-friendly guide breaks it all down so you can try kanna with confidence.

What Is the Kanna Plant Used For?

People often consume the kanna plant as a natural mood booster. It’s known for promoting relaxation, relieving stress, and supporting emotional well-being. Some take it to ease anxious thoughts or nervous behaviors.

Others enjoy its calming effects after long days. This succulent plant is available in various forms like kanna extract, teas, and dietary supplements designed to offer soothing support for healthy adults.

A Brief History of Kanna: From Ancient Ritual to Modern Relief

Sceletium tortuosum, the scientific name for the kanna plant, has a long history in traditional South African medicine. Indigenous cultures chewed kanna to quench thirst and ease mood shifts.

It grows in dry and challenging environments, making it a dependable resource for indigenous cultures. Today, people still value its biological and pharmaceutical properties, and more research explores its beneficial effects on daily well-being.

Kanna Effects: What You Can Expect to Feel

You may feel more at ease, alert, or uplifted. Some describe a light buzz of well-being without feeling overwhelmed. Its calming effects can help you wind down after busy days.

While kanna may offer euphoric properties, most people notice a balanced shift in energy or focus. These effects can vary depending on dose, form, and your environment.

How Does Kanna Work in the Body?

Kanna contains mesembrine alkaloids, believed to interact with the brain’s serotonin system. These active compounds may influence stress hormones and support better emotional regulation. Sceletium tortuosum, the plant’s species, is being explored in human studies and placebo-controlled trials. Some evidence shows biological and pharmaceutical properties that may support mental health and cognitive function in healthy adults.

How Long Does Kanna Take to Kick In?

The timing depends on how you're consuming kanna. If you chew kanna, you may notice changes within 20 to 30 minutes. Kanna supplements or edibles like chocolates and gummies take longer, usually 45 minutes to an hour. Fasted states may also speed it up. The form, dosage, and your body’s response all affect the onset time.

Best Ways to Take Kanna (And What to Avoid)

There are various forms of the kanna plant, but not all deliver the same experience. You’ll want to choose what fits your lifestyle while avoiding poor mixes or overuse.

• Chewing Raw Plant Material. This is the oldest method. People chew kanna leaves or stems to help quench thirst and feel calming effects faster. It may taste bitter, but it acts quickly.
• Kanna Extract Capsules or Tablets. Kanna supplements in capsule form are popular for daily support. They're easier to measure and are often made with standardized extract for consistent active compounds.
• Gummies and Chocolates. These are discreet, tasty, and great for healthy adults trying kanna casually. Because they’re edible, they take longer to activate.
• Mixing Kanna With Other Substances. Mixing kanna with alcohol or certain medications may increase risks. Some combinations may affect serotonin levels, so always be cautious and start low.
• Avoid High Doses Without Guidance. A high dose may intensify effects or discomfort. Start small, especially when taking kanna for the first time, and watch how your body responds.

Benefits of the Kanna Plant

The kanna plant has gained attention for its gentle effects and natural support. Many people choose it for daily mood and wellness routines.

• Supports Emotional Balance. Kanna may ease mood swings and anxiety symptoms. It’s often used as a calming option during stressful days.
• Promotes Relaxation Without Drowsiness. People enjoy its ability to ease tension without making them feel sluggish. It offers light, steady support during quiet or reflective moments.
• May Boost Mental Clarity. Some report improved focus or sharper thinking. This may be linked to how Kanna interacts with brain chemicals related to mood and awareness.

Where to Buy Kanna Online

You can buy the kanna plant and related dietary supplements online through trusted wellness retailers. These stores often carry capsules, kanna extract, and edibles made from Sceletium tortuosum. Local dispensaries typically don’t carry kanna, as it’s not classified the same way as cannabis products.

Cheef Botanicals offers premium Youphoria Kanna Gummies and Mylk Chocolate Gems, made with natural ingredients and standardized extract. Shop directly for products backed by lab testing, clean sourcing, and consistent quality.

Tips on How to Choose Kanna Products

Choosing the right kanna plant product helps you get the most out of its potential benefits. Look for quality, clarity, and clean ingredients.

• Labels should list Sceletium tortuosum or the Genus sceletium
• Pick a standardized extract for accurate strength
• Avoid blends that claim to treat mental diseases
• Look for third-party testing and real reviews
• Trusted options include kanna extract and kanna supplements

Youphoria’s Kanna Gummies & Mylk Chocolate Gems

Youphoria blends traditional use with modern convenience. Their edible options make taking kanna simple and flavorful.

• Mixed Berry Gummies. Great for beginners. These gummies support promoting relaxation and offer gentle, euphoric properties in a sweet, fruit-flavored bite.
• Mixed Citrus Gummies. Tangy and refreshing. These support stress relief while tasting like orange and lemon candy.
• Mylk Chocolate Gems. Perfect for winding down. These creamy chocolates are rich, mellow, and packed with beneficial effects to help ease anxious thoughts and behaviors.

How to Dose Kana Edibles

Youphoria products let you choose how you want to feel. Each piece contains a set amount of kanna, making it easy to control your experience.

• Low Dose (75mg – 2 gummies or 5 gems). Expect calm focus and a gentle lift. Great for light tasks, reflection, or mellow energy.
• Mid Dose (150mg – 4 gummies or 10 gems). Balanced clarity with a social edge. Ideal for conversation, creativity, or relaxed hangouts.
• High Dose (300mg – 8 gummies or 20 gems). Euphoric, connected, and fully present. Best for dancing, deep talks, or immersive events.

Is Kanna Legal in the USA?

The kanna plant, also known as Sceletium tortuosum, is legal at the federal level in the United States. It’s not classified as a controlled substance. However, laws can vary by state, so it’s best to check local regulations before taking kanna.

Since it contains psychoactive constituents, its legal status may shift if misused or mislabeled. Stick with trusted sources offering clearly labeled products made from standardized extract and plant material.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Kanna?

Most healthy adults tolerate the kanna plant well, especially in moderate doses. Some report mild acute effects like headache, nausea, or drowsiness, especially when mixing kanna with alcohol or certain medications. High amounts may cause lightheadedness or digestive upset.

There's also a risk of serotonin toxicity when combined with other mood-enhancing products. Always start with low doses and avoid kanna supplements that don't list clear active compounds or toxicological safety assessment data.

Does Kanna Show on a Drug Test?

Most standard drug tests don’t check for the kanna plant or its psychoactive constituents. These tests focus on substances like THC, opiates, and amphetamines. However, if you're in a monitored setting, check with a healthcare provider or mental health professionals before taking kanna, especially if you're concerned about workplace testing.

Kanna Plant FAQs

How does Kanna affect cognitive function?

Sceletium tortuosum supplementation may help support cognitive function by influencing serotonin activity in the brain. While it’s not a cure or replacement for professional care, some people report a surge in focus and mental clarity when using kanna extract in moderate amounts. It’s best taken during calm settings for balanced results.

What time of day should I take Kanna?

Most people prefer consuming kanna in the evening or during calm periods since it acts as a stress reliever. It may help the body settle and unwind after a demanding day. Avoid taking high doses during busy hours or when alertness is needed, especially if it's your first time.

How much Kanna should I start with?

For beginners, it’s best to start low—around 25 to 50 mg of standardized extract or one gummy. This amount may gently calm anxiety without overwhelming your senses. Every person reacts differently, so increase slowly only if needed.

Can Kanna affect mood or emotions?

Yes, kanna plant is a mild mood-altering substance that may help reduce stress and ease emotional tension. Its effects come from mesembrine alkaloids, which may influence mood through serotonin activity. While it isn’t approved for treating depression or clinical anxiety, many people find it helpful for emotional support. Its calming nature makes it an essential part of natural wellness routines for some.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try the Kanna Plant for Mood and Mind?

The kanna plant has a long history in traditional South African medicine and continues to gain attention for its potential benefits. From relieving stress to promoting relaxation, it offers gentle support for your daily mood.

If you’re curious, start with a low dose and choose trusted products. Brands like Cheef Botanicals carry clean, simple options made with real Sceletium tortuosum. Always check labels, avoid mixing kanna, and enjoy exploring this natural herbal remedy mindfully.