Side by side
Kava: root of Piper methysticum from the South Pacific. Active compounds: kavalactones. Commonly described as relaxing and social with a numb mouth. Usually served as a drink in a shell.
Kanna: Sceletium tortuosum from South Africa. Main compound: mesembrine. Commonly described as a mood lift. Usually taken as capsules, powder, gummies or a drink booster.
Can you combine them?
Some people add a kanna booster to a kava drink. If you do, start small, and skip kanna if you take antidepressants or other serotonin-affecting medication. Ask your doctor if you're unsure.
And where does kratom fit?
Kratom is a third, different plant: a Southeast Asian tree leaf. See what is kratom.
Learn more
What is kava? · What is kanna? · Does kanna get you high?
People also ask
Are kanna and kava the same thing?
No. Kava is a Pacific root drink; kanna is a South African succulent.
Which is more relaxing, kanna or kava?
Kava is usually described as more relaxing. Kanna is more often described as mood-lifting.
Can you mix kanna and kava?
Some people do. Start small and avoid kanna if you take serotonin-affecting medications.
Visit us in Jacksonville
Try both at Kava & Company: kava shells and kanna boosters in San Marco, Mandarin and Jax Beach.
Kava & Company San Marco
1224 Kings Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 551-3809
Sun-Tue 9am-12am · Wed-Sat 9am-2am
Kava & Company Mandarin
11018 Old St Augustine Rd, Ste 123
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 900-3606
Daily 10am-10pm
Kava & Company Jax Beach
223 9th Ave S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 595-5150
Sun-Wed 9am-12am · Thu-Sat 9am-2am
This article is for general education only and isn't medical or legal advice. Statements about kava, kratom and kanna have not been evaluated by the FDA, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Kava & Company serves kava to guests 18+. Florida law requires buyers of kratom to be 21+.