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What Is Kanna? Sceletium Tortuosum and Mesembrine Explained

Answered by the Kava & Company crew in Jacksonville, FL · 3 min read · Updated
A creamy botanical drink with an orange slice at Kava & Company in Jacksonville
The short answer

Kanna is a succulent plant from South Africa called Sceletium tortuosum. People there have chewed, brewed or fermented it for centuries. Its best-known compound is mesembrine, and today kanna is sold as powders, capsules, gummies, drinks and add-in boosters.

Where kanna comes from

Kanna grows in the dry regions of South Africa. The San and Khoikhoi peoples traditionally used it, and it's sometimes called "kougoed" (Afrikaans for something to chew). In English it's often just called kanna or sceletium.

What is mesembrine?

Mesembrine is the main alkaloid in kanna. Research suggests it affects serotonin in the brain, which is why kanna is often described as mood-lifting. That's also why it shouldn't be mixed with antidepressants or other serotonin-affecting medications (more below).

How people use kanna

Today kanna is mostly sold as capsules, powders, tinctures, gummies and drink boosters. People commonly describe a gentle mood lift and feeling more open and social. Read does kanna get you high for more on how it feels.

Safety notes

  • Don't combine kanna with antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), other serotonin-affecting drugs or supplements
  • Avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Start with a small amount
  • Talk to your doctor if you take any medication

More in is kanna legal and safe.

People also ask

What is kanna called in English?

Kanna is the common name for Sceletium tortuosum. It's also called sceletium or kougoed.

What is mesembrine?

The main alkaloid in kanna. Research suggests it affects serotonin.

What is kanna used for?

People commonly use it for a gentle mood lift and social feeling. It isn't approved to treat any condition.

Where can I buy kanna in Jacksonville?

Kava & Company carries kanna capsules, powder and boosters. Availability varies by location.

Visit us in Jacksonville

Kava & Company carries kanna capsules, powder and kanna boosters at our Jacksonville bars. See our take-home products or ask in San Marco, Mandarin or Jax Beach.

Kava & Company San Marco

1224 Kings Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 551-3809
Sun-Tue 9am-12am · Wed-Sat 9am-2am

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Kava & Company Mandarin

11018 Old St Augustine Rd, Ste 123
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 900-3606
Daily 10am-10pm

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Kava & Company Jax Beach

223 9th Ave S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 595-5150
Sun-Wed 9am-12am · Thu-Sat 9am-2am

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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+.