What is Kanna? A Guide to Sceletium tortuosum
By: James Harrison
Kanna is a succulent plant native to South Africa with a long tradition of use in local wellness practices. In recent years, it has gained attention in the American supplement market as an ingredient in gummies, tablets, and other botanical wellness products. This guide covers what kanna is, its history, its active compounds, common product formats, and what to consider before trying kanna products.
What is Kanna?
Kanna is the common name for Sceletium tortuosum, a low-growing succulent plant in the Aizoaceae family. It grows natively across the Karoo and Cape regions of South Africa, where it has been valued for its cultural and traditional significance for hundreds of years.
The plant produces small yellow or white flowers and thick, fleshy leaves. Traditionally, indigenous South African communities, including the Khoi and San peoples, fermented and dried kanna for various uses, and the plant has been documented in South African botanical literature since the 17th century.
Today, kanna is cultivated commercially in South Africa, and its extracts are used in a growing number of botanical wellness products worldwide.
What is Kanna Made Of?
Kanna contains a group of naturally occurring compounds called mesembrine alkaloids, including mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol. These are the plant's primary active compounds.
Scientific interest in kanna has grown in recent years, with studies exploring how the mesembrine alkaloids may interact with the body. The current body of research is preliminary, and much remains to be studied. Full ingredient information for each product is available on its individual product page.
Traditional Uses of Kanna
Kanna has a long documented history of use in traditional South African wellness practices. Historically, dried and fermented kanna has been chewed, brewed as a tea, or used in other preparations by indigenous communities.
Modern interest in kanna has focused on its place in general wellness routines. Some people incorporate kanna products into their daily routine or use them before specific occasions, such as social gatherings. Individual experiences with kanna vary, and kanna should not be viewed as a substitute for professional healthcare.
Common Kanna Product Formats
Kanna is available in several formats, each with different characteristics:
Kanna Gummies
Chewable gummies are one of the most popular kanna product formats. They offer a convenient serving size and a range of flavor options. On MushroomFX, we carry the Ferris Wheel Kanna Gummies lineup, which includes six flavors:
Each pouch contains 10 gummies, and all six flavors share the same base blend of active ingredients.
Kanna Tablets
Tablets are another popular format. Ferris Wheel Kanna Tablets are available in four flavors: Blue Razz, Citrus Twist, Juicy Apple, and Pink Stardust. The tablet format is designed to dissolve quickly.
Powders and Extracts
Kanna is also sold as a raw powder or as standardized extracts. These formats offer more flexibility for users who want to control their own serving size, though they require more knowledge and preparation than pre-portioned gummies or tablets.
What to Know Before Trying Kanna Products
Before trying any kanna product, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Consult a healthcare professional. This is especially important if you take any prescription medications, particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, or other medications that affect serotonin. Kanna’s alkaloids may interact with these medications, and a doctor can help you assess whether kanna is appropriate for your situation.
Not for everyone. Kanna products are formulated for healthy adults 21 and over. They are not appropriate for pregnant or nursing individuals or for those with certain medical conditions.
Read the label. Kanna products often contain other ingredients, such as caffeine (as in Ferris Wheel Kanna Gummies and Tablets), vitamins, and adaptogenic herbs. Read the full ingredient list on the product page or physical label before purchasing.
Follow the serving guidance. Every Kanna product has label instructions. Do not exceed the recommended serving.
When to seek professional support. If you are experiencing persistent difficult emotions, panic attacks, changes in sleep or appetite, or thoughts of self-harm, a supplement is not an appropriate first step. Please speak with a licensed healthcare provider or mental health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kanna Made From?
Kanna is made from Sceletium tortuosum, a succulent plant native to South Africa. The plant contains mesembrine alkaloids as its primary active compounds.
Is Kanna Legal in the United States?
Kanna is not a federally controlled substance in the United States. Ferris Wheel kanna products ship to all 50 states. Specific state and local regulations may vary.
Does Kanna Contain THC or Psilocybin?
No. Kanna does not contain THC, CBD, psilocybin, or Amanita muscaria. It is a distinct plant with its own unique alkaloid profile.
Where Can I Buy Kanna Products?
MushroomFX carries the full lineup of Ferris Wheel Kanna Gummies. 2-Day Express Shipping is available to all 50 states.
Are Kanna Products Third-Party Lab Tested?
Yes. All Ferris Wheel kanna products sold on MushroomFX are third-party lab-tested. Certificates of Analysis are available on each product page.
What Age Do I Need to Be to Buy Kanna Products?
Kanna products sold on MushroomFX are for adults 21 and over.
Final Thoughts
Kanna is a plant with a long cultural history and growing interest in the modern world. As with any new supplement, do your research, consult a healthcare provider if you have medical conditions or take medications, and follow the label's serving guidance.
If you’d like to explore kanna products, MushroomFX carries the full Ferris Wheel Kanna Gummies lineup, with lab test results linked on every product page.