IS KANNA A SAFER ALTERNATIVE TO OTHER DRUGS?

Kanna originates from South Africa and is used there for the fact that it helps improve mood, but this plant is also considered a safer and legal alternative to dangerous hard drugs. Kanna has properties somewhat similar to some drugs. In this blog, we will look at the differences and similarities.

What is kanna and what are its effects?

Kanna or Sceletium tortuosum is a plant that grows in South Africa. It's leaves and roots are used by indigenous people in South Africa. Kanna is also becoming increasingly well-known in the Netherlands. You can use it in various ways: chewing, sniffing, smoking or vaporising. In Europe and thus also in the Netherlands, it is legal. Kanna is a natural stimulant.

Drugs are used as an outlet, to forget your worries for a while or just to let loose. Taking drugs regularly, especially hard drugs like cocaine or speed, is not a good idea. It undermines your physical and mental health. It can also be very difficult to quit drugs. Kanna, a natural stimulant, can be a safer and legal alternative in this regard.

The effects of kanna have some similarities with other drugs. The peculiarity is that the effects change with the height of the dose. At low doses, it has a positive effect on mood, and can help relieve anxiety and stress. This is also shown in research (Human Psychopharmacology 2020) At higher doses, people feel euphoria, relaxation and a sense of connection. It also has a mildly stimulating effect.

The effects of kanna are less intense than other drugs. Those who want a more intense experience are better off choosing kanna extract rather than powder. This is because extracts are much stronger (10 to 40 times on average).

Kanna as an alternative to drugs

If we look at other drugs, such as cocaine, speed or ketamine, at least we know that they are very dangerous for your health and it is difficult to quit. How does kanna compare to these drugs, especially in terms of effects? Below, we compare them. To be clear, we are certainly not advocating the use of hard drugs. We only discuss these drugs to clarify how their effects differ from kanna.

Kanna and ketamine

When you take ketamine, it causes a dreamy and floaty feeling, combined with disorienting hallucinations. You feel as if you are looking at the world from a distance. You may also get the experience of stepping out of your body. It does not have a stimulating effect.

Kanna does not cause hallucinations and you will not get a feeling of stepping out of your body or not being able to feel your body. However, you can experience a similar relaxing effect at higher doses, making kanna good for an evening on the couch without the feeling of dissociation.

Kanna as an alternative to other drugs: cocaine

Cocaine is a drug that gives a big energy boost and it creates an upbeat and exuberant mood. People feel confident, which helps with coping with social events. Coke is stimulating and euphoric, but it can also make people restless and even aggressive.

Kanna can have certain mood-enhancing effects, but its effects in the body are fundamentally different from cocaine. Kanna also creates feelings of euphoria and has a mildly stimulating effect. It also has properties that make you feel more confident and less anxious (this also emerges from research, Science Direct 2023), and it takes away your inhibitions. It also promotes feelings of connection, just like coke. But at higher doses, kanna's effects are different: you then feel relaxed and dreamy, as opposed to energetic.

Kanna compared to speed

Speed is known for its uplifting, stimulating effects. It boosts your energy and concentration. In comparison, the effects of kanna are less potent. Some users experience a slight stimulation, but kanna is less powerful than speed.

Is kanna a safer alternative to drugs?

Taking drugs can always involve health risks. This is just as true for natural substances. Yet in this case, kanna is a safer alternative, especially when you consider the drugs mentioned above.

Speed can be addictive in the long run and can cause physical and mental problems. Using cocaine is dangerous. Use can lead to a (fatal) overdose. Long-term use can lead to personality changes, depression, paranoia and weight loss. Little is known about the long-term risks of ketamine. A ketamine trip is fairly unpredictable and the disorientation associated with a trip can also cause accidents. Research (Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 16(1). 1-17) on animals shows that repeated use can lead to brain damage.

Kanna, safety and side effects

Kanna may thus be a safer alternative compared to some hard drugs. But again, it should be pointed out that the long-term effects are not yet fully known. So more research will have to be done on this.

However, it does seem to carry few health risks. The only side effects mentioned are headaches, loss of appetite and a small chance of depressive feelings. However, you should be careful when using SSRIs. You should not use kanna together with antidepressants like prozac. Also, kanna cannot be combined with MAOIs. Because of its narcotic effects, you should also be careful when taking other sedatives.

Then there is the risk of addiction. At the moment, it is not clear whether kanna is really addictive. Due to its effects in the brain, it may be that use of this drug acts on the reward centres. But not enough data are known about this yet. However, it is advisable to keep this in mind and not use kanna on a daily basis. Although kanna is traditionally used for medicinal purposes, there are also concerns about its recreational use and potential for abuse, especially in combination with other psychoactive substances.

This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have any doubts or questions, especially if you experience unexpected side effects.

Long-term effects and addiction risks

The long-term effects of kanna are not yet fully known. Possible risks include tolerance, mental dependence, and disruptions in serotonin balance. Although physical addictive evidence is lacking, habit formation may occur.

Safe use

• Use in moderation, not daily.
• Avoid combinations with drugs or other substances.
• Watch for changes in mood and motivation.

Kanna seems safer than hard drugs, but responsible use remains essential.

Disclaimer

• The information in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended as medical, legal or professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for expert advice from a doctor, medical specialist or other qualified healthcare professional.
• While we have tried to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the data in this article. The effects of kanna may vary from person to person and its use may involve risks, especially when combined with other drugs or medications.
• Always consult a doctor or medical specialist before deciding to use kanna or other psychoactive substances, especially if you have a medical condition, are taking medication or are prone to psychological symptoms.
• The author and publisher of this blog are not liable for any damages, direct or indirect, resulting from the use of the information on this page.