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Kanna is a succulent herb, growing in South Africa and is known as Kanna, Channa and Kougoed, which means “something to chew”. The plant has been used by South African tribes as a mood altering substance from prehistoric times.
The first known written account is from 1662 (van Riebeeck). The traditionally prepared dried Sceletium was often chewed as a quid and the saliva swallowed, but it has also been made into gel caps, teas and tinctures. Less commonly, it has been reported, that Kanna used to be inhaled as a snuff, or smoked, with the addition of other herbs.
Today, Kanna is used in South Africa as a party drug in the same way Cannabis is used in a Western society.
Kanna has been used by a number of phsychiatrists, psychologists and doctors to treat anxiety states and mild to moderate depression.
The alkaloids contained in S. tortuosum believed to possess psychoactivity include: mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol and tortuosamine.
In small doses it may: relieve anxiety and stress, deepen the sense of social connection, increase self-confidence, and lower inhibitions and feelings of inferiority. In higher doses, especially when combined with alcohol (usually whiskey) and Cannabis, it can lead to more intense effects like euphoria, hallucinations and enhanced visual acuity.
Kanna is known to elevate mood and decrease anxiety, stress and tension. It has also been used as an appetite suppressant by shepherds walking long distances in arid areas.
In intoxicating doses it can cause euphoria, initially with stimulation and later with sedation. Users also report increased personal insight, interpersonal ease and meditative, grounded feeling without any perceptual dulling. Others have noted enhanced tactile and sexual response.
1g
BOTANICAL SPECIMEN, NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
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