Verywell / Ellen Lindner
These days, it seems everyone is looking for something to take the edge off.
Lately, the trends are leaning toward all-natural options over manufactured drugs.
So, what are the realities of using kanna, and what does the limited research say?
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
What Is Kanna?
Today, extracts, tea, and supplements are available for easier ingestion.
“When it works, it works without question,” Sinisi says.
“Roughly two hours after consumption, people feel markedly calmer, more content, and happier.
The world feels like all is as it should be, and life seems worthwhile.”
However, he notes that research is limited and studies are typically small or animal-based.
Research has also explored the plant’s potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and anti-oxidant effects.
While research suggests that kanna might be beneficial, actual evidence of its effects remains limited.
More research is needed to understand kanna’s potential effects.
There are even plant-medicine retreats that incorporate kanna into allegedly life-changing ceremonies.
“Comparing kanna to MDMA is like comparing a high dose of caffeine to cocaine,” Sinisi says.
People are likely to experience similar euphoria effects with no adverse effects on their health.
While kanna may not beaddictive, it could trigger further drug-seeking behavior.
And he doesn’t recommend long-term daily use in any context.
Consuming kanna in larger quantities paradoxically increases anxiety.
Wassermann warns against taking kanna when also taking MAO inhibitors, MDMA, 5HTP, and/or SSRI antidepressants.
The combination canrapidly increase your serotonin levels, which may lead to serotonin syndrome.
This may lead to fever, shivering, elevated heart rate, or even death in severe cases.
Of course, more research is needed to truly understand the safety and potential of kanna.
“Sure, it has been used in traditional practices for a long time,” Sinisi says.
“Still, this use was regulated by cultural norms that may not mirror recreational use.”
But it’s not considered a long-term solution.
Consult with your doctor before incorporating kanna into your treatment plan.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-armed study with parallel design.Neurosci Med.
2015;1(2).
