This week at Dutch-Smart is all about kanna, a plant that is still relatively unknown to many but fascinating, and one that found its way onto our shelves quite some time ago. With the introduction of our brand-new Kannagizers—available in capsules, pills, and even snuff—it’s high time to dive deeper into this unique herb. Grab a comfortable chair, put on your favorite laid-back tunes, and join us on a journey through the world of kanna.
Sceletium... what?!
Sceletium tortuosum, better known as kanna, is a psychoactive plant from South Africa that has remained relatively unknown outside its home country. It goes by many names, such as canna, channa, and kougoed, which means “something to chew on.” These names refer to the traditional way this plant was consumed. Kanna is known for its bright green, succulent leaves and belongs to a genus that stands out due to the “skeletal” appearance of the leaves from previous years.
Although kanna is legal in all countries, it has received little attention outside of South Africa. The main active compounds are mesembrine and mesembrenone. Kanna is often used in combination with other plants, such as cannabis or dagga (Lion’s Tail or Leonotis leonurus), but is not considered a psychedelic. It is typically consumed by chewing, but can also be drunk as tea, smoked, or taken in capsule form. Finely powdered, it can also be snorted, resulting in a calm euphoria or mood enhancement.
Discover the new Kannagizer product line
Okay, before we dive into the ins and outs of Kanna, first a quick announcement: At Dutch-Smart, we’re always looking for innovative ways to provide our customers with the best natural products. We are proud to present our latest additions to the range: the Kannagizer line, available in pill form, capsules, and snuff. These products have been carefully formulated with a unique blend of herbal extracts, designed to offer you an unforgettable experience. Let’s take a closer look at what each product has to offer.
Kannagizer - 10 pills
The Kannagizer pills are the latest innovation in our range, perfect for those looking for a milder experience without compromising on quality. These pills have been specially developed for those of us who prefer a more gradual energy boost, ideal for a fun-filled evening or a night out with friends. With 5 pills equaling 1 capsule, you can easily adjust the dosage to your personal preference. A full dose provides a delightful euphoric energy boost that lasts all evening. The combination of kanna extract, cacao extract, and Peganum harmala extract creates a unique synergy that not only boosts your energy levels but also promotes a sense of well-being and euphoria.
Kannagizer - 2 capsules
For those looking for an immediate and powerful energy boost, Kannagizer capsules are the answer. This updated version of Kannagizer is a true powerhouse; just one capsule is enough to give you a euphoric energy boost that lasts up to 5 hours. Just like the pills, these capsules are based on a carefully balanced blend of kanna extract, cacao extract, and Peganum harmala extract. These ingredients work together not only to boost your energy levels but also to improve your mood and create a sense of overall well-being.
Kannagizer Snuff - 0.5 grams
For the adventurers among us looking for a quick and effective way to boost their energy and mood, there’s Kannagizer Snuff. This updated version of our Kannagizer is designed to give you a clear and cheerful energy boost within minutes of use. Just a pinch of this snuff is enough to experience its unique effects. Like the other products in the Kannagizer line, the snuff contains a potent blend of kanna extract, cacao extract, and Peganum harmala extract. This combination ensures rapid absorption and an immediate boost, perfect for those moments when you need a quick energy boost.
A little bit of botany
For the gardeners among us, here’s a little bit of botany, because you can also find kanna seeds in our assortment. Sceletium tortuosum is more than just an interesting psychoactive herb; it is a botanical wonder belonging to the Aizoaceae family, also known as the ice plant family or Mesembryanthemaceae, within the Mesembryanthemoideae subfamily. This family is known for its abundance of alkaloids, with dozens of species reported to contain these chemical compounds.
It is fascinating how Sceletium tortuosum has adapted and evolved in the unique conditions of South Africa, where it grows as a creeping, woody shrub. The plant can grow up to 30 centimeters tall and has fleshy roots with spreading branches of smooth, fleshy stems. The glossy green leaves are smooth and attached directly to the branches, indicating an efficient water-storage method, essential in the dry environments where the plant occurs naturally. These leaves are grouped in clusters of one to five, with white or pale yellow flowers that unfold beautifully to a width of up to 4 to 5 centimeters.
Interest in Sceletium tortuosum as an ethnobotanical plant has grown worldwide, partly due to its ease of cultivation and unique properties. In addition to Sceletium tortuosum, the genus Sceletium includes several species that closely resemble one another and are easily confused with members of the genus Mesembryanthemum. The species that correspond to kanna in terms of active ingredients and effects, and are used in a similar manner, are presumably also referred to as kanna and kougoed. That brings us to the following...
One kanna is not the other...
The story of kanna is one of confusion and fascination, largely due to the complexity of its nomenclature and historical documentation. Like many other ethnobotanical specimens, kanna suffers from the problem of common names that can often encompass multiple botanical identities. This phenomenon is not unique to kanna; the search for the identity of Soma, for example, has occupied researchers for years, with various plants and even mushrooms proposed as possible candidates. Kanna shares this fate of taxonomic ambiguity. It is believed that various plants were used and referred to as channa, kanna, or kougoed by the Hottentots of South Africa, with Sceletium tortuosum being one of these plants. This lack of clarity in historical sources has led to a wide range of interpretations regarding which plant is actually kanna.
Furthermore, the general name is applied to multiple species within the genus Sceletium that contain alkaloids, which contributes to the confusion in ethnobotanical research. Other plants that have been proposed as kanna include, for example, Leonotis leonurus (also known as dagga or lion’s tail) and Salsola dealata (known as Ganna), which further highlights the complexity of this botanical puzzle. It is this interplay of cultural traditions, botanical diversity, and scientific curiosity that makes kanna a particularly fascinating subject for both scientists and enthusiasts of ethnobotanical plants.
What exactly does kanna do?
Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, has held a special place in the hearts and minds of those who have used it throughout the centuries. Known as an entheogen with subtle yet profound effects, it has the power to uniquely enrich the human experience. Historically, kanna was valued as a recreational substance, used for its intoxicating effects ranging from mild euphoria to a deep state of relaxation. The effects of kanna cannot be compared to the intense psychedelic experiences that other substances can offer. Instead, it offers a gentler, more grounded experience that can potentially help users alleviate anxiety and stress, boost self-confidence, and promote a general sense of well-being. These subtle effects make kanna an ideal companion for meditation, reflection, or simply as a way to unwind after a long day.
Using kanna in combination with other plants, such as cannabis, is a practice that enhances the potency of both substances. Users report that higher doses of kanna, especially when combined with cannabis, can lead to mild visions and heightened perceptual sensitivity. This synergistic effect opens doors to new dimensions of consciousness and experience, allowing users to gain a deeper insight into their inner worlds and the world around them. It is this combination of physical relaxation and mental clarity that makes kanna a beloved choice among those seeking both relief and enjoyment.
How is kanna prepared?
The preparation of kanna is an art and science that traces back to the traditional practices of the indigenous peoples of South Africa. The entire plant contains valuable alkaloids, but these must be properly extracted and concentrated to achieve the desired effects. Traditionally, kanna is prepared by crushing the fresh plant between two stones and then allowing it to ferment in a sealed container for several days. This fermentation process is crucial; it not only converts the raw plant materials into a more potent form but also breaks down the oxalates that can cause irritation. After fermentation, the material is spread out to dry in the sun, after which it is pulverized into a fine powder or coarser material ready for use.
This careful preparation transforms kanna from a simple plant into a powerful tool for exploration and healing. Whether chewed, snorted, smoked, or drunk as tea, prepared kanna offers a versatility that suits the diverse preferences and needs of users. The importance of these traditional methods cannot be underestimated, as they ensure the effectiveness and safety of kanna as an entheogen. Honoring this ancient wisdom in modern kanna consumption is a tribute to the cultures that have shared this extraordinary herb with us.
The Power of Kanna Extract
Creating kanna extract is a process that enhances the potency of this special plant, resulting in a powerful, concentrated form rich in alkaloids. These alkaloids, particularly mesembrine and mesembrenone, are primarily soluble in alcohol, which forms the basis for the extraction method. By soaking finely pulverized Sceletium tortuosum powder in food-grade ethanol or 99% isopropyl alcohol, the plant’s active compounds begin to transfer into the solution. This maceration process not only extracts the desired alkaloids from the plant material but also saturates the solution with these psychoactive compounds.
After a careful period of steeping, the solution is filtered to remove all plant debris, after which the alcohol is completely evaporated. What remains is a resinous extract containing the essence of kanna in its most concentrated form. This extract can then be mixed with kanna powder or other plant materials, or used as a standalone product. The creation of kanna extract is a wonderful example of how traditional knowledge and modern techniques come together to make the powers of nature more accessible to anyone who wishes to embark on the journey inward.
Try kanna for yourself!
At Dutch-Smart, we’re proud of our wide and carefully curated selection of natural products, of which our kanna products are a key part. With the introduction of the new Kannagizer line, consisting of pills, capsules, and snuff, we’re expanding our collection with even more ways to experience the unique benefits of kanna. These products, each with their own specific blend of kanna extract, cacao extract, and Peganum harmala extract, are designed to offer a variety of experiences, from mild energy boosts to deep, euphoric feelings of well-being.
In addition to our Kannagizer line, we also offer a wide range of other kanna products, from traditionally prepared herbs to refined extracts. Each product has been carefully selected to ensure it meets our high-quality standards and to offer a broad spectrum of usage options. Whether you’re looking for the subtle, calming effects of kanna tea, the fast and powerful effects of kanna snuff, or the long-lasting and profound experience of kanna capsules, at Dutch-Smart you’ll find what you need!
