What is kanna and kanna extract?

Have you ever heard of KannaThis special succulent – ​​also known as Sceletium tortuosum – grows naturally in the sunny, dry regions of South Africa. For centuries, the plant has played an important role in ceremonies of the Khoikhoi (also called the Khoikhoi by the Dutch East India Company colonialists) Hottentots (called) and San tribes. Today, kanna is also extremely popular in the West, and you can find it in modern forms such as powder, capsules, or extracts.

Written by Professor

September 22, 2025

Contents

• What is Kanna?
• Kanna extract
  • Did you know…
• How is kanna used today?
• Alkaloids in kanna
  • Did you know?
• Buy Kanna
• Frequently asked questions about kanna
  • Is kanna legally available?
  • Are there different types of kanna?
  • Where does kanna come from?
  • What is the difference between kanna and kanna extract?
• Related RCs

What is Kanna?

Kanna is a low-growing (creeping) succulent with brightly colored flowers that resemble daisies. It grows in rocky soil and tolerates dry conditions well. This makes kanna a typical desert plant: tough, strong, and well-adapted to extreme weather conditions.

• Kanna is not only unique because of its history and uses, but also a remarkable plant botanically. It belongs to the ice plant family, a group of plants that often have thick leaves in which they store water to survive dry periods!
• Kanna has traditionally been used during ceremonies and gatherings to connect people and create peace.

View our range with Kanna

Kanna extract

While kanna has traditionally been used in its natural form, today it is also kanna extractKanna extract involves processing the plant material into a more potent product, which is popular in smartshops and online stores. Extracts are available in various ratios—such as 10:1 or 50:1—which simply indicates how concentrated the extract is compared to the original plant.

Kanna extract is available in various forms: as a loose powder, in capsules, or in liquid form. Extracts are practical for research and analysis because they are more consistent in composition than pure plant material.

Did you know…

• Kanna is sometimes also combined with other botanical extracts in blends available in smartshops – such as Kanna and Kratom?
• The name Sceletium comes from the Latin word skeleton (skeleton), referring to the skeletal structure of the dried leaves?
• Kanna is widely discussed in plant research and herbalism communities

How is kanna used today?

Although kanna has traditionally had various uses in South Africa, today we mainly see the plant in modern forms:

• Kanna powder – often made from the dried plant material.
• Kanna capsules – in which extracts are packaged in a standardized manner.
• Kanna tea – where the plant material is processed into a spicy drink.
• Kanna shots or liquid extracts – compact bottles that are handy for research.

These variants differ in intensity and ease of use, making kanna interesting for a variety of research purposes.

Alkaloids in kanna

One of the most unique features of kanna is its high concentration of alkaloids that the plant contains. Alkaloids are nitrogenous plant compounds that also occur in other common plants. Think of coffee, cocoa, or tobacco – they all contain their own characteristic alkaloids!

Did you know?

• The variation in alkaloid composition in kanna can differ by region, soil type and even by season.
• Researchers are still working to better understand the roles of the various alkaloids in kanna.
• The high share of mesem brine makes kanna unique compared to other succulents.

Buy Kanna

At Professor, you’ll find kanna in various forms, including powder and extract. We offer only high-quality products with clear provenance. Whether you’re interested in traditional plant material or modern extracts, our selection gives you the opportunity to experience this unique South African succulent for yourself.

Frequently asked questions about kanna

Is kanna legally available?

Yes, in the Netherlands and Belgium, kanna is legal and available through smart shops and online stores such as Professor.

Are there different types of kanna?

No, the plant itself is always Sceletium tortuosumThere are different processing forms, such as powder, capsules or highly concentrated extracts.

Where does kanna come from?

Kanna is native to South Africa, where it grows mainly in dry, mountainous regions.

What is the difference between kanna and kanna extract?

Kanna refers to the dried plant itself, while kanna extract is a concentrated variety with a higher ratio of active ingredients per gram.