‘Kanna vs Kratom’ is being talked about quite these days. Kanna and Kratom are the two natural botanicals that often catch people’s attention because of their unique effects. Both of them come from completely different parts of the world - Kanna originated from South Africa, whereas Kratom comes from Southeast Asia. Kanna has been a part of the tradition for centuries due to its varied effects. Whereas, Kratom is popular for the diverse range of strains it offers. In this article, you’ll be getting answers to all your questions - including what Kanna is. What is Kratom? And everything you need to know about its differences and benefits.
Kanna And Kratom: Origin And Basic Differences
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) and Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) are two plants that are often compared based on their origin, benefits, and effects. Kanna, traditionally used by the Khoisan tribe in South Africa, is well known for its benefits. Nowadays, people have adopted many versatile ways to utilize this traditional plant, including using it as capsules, tinctures, and even teas.
Now, if we are talking about versatility, how can we miss the talk of the town - Kratom? Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity for its versatile benefits and strain-specific effects. From powders to liquid extracts, these strains are available in different colours as well - white, green, and red.
Kanna Vs Kratom: Breaking Down Their Active Ingredients
Kanna and Kratom both have different ranges of active ingredients. On one hand, Kanna consists of various alkaloids, including mesembrine and mesembrone, mesembrenol and mesembranol. On the other hand, Kratom has a complex set of alkaloids, with mitragynine as the main alkaloid. Both of them are responsible for the effects they show.
Kanna And Kratom Effects: What Sets Them Apart?
Both kanna and kratom have been used traditionally, but they act in very different ways:
- Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum): Its alkaloids (mesembrine group) mainly influence serotonin pathways, which is why many users describe it as calming or mood-supporting [1]. Because it works on serotonin, kanna should be approached with caution if someone is already taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic substances.
- Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): Kratom’s primary alkaloid, mitragynine, interacts with opioid receptors. Depending on the strain, users often report different outcomes, ranging from stimulating [2] to more relaxing [3].
Kanna Vs Kratom: Find Your Best Fit
When comparing Kanna and Kratom, choosing the right one comes down to your personal preferences. From Kanna extract to Kanna powder, Kanna has a lot of options for everyone, but Kratom also comes with great benefits and an amazing variety. The effects of both Kanna and Kratom are excellent, but to determine which one suits you best, it’s worth taking the time to try both individually and understand what each has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mixing Kanna And Kratom Safe?
Mixing Kanna and Kratom is generally not recommended. Kanna affects serotonin pathways, while Kratom interacts with opioid receptors. Combining them could create unpredictable or overly intense effects, and there’s also a risk of interactions if someone is taking other medications.
How Long Does Kanna Last?
Kanna’s effects usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes and can last for up to 2 to 4 hours. It simply depends on the method in which you are taking Kanna and how your body reacts to it.
How Long Does Kratom Last?
Kratom’s effects typically start within 15 to 45 minutes and can last for 4 to 6 hours. The effects also depend on the type of strain you generally use, because some strains might give you long-lasting effects, while some may give subtle effects only.
Is Kanna Legal In My Area?
Kanna is legal in most countries, including Canada, the United States, the UK, Australia, and European countries.
Is Kratom Legal In My Area?
Kratom’s legal status is more complicated than Kanna's, so before making a purchase, please go through the legal status of Kratom in your area. But Kratom is legal in areas like the United States, Canada, the UK (but with some restrictions), and some European countries.