Kanna Vs Kratom: Major Differences Between The Two

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) and Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) are two natural compounds that have drawn special interest in the quickly expanding field of plant-based health. Both are utilized for their ability to change mood and are frequently promoted as natural substitutes for pharmaceutical drugs. Although these plants may appear to be identical on the surface, they differ greatly in terms of their origins, active ingredients, effects, and legal standing.

Knowing what makes each of these botanicals unique is crucial if you're researching either of them. We'll go into great detail about the main distinctions between Kanna and Kratom in this article, covering everything from their historical use to their effects on the brain, consumption patterns, and safety issues.

1. Background And Origins In Botany

Sceletium Tortuosum, Or Kanna

Origin: South African indigenous.

Plant Family: Aizoaceae is a succulent plant family.

Traditional Use: The Khoisan people have been using it for generations for spiritual rites, discomfort alleviation, and mood enhancement.

Preparation: Usually fermented and turned into tea, smoked, or chewed.

Mitragyna Speciosa, Or Kratom

Origin: Indigenous to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Plant Family: Rubiaceae is the family of plants that includes coffee.

Traditional Use: Especially for manual laborers in hot, muggy areas, it is used to relieve discomfort, reduce tiredness, and increase stamina.

Preparation: Kratom Tea is made by chewing fresh or dried leaves. These days, it's frequently taken as a Kratom powder, a Kratom capsule, or Noms Kratom seltzers.

2. Active Substances And Action Mechanisms

Kanna

• Mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol are the main alkaloids.

The Mechanism

• Functions as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), which is similar to how SSRIs, which are used to treat discomfort, work.
• PDE4 inhibition may also improve mood and cognitive function.
• Has no discernible effect on opioid receptors.

Kratom

• Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the two main alkaloids found in Kratom.

The Mechanism

• Produces euphoric and analgesic effects by binding to mu-opioid receptors.
• Contributes to its stimulating or sedative effects based on dose by interacting with adrenergic and serotonergic receptors.

Summary: In summary, Kratom replicates the effects of opioids but also acts as a stimulant at low dosages, while Kanna is more akin to a natural antidepressant.

2. Mechanisms Of Action And Active Compounds

Kanna

The three main alkaloids are mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and membrine.

Method

• Functions as an SRI, which is a kind of medication that is related to SSRIs used to treat discomfort.
• It may also improve mood and cognitive function by inhibiting PDE4.
• Does not have a substantial effect on opioid receptors.

Kratom

The two main alkaloids found in Kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Method

• Attaches itself to mu-opioid receptors to provide euphoric and analgesic effects.
• Additionally, it interacts with serotonergic and adrenergic receptors, which may contribute to its calming or stimulating effects depending on dose.
• Kanna’s effects are more akin to a discomfort, whereas Kratom replicates the effects of opioids while also acting as a stimulant when taken in small amounts.

3. Impact On The Mind And Body

Kanna

Principal Impacts

• Elevation of mood
• Peace and relaxation
• Increased empathy and sociability
• Mild euphoria
• Focus on cognition

Start time: 30 to 60 minutes (oral), quicker if smoked or sublingual

Time frame: 4–6 hours

Kratom

Low Doses Of Kratom (1–4g)

• An increase in energy
• Enhanced concentration
• Enhanced mood

High To Moderate Doses (5–8g)

• Discomfort alleviation
• Sedation or relaxation
• Euphoria

Start time: 10 to 30 minutes

Duration: 4–6 hours, with greater dosages occasionally lasting longer.

Key Difference: Bed Rock Botanicals Kratom's impact varies greatly depending on dosage, either sedating or stimulating, but Kanna's mood-boosting effects are milder and steadier.

4. Consumption Types

Kanna

• Tea or sublingual Kanna powder and Kanna extract
• Capsules and tinctures
• Traditional usage of snuff
• Chewable pills or gum
• Blended into nootropic stacks sometimes

Kratom

• Tea with Kratom Powder (Toss and Wash)
• Tablets and Kratom capsules
• Kratom Shots of liquid
• Instant-drinking seltzers
• Kratom Extracts with a lot of power

Customer Tip: While Kratom is more frequently dosed for recreational or medicinal purposes, Kanna is frequently utilized in microdoses and nootropic contexts.

5. Dependency, Safety, And Side Effects

Kanna

• Well tolerated in general

Side Effects

• A headache
• Discomfort (if taken without food)
• Elevated restlessness when taken in excess
• When used with SSRIs or other serotonergic medications, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Potential for Addiction: Minimal

Kratom

Side Effects

• Dry mouth, constipation, and discomfort
• Sweating and lightheadedness
• Dependency on high-dose, repeated usage

Withdrawal Signs

• The ability to irritate
• Sleeplessness
• Aches in the body
• Desires

Potential For Addiction: Moderate to large, particularly with long-term extract usage or large dosages

Important: Although both herbs are safe to consume, Kratom has a greater risk profile, particularly when taken frequently or uncontrollably.

7. Legal Status

Kana

• Most nations, including the US, UK, Canada, and the EU, allow it.
• Not categorized as a drug under supervision.
• Occasionally marketed as a nootropic or nutritional supplement.

Kratom

The Legal Status of Kratom Varies:

• Most US states allow it, although some (like Indiana and Alabama) forbid it.
• Despite efforts by the FDA and DEA to limit it, popular outcry caused the rule to be delayed.
• Restricted or outlawed in several nations, including areas of Europe, Australia, and Malaysia.

Note: Compared to Kratom, Kanna is less regulated and simpler to obtain legally.

8. Ritual And Cultural Use

Kanna

• Smoked or chewed by South Africa's Khoisan people.
• Used in ceremonies that are both social and spiritual.
• Seen as a tool for connection and emotional transparency.

Kratom

• Southeast Asian farmers and laborers use it to relieve discomfort and increase stamina.
• Consumed during lengthy workdays and brewed into teas.
• In traditional medicine, it is occasionally used to treat wounds, tiredness, and diarrhea.

Cultural Note: In its original setting, Kratom is more practical, whereas Kanna plays a ceremonial, empathogenic function.

9. Stackability And Synergistic Utilization

Some individuals try mixing Kratom with Kanna; however, this should be done very carefully:

• The complex receptor profile of Kratom may conflict with the serotonin-boosting effects of Kanna, particularly when additional medicines are used.
• While stacking may improve physical comfort (Kratom) and emotional warmth (Kanna), it also increases the danger of overstimulation or mood swings.

Safer Method: Start with extremely modest dosages and utilize on different days or at various times of day if you're interested in both.

Conclusion

Although both Kanna and Kratom are natural plants used to improve mood and overall health, their origins, active ingredients, effects, and legal status are very different. Traditionally used in South Africa, Kanna is a tranquil, mood-enhancing herb that primarily functions as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. In contrast, the Southeast Asian plant known as Kratom has a wider range of effects, from restlessness relief to excitement, depending on the strain and dosage. The choice between Kratom and kanna depends on your goals, such as whether you want more pronounced energy or relaxation benefits (Kratom) or a milder mood boost (kanna). A safe and successful experience depends on using botanical products responsibly and being aware of legal issues.

FAQ’s

Q1: Is Kratom Weaker Than Kanna?

A: Not always. While Kratom can have more stimulating or sedative effects depending on the dose, Kanna is a mild mood enhancer. The user's sensitivity and the intended use determine the intensity.

Q2: Can Kratom And Kanna Be Taken Together?

A: Although some people try mixing the two, this has not been thoroughly researched and may raise the possibility of negative effects, particularly those involving sedation and serotonin. A healthcare professional should be consulted before mixing them.

Q3: Like Kratom, Can Kanna Be Legal?

A: While Kratom is illegal in some states and nations, Kanna is lawful in the majority of nations, including the US. Before making a purchase, always confirm local laws.

Q4: Is Kratom Or Kanna Better For Discomfort?

A: Kanna's relaxing, serotonin-boosting properties may make it a better choice for moderate discomfort. Although there is a greater chance of dependency and response variability, Kratom, particularly Kratom red strains, may also aid with uneasiness.

Q5: Kanna And Kratom Cause Addiction?

A: Using Kratom frequently or in large doses increases the risk of dependency. Though it is said to be less habit-forming, Kanna should still be used carefully.