Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant native to South Africa that has been used for centuries by the indigenous Khoisan communities for its mood-enhancing properties. Known for its ability to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation, kanna has gained popularity as a natural alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Whether you’re looking to uplift your spirits, calm your mind, or just feel a bit more balanced, kanna is the plant version of a happy pill.
In my forever-quest to explore brands breaking into the wellness community with unique, powerful products, I stumbled upon Kanna Extract Co. This company takes an ancient herb and brings it into the modern age with a commitment to quality, purity, and ethical sourcing. They offer a range of products designed to deliver the powerful benefits of kanna in a variety of forms.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Kanna Extract Co stand out, their unique selling points, and my personal experience with some of their products.
Kanna Extract Co. Overview
Kanna Extract Co. prides itself on its commitment to purity, potency, and ethical cultivation. The company’s dedication to quality is evident in every step of its process, from sourcing the finest Sceletium tortuosum to utilizing advanced extraction technologies. Here’s a closer look at what makes them a leader in the industry:
Purity and Potency
Kanna Extract Co. ensures that its products contain the highest levels of mesembrine and other active alkaloids, providing effects that are unmatched by competitors. Their proprietary extraction process guarantees a potent and pure product every time.
Organic Cultivation
The company cultivates Sceletium tortuosum in organic South African soils using sustainable and regenerative practices. This not only enhances the quality of the kanna but also supports environmental health.
Ethical Sourcing
Ethical considerations are at the forefront of Kanna Extract Co.’s operations. They adhere to South Africa’s Bioprospecting Access and Benefit Sharing (BABS) regulations, ensuring that indigenous Khoi communities benefit from their traditional knowledge and resources.
Proprietary Extraction Technology
Their advanced extraction technology is designed to produce standardized, shelf-stable kanna extracts. This technology ensures that each product batch maintains consistent potency and purity, setting them apart from other brands.
Third-Party Lab Testing
Transparency is key for Kanna Extract Co. They conduct rigorous third-party lab testing to confirm the potency and purity of their products, screening for pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals, and biological contaminants. The results are accessible via Certificates of Analysis (COA) on their website.
FDA Inspected & GMP Certified Facilities
Their production facilities in South Africa meet stringent safety and quality standards, being both FDA inspected and GMP certified. This guarantees that their products are manufactured under the highest quality conditions.
Diverse Product Lineup
Kanna Extract Co. offers a wide range of products to cater to different needs and preferences. From extracts and chocolates to capsules and essential oil diffusers, each product is crafted to deliver specific effects, whether it’s relaxation, upliftment, or bliss.
Kanna Extract Co.’s Unique Selling Points
Kanna Extract Co has several unique selling points that make them a standout choice for kanna enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at what sets them apart:
High Alkaloid Genetics
The proprietary strains of Sceletium tortuosum used by Kanna Extract Co. boast alkaloid levels seven times higher than those used by major growers. This results in a significantly more potent product that delivers stronger effects.
Sustainable Practices
Kanna Extract Co. employs cultivation methods that conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact. These sustainable practices ensure that Kanna Extract Co. can produce high-quality kanna without harming the environment.
Community Support
The company’s benefit-sharing agreements provide crucial support to the Khoisan communities. By allocating 3% of all Sceletium purchases to these communities, Kanna Extract Co. honors the traditional knowledge holders of kanna and contributes to their well-being.
Personal Experience With the Products
I wanted to try kanna in a new way, and I’ve never taken it in capsule form. They have several formulas targeted towards specific moods: Desire, Relax, Dream, Focus, and Play. I went with Play Dailies! And then, I tried something super unique in their “essential oil diffuser” which is basically a kanna vape pen. Here’s my honest take on each of these.
PLAY Kanna Dailies
Each vegan capsule contains 25mg of LIFT Kanna Extract, combined with a 625mg blend of Rhodiola, Theobromine, and Organic Lion’s Mane Extract. I am a big fan of Lion’s Mane for its neuro-protectant and cognitive enhancing properties so that’s primarily why I wanted to try this formula. I added it to my morning supplement routine for twenty days to observe the results.
I’ve tried kanna before and I’ll be honest—I’ve had to take large doses to ‘feel’ anything. But I want to remind you that many plant medicines, and in my experience—kanna—offer the best results with sustained use. Unless of course, your intention is to work with a ceremony-dose of a substance.
Take psilocybin for example. One trip with three or more grams of magic mushrooms may produce profound effects from that one experience. Meanwhile, when microdosing psilocybin, the real results come from sticking to a protocol for around four to six months, or longer.
So, did I instantly feel like I had a mood boost, or reduced anxiety? I wouldn’t say that. But the formula in the Play Dailies offers nutritive support and works at a deeper level to offer ongoing benefits. I’m not saying that you have to take them forever to reap the rewards, but I do believe these capsules can be a really impactful part of a wellness routine.
Kanna Essential Oil Diffuser
I also tried the Kanna Essential Oil Diffuser. This is a kanna vape pen infused with 4% mesembrine isolate. Now, this was a unique product. I’m not a big smoker or vaper, and my tolerance for the substances you usually find in a vape (like cannabis) is pretty low. Yet, I like the fixation of puffing something, having it in my hand, and sharing a puff with my husband while making dinner.
We keep this in our kitchen so it’s always handy whenever we want to take a few hits. Again—I don’t want to insinuate that you get “high” from a kanna vape. But that’s also not the intention. I would, however, say that this is a really nice relaxing feeling, that holds very lighthearted and joyful energy. I can see this being a very attractive option for someone who does vape or smoke and wants to tone it back a bit.
Or, maybe you’re like me and appreciate having a hit or two while whipping up dinner.
Give It a Try
Kanna Extract Co.’s commitment to producing pure, potent, and responsibly sourced kanna products is evident in every aspect of its operation. If you are interested in trying kanna, this is a perfect place to start. I did not try their chocolates this time, but they look incredible! I’d start there, or with some of their capsules.
If you like smoothies and have a routine with blending drinks, their extract powder is a great way to get as high of a dose as you wish to try. Their diverse product lineup offers something for everyone. My experience with the PLAY Kanna Dailies and the Kanna Essential Oil Diffuser was positive, and I will keep that pen handy until it’s gone! If you’re looking to explore the benefits of kanna, Kanna Extract Co. is a fantastic place to start.