The herbal market is booming, and everyone is looking to improve their health. Kanna vs Kratom is a new comparison many customers are inquiring about. We not only touch on topics that surround Kratom but also comparisons and potential alternatives. This helps you understand Kratom better and make the best-informed decisions. Let’s take a look at both herbs and see how they compare.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom originates from Southeast Asia and comes from the Mitragyna Speciosa trees. It has also been used for centuries by Southeast Asian natives. Strains of this herb can be found in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. Traditionally, the leaves of the kratom plant were chewed or smoked, just like Kanna. This herb was also used in social settings and ceremonies.
Mitragyna Speciosa is an evergreen tree in the Rubiaceae family (coffee family). Kratom is known for its impressive alkaloid content, which gives each strain its potency. The two main alkaloids are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, including many others that make up Kratom. These alkaloids in Kratom cause this herb to be banned in many areas of the world.
Kava kava is another kratom alternative that has gained much attention. Check out our blog, kava vs Kratom.
What Is Kanna?
The scientific name for Kanna is Sceletium Tortuosum. This plant is a part of the Aizoaceae family native to South Africa. The Khoikhoi and San people in South Africa have utilized this herb for centuries. It has been a prevalent part of South African folk medicine for many generations. Traditionally, the plant leaves were smoked or chewed during ceremonies or social events. The leaves are now typically ground to form Kanna powder.
The first reference to Kanna dates back to the 17th century. Jan Van Riebeeck, a Dutch colonial administrator of Cape Town, recorded the use of this plant. According to this record, forms of Sceletium Tortuosum included teas, gels, and tinctures. The leaves were often smoked or chewed, referred to as “Kugoed” (chewable or good chew). Kanna extract is also available in powder and capsules and is now quickly becoming a favorite among users.
Like Kratom, Kanna is made up of different alkaloids and the main ones include Mesembrine and Mesembrenone. Kanna does not have the legal issues that Kratom does, making it one of the best alternatives and is virtually available worldwide.
Forms
Both herbs are similar when it comes to the forms that they offer. Kanna and Kratom come in powder, which is the most popular option among consumers. In addition, you will find these herbs in capsules, tinctures, teas, and extracts. Other products in the market vary but users do prefer Kanna powder and kratom powder over other products.
Types
The offered types are among the most separating points between Kanna and Kratom. Kratom is quite complex, as there are four different vein colors to choose from: red, green, white, and yellow. In addition, Kratom is offered in various strains.
Some examples include Thai, Maeng Da, Malay, Borneo, Dragon, Elephant, and more. Also, the strains can carry over all the vein colors. So, there are endless possibilities when it comes to the different types of Kratom offered on the market. All the kratom strains and vein colors will vary in their alkaloid content and overall support.
Kanna, on the other hand, is less complex. It comes in three different types: regular, heated, and fermented. They all vary in the way they are processed and their potency levels. These processes are all very different, but they will all affect the overall effects you receive from Kanna.
Alkaloids
We mentioned these above, but we want to compare them here. Although they have different alkaloid profiles, both can offer similar effects.
Kratom varies in the alkaloids it offers according to the vein color and strain. However, the two main alkaloids present are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
The way that Kanna is processed will vary the alkaloid content. The main alkaloids in this herb include Mesembrine, Mesembranol, and Mesembrenone.
Legalities
Most lawmakers are concerned about Kratom's two main alkaloids. A few areas within the United States have banned the use of Kratom, including Vermont, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. However, most areas do not ban Kratom itself, but the two main alkaloids.
Kratom has issues across the globe and was banned in the 1940s in Thailand. This is one of the areas where Kratom is prevalent. However, now, Thailand is trying to lift the kratom bans.
Kanna, on the other hand, is readily available and legal. There are no bans on this herb, and some users choose Kanna as an alternative to Kratom because they live in an area where Kratom is banned. So, looking at these two herbs legally couldn’t be the opposite.
However, what Kanna has going for it is that it is not well known. This is probably why the herb lacks legalities; not enough people know about its existence, and scientific studies are lacking.
Where To Buy Them?
Kratom is pretty well known in the United States. You can pick it up from many local shops, including smoke, vape, specialty, and some gas stations. You can also choose to source your Kratom from an online vendor.
Kanna, on the other hand, is a very uncertain herb. It is not well known, so it is doubtful that you will be able to find it in any local shops. Your best bet is to buy Kanna through a reputable online vendor.
Lab Testing
Since the Kanna market is not really well-known, you will likely have difficulty finding a vendor who offers lab testing on their products. This can be risky because there are a lot of counterfeits in the market. So, you must be very cautious and do your homework before buying Kanna.
Kratom is not highly regulated. However, the American Kratom Association is working to establish regulations. They have developed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which addresses lab testing, age restrictions, and fines.
The AKA has implemented GMP regulations to help vendors offer higher-quality Kratom to consumers. To become a member, the vendor must pass a strict third-party test and abide by all GMP regulations, including lab testing.
We are an active member of the American Kratom Association. While the kratom market still has a long way to go, lab testing is in place to help authenticate products. Only buy from vendors who offer lab testing.
The Body
While both herbs lack scientific research, some studies help us understand how they interact with the body. While they provide similar support, both herbs work with different body parts. Kratom is known to work with opioid receptors, while Kanna is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). So, both of these herbs work differently in the body.
A Final Note
We hope that this blog has helped you understand Kanna vs Kratom. Both of these herbs are different but do bear some similarities. Kratom has been famous in the United States for some time, and Kanna products are quickly gaining traction. Check out our shop if you want to try some kratom powder or capsules. Let us know if you have any questions or want to try new kratom strains. Other kratom alternatives include kava, Sakae Naa, blue lotus, Mitragyna Hirsuta, Mitragyna Javanica, and Akuamma.
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