Kanna. MDMA. One comes from a plant and one comes from a lab. Vice has even gone as far as calling kanna “like natural MDMA.” How do these two compounds compare and is kanna a good natural alternative to MDMA? Take a closer look at how kanna differs from MDMA, how kanna effects are similar to MDMA, and more.
First, What Is Kanna?
Kanna, scientifically known as sceletium tortuosum is a South African plant that has been used for centuries for its uplifting and therapeutic effects. Natives from the area often chewed, snuffed, or smoked the plant to take advantage of its effects.
Today, kanna is available in more modern consumption vehicles including capsules and even disposable vapes. For example, Party Brands offers Party Kaps, which are our kanna plus caffeine capsules, and Party Brands, which are our high potency kanna disposables.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug, which is actually referred to as an amphetamine derivative. MDMA, often referred to as "molly" or "ecstasy," is classified as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Unlike kanna, MDMA is considered illegal in the United States and has been deemed a Schedule I substance since 1985.
Kanna Effects vs MDMA Effects
Kanna offers psychotropic effects due to the alkaloids found in the plant, which include tortuosamine and mesembrine. Mostly, kanna offers noteworthy mood-elevating experiences. Most people report feeling a little happier, more relaxed, less anxious, and possibly a bit more focused and socially connected. These anecdotal reports are starting to garner scientific traction, however. Kanna has been shown to potentially help with anxiety in some studies and has even been examined for its value as a cognitive-function enhancement agent.
The MDMA effects are far more intense. MDMA also offers euphoric, mood-enhancing effects, but it is extremely energizing. Like kanna, MDMA is said to create a sense of empathy and connection in social situations, possibly even elevating the senses. Nevertheless, there can be distorted senses of perception and time with MDMA consumption, as well as a long list of undesirable side effects. MDMA can lead to:
- Confusion
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- Muscle tension
- Sweating and chills
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Because MDMA is illegal, there is also a major problem with people taking what they believe to be MDMA, but is actually some other drug like methamphetamine. This further elevates the risks of using MDMA.
Kanna vs MDMA: How Both Work
MDMA delivers its effects by acting on the chemical messengers in the brain like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Basically, like most stimulants, MDMA forces the brain to create more feel-good chemicals.
By contrast, kanna effects come about by affecting serotonin transporters. In short, kanna keeps the serotonin the brain produces around longer, which is how many anti-depressants work. Additionally, kanna is thought to affect the cannabinoid receptors in the human body. So, while both MDMA and kanna offer certain feelings of happiness, the two couldn't be more different in their mechanisms of action.
The Potential Benefits of Kanna vs MDMA
MDMA has long been known as a "party drug" because of its quick deliverance of high energy and ability to keep you feeling euphoric and awake. However, the benefits of MDMA are pretty much non-existent scientifically because the drug comes with so many negative risks. A few studies have looked at MDMA to help with things like depression or social anxiety related to autism. So far, there has not been enough conclusive evidence to suggest MDMA is a viable option for therapeutic benefits.
Kanna, on the other hand, does offer several benefits without the long list of dangerous side effects. For example, individuals can use kanna for a milder boost of euphoric energy or even to target pain without it disrupting sleep, generating paranoia, or leading to hallucinations.
Is Kanna Safer than MDMA?
By all accounts, kanna is a safer option than MDMA. Kanna is considered to be relatively safe when it is from a reputable company and is used responsibly. Overdosing on kanna is pretty much unheard of as well, and even if you did take an astounding amount of a kanna supplement, you will likely only experience nausea or vomiting. Kanna should not be mixed with certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants.
MDMA can be especially dangerous due to its side effects, high potential for abuse, and questionable makeup when purchased illegally. You can get addicted to MDMA, and some individuals can be especially at risk for severe or even fatal side effects. For instance, individuals with heart problems could be at risk because MDMA quickens heart rate and elevates blood pressure.
Trust a Reputable Source for a Positive Kanna Experience
All things considered, kanna and MDMA do offer some somewhat similar effects, but the two are also very different. If you would like to try kanna as a natural alternative to MDMA, be sure to only purchase from a trusted brand like Party Brands.
Party Brands offers a great selection of kanna-powered products including Party Kaps (Kanna + Caffeine Capsules) and Party Bars (Kanna Vape Disposables). All Party Brands products are crafted using the highest level of manufacturing standards and are third-party lab-tested for potency and purity.
Whether you’re planning a night out with friends and wanna bring out your inner party animal or are looking for an extra boost of confidence and energy to get you through your day, Party Brands products were made for you!
Explore our full selection of kanna-powered social stimulants and get ready to get your party on!
