From stress relief and cognitive support to pain management and improved libido, the potential kanna benefits are multifaceted. But as you look closer, you may start to see some overlap between kanna and THC.
So does kanna have THC? Nope - THC is only found in cannabis, and though kanna sounds like cannabis, it’s a distinct herb with its own unique compounds, known as alkaloids.
We’ll talk more about the differences between kanna vs THC below because these are commonly used for similar purposes. You’ll also learn about the concept of combining kanna and weed for the best of both worlds and whether it’s safe or not.
But if you just want to tap into the therapeutic potential of Kanna, look no further than our expertly crafted formulations here at Tabs. We’ve developed a range of products combining kanna with complementary ingredients to elevate everything from Mood to Sleep and more!
What is Kanna?
Kanna is also known by its botanical name, Sceletium tortuosum. This succulent plant is native to South Africa and has been used for centuries as a natural mood enhancer, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Its main active compounds are mesembrine and mesembrenone, which may act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This means they help your brain make the most of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that impacts mood, cognition, and more.
This is why people use kanna to help support their mental state, manage anxious thoughts, and feel more at ease in social settings. Some report a slight sense of euphoria with kanna, but it pales in comparison to the high of THC, as we’ll explore below.
Others use kanna for cognitive enhancement, as the grounded lift is subtle, clear, and calming. We’ve seen people say they feel more present or talkative when using kanna, while others say they do their best work with kanna as a sidekick.
As far as how to take kanna, though, there are a bunch of forms at your disposal. You’ll find it as capsules, teas, tinctures, powders, even vape blends or nasal snuffs. Each consumption method shapes the onset and feel of kanna.
But, the best way to use kanna is sublingually. Our tabs are placed on the tongue to dissolve so you feel the effects in just minutes - and you can be much more consistent in dosage. We’ll talk more about Tabs later on, but let’s introduce the other half of the kanna vs THC conversation.
What is THC?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s the cannabinoid you think of when associating a “high” with weed. Make no mistake, though, THC also brings its own therapeutic potential to the table beyond the euphoric haze.
But how does it work? Your body has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors, to be specific) that cannabinoids can bind to. This includes THC but also CBD, CBN, HHC, and other cannabinoids.
The specific cannabinoid and the receptor its binding to shape the effects you feel. That’s why some people feel as if cannabis makes them sleepy, while others report feeling uplifted and creative.
Cannabis is incredibly versatile in this regard. Depending on the strain, dose, and your own body chemistry, THC can help you relax, get creative, fall asleep, or just kick back and enjoy the moment.
You’ll find THC in just as many forms as kanna, from flower, vapes, edibles, oils, tinctures, dabs, and more. But the problem is, it’s not legal everywhere. Although the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp nationwide, some states still ban the sale and possession of cannabis.
Further to that point, THC is not for everyone. Maybe you want therapeutic effects but don’t want to feel stoned. If that’s the case, you’re probably better off with kanna, but we’ll get to that in a moment when we compare kanna vs THC. first, does kanna have THC in it?
Does Kanna Have THC?
No, Kanna doesn’t have THC - not even trace amounts. It’s a completely different plant with a completely different set of active compounds:
- Kanna: Alkaloids like mesembrine and mesembrenone
- Cannabis: Cannabinoids like THC and CBD
These compounds work with entirely different systems in the body, be it the ECS or the serotonin system. However, they do share some similarities in the specific effects they produce. That being said, which is right for you between kanna vs THC?
Kanna vs THC: Which is Right For You?
Just as with choosing between kanna and kratom or kava and kanna, there’s really no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether you should incorporate kanna or THC into your self-care ritual.
In this case, it comes down to the specific effects you’re seeking and what you have access to legally in your state. Here are the most relevant factors to consider in choosing between kanna vs THC.
Mental Effects
Both THC and kanna can stir up mental effects. They may feel somewhat similar, but there are subtle differences between the two.
Kanna may give you a calm, clear lift. It's not intoxicating, but you might notice a brighter mood, less tension, and more ease in conversation or social settings. It could help smooth out anxious thoughts without flattening your personality or focus.
THC, on the other hand, is far more intense since it's psychoactive. It can heighten your senses, change how you think, or shift your perspective entirely. Some people love the euphoric buzz, others, not so much.
While there aren’t really any concerning kanna side effects, THC can produce feelings of paranoia, anxiety, and sometimes nausea because of that anxiety/paranoia. You might even feel some sort of physical discomfort when you’re high, which again, is caused by anxiety.
It’s important to note that the specific mental effects you feel with THC will be shaped by the strain you’re using. Sativa strains tend to be more uplifting and may help improve creativity, while indica strains tend to be more about body feel. Speaking of which…
Physical Effects
Indica-heavy THC products can make you feel physically relaxed in a nice way - at least, for some people. Others might feel clumsy or couch-locked. Depending on the dose, you may feel a bit drained or slow after the high fades.
Kanna usually doesn’t weigh your body down. You may feel more alert, coordinated, and functional without the heavy limbs, dry mouth, or munchies that THC is notorious for.
However, a higher kanna dosage could ease your body into a deep state of relaxation, helping you unwind after a long day of work or potentially supporting a better night’s sleep.
Onset, Duration, and Comedown
Both kanna and THC will have different timelines for onset, duration, and comedown based on the dosage you take and how you take it.
For instance, kanna capsules can take around 30-45 minutes, while sublinguals may be felt in minutes. Most people feel the effects for a few hours, and the comedown is smooth with no crash, no lingering haze. Learn more about the kanna half life in our blog.
THC is similar in that oral consumption can take at least 45-60 minutes to take effect, but it’ll linger a long time compared to vaping or smoking. There are also subligunal products with THC that offer a good middle ground.
Legal Accessibility
Here’s where you’ll see a big difference between kanna vs THC: legality and accessibility. Kanna is legal in most places and it’s not classified as a controlled substance. You won’t have to worry about drug testing, either. You can take it without stressing about your job or travel.
That’s certainly not the case for THC because marijuana is so heavily regulated. While those in legal states may be able to buy it at a dispensary, others will have to resort to grey or black market products - and that opens up a whole other can of worms.
There are also risks associated with drug tests at work, even if your state has legalized products containing THC. That’s not to mention the uncertainties surrounding traveling with THC products on your person.
Tolerance, Dependence, and Habit Formation
Kanna doesn’t build tolerance the way THC does, another reason we think it’s the no-brainer choice. You likely won’t find yourself needing to constantly up the dose to get the same effects.
You probably won’t become reliant on it to the point that you feel physical withdrawal symptoms without it, either. You can use it regularly or just when you need a boost - no pressure either way.
Now, the concept of THC dependency is pretty contentious. It’s not addictive in the sense you’ll feel physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it, but you may notice its absence in other areas. If you use it for sleep or appetite, you may have trouble ceasing usage.
You will develop a tolerance to THC if you use it enough, too. While 5mg might get the job done at first you’ll be doubling the dose before you know it. You might find yourself chasing the high, using more just to feel normal.
Is One Really Better Than the Other?
The bottom line is that kanna and THC each have their place, and though there is an overlap, they’re distinct solutions for wellness or self-care.
But if you want a clean mood lift, something to help you feel better without throwing off your day, Kanna is probably the better fit. It supports your mental state without pulling you out of your body or clouding your head.
That being said, should you combine kanna and THC for the best of both worlds?
Should You Combine Kanna and Cannabis?
Some people do bring kanna and cannabis together since they offer similar effects through different mechanisms. The thought is you can amplify those effects by using kanna and weed together. However, this is not the right approach for everyone.
Some users say taking Kanna before cannabis helps mellow out the high. It can soften it, round the edges, and down on anxiety or overthinking. Others find it does the opposite: too much stimulation, especially mentally, and not enough control.
Anyone trying to combine kanna and weed should start with one or the other and get a sense of how it affects them. THEN, you can incorporate the other in a very low dose to see how that changes the experience.
But the truth is, kanna on its own is plenty for most people seeking mental clarity and emotional ease. There’s no need to add THC to the mix when you could keep things simple. Plus, our team here at Tabs has already created synergistic formulations with kanna!
Our sublingual tabs are purposefully designed for specific settings, ranging from sleep to sex and stress management to mood improvement. You just let a tab dissolve on your tongue and enjoy the ride:
- Stress Tabs: Unwind completely and let stress melt away through kanna, theobromine, and L-theanine.
- Sleep Tabs: Get a better night’s rest by tapping into kanna, L-theanine, valerian root, California poppy, saffron, and melatonin.
- Mood Tabs: Feel energized and engage socially with kanna, organic green tea caffeine, and theobromine.
- Sex Chocolate: Make those intimate moments extra special with dark chocolate, kanna, horny goat weed, and maca root.
All our products are made here in the USA from safe, effective ingredients in a controlled environment. They’re backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, too! Order yours today and round out your self-care ritual.
Bringing Our Comparison of Kanna and Weed to a Close
That does it for our comparison of kanna vs THC. Each has its place in boosting mood and providing relaxation, but that’s where the similarities end. Kanna and weed interact through different compounds and thus unique systems in the body, eliciting their own specific effects.
THC can be powerful but heavy-handed, while Kanna gives you a gentler lift - clear, calm, and easy to carry into your day. No high, no haze, just a better baseline. That’s why we recommend you try our kanna products today at Tabs.
Give your brain a breather with the plant that’s got your back, kanna. Shop Tabs now to feel better without the overwhelming buzz or legal concerns of THC!
Disclaimer: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and these statements haven't been evaluated by the FDA.