Is Kanna Legal? A Country-by-Country Guide to Sceletium Tortuosum

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Kanna plant leaves highlighting global legal status of Sceletium tortuosum in different countries

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is legal in most countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. However, regulations vary by region, and a few countries have imposed restrictions. Always check local laws before purchasing or traveling with kanna.

If you’ve stumbled across kanna recently, you’re not alone. This South African succulent has been quietly gaining traction in wellness circles, praised for its mood-lifting and stress-relieving properties. But as with many herbal supplements that cross international borders, a common question follows closely behind: is kanna actually legal?

The short answer is yes—in most places. The longer answer, as tends to be the case with botanical supplements, is a little more nuanced. Regulatory frameworks differ from country to country, and in some jurisdictions, specific alkaloids found in kanna fall under controlled substance laws. Understanding where you stand legally is important, whether you’re a curious consumer or a business looking to sell kanna-based products. This guide breaks down the legal status of kanna across key regions, explains why some countries treat it differently, and covers what to look for when buying kanna supplements.

What Is Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum)?

Kanna is a succulent plant native to South Africa, where it has been used by the San and Khoikhoi peoples for centuries. Traditionally chewed, smoked, or brewed into tea, kanna was used to reduce hunger, relieve stress, and elevate mood during long hunts or periods of hardship.

The plant’s active compounds—primarily mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol—interact with serotonin transporters and PDE4 enzymes in the brain. This dual mechanism is thought to produce kanna’s characteristic calming, mood-enhancing effects without the sedation associated with many pharmaceutical alternatives. Today, kanna appears in capsules, tinctures, teas, and sublingual drops, marketed broadly as a natural mood support supplement.

Kanna is legal in the United States. Sceletium tortuosum is not listed as a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, which means it can be legally purchased, sold, and consumed across all 50 states.

In the US, kanna is typically sold as a dietary supplement and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Under this framework, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe, but kanna does not require pre-market approval.

One patented extract of kanna—called Zembrin®—has been the subject of several clinical studies and is widely used in commercially available supplements. Its legal status is firmly established in the US market.

Kanna is legal in the United Kingdom. Sceletium tortuosum and its alkaloids are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, nor do they fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, which targets substances that produce psychoactive effects and have no recognized medicinal or other legitimate use. Kanna supplements can be purchased from UK-based retailers and online stores without restriction. That said, sellers must comply with UK food supplement regulations, which govern labeling, safety claims, and ingredient standards.

Kanna occupies a legal grey area in Canada. Sceletium tortuosum itself is not a scheduled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, Health Canada regulates natural health products (NHPs) under the Natural Health Products Regulations, and kanna does not currently have an approved Natural Product Number (NPN).

This means kanna products sold in Canada must comply with Health Canada’s licensing requirements to be marketed legally as a health supplement. Products without an NPN may be sold in limited contexts, but the regulatory path for commercial sale can be complicated. Consumers can generally purchase kanna for personal use without issue, but businesses operating in Canada should seek regulatory guidance before launching kanna products.

Australia takes a more cautious approach to kanna. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates supplements, and Sceletium tortuosum extracts have faced scrutiny due to concerns about mesembrine’s pharmacological activity.

As of the time of writing, kanna is not explicitly scheduled as a prohibited substance in Australia, but some kanna alkaloids may be subject to review. Importing kanna-based products into Australia may attract attention from border authorities, and product registration may be required for commercial sale. Travelers and consumers should check the TGA’s current scheduling status before purchasing or importing kanna supplements.

Countries Where Kanna Faces Restrictions

While kanna is broadly legal, a small number of countries have imposed restrictions:

  • Romania: Sceletium tortuosum is listed as a prohibited plant under Romanian law, making kanna illegal to sell or possess.
  • Russia: Kanna is not widely available and its legal status is unclear; erring on the side of caution is advisable.
  • Some EU member states: Although kanna is not controlled at the EU level, individual countries may have national regulations that apply. Checking local laws before importing kanna into any EU country is recommended.

If you plan to travel internationally with kanna supplements, research the rules of your destination country in advance. Customs regulations vary considerably, and even legal supplements can face seizure at borders in certain jurisdictions.

What Should You Look for When Buying Kanna Supplements?

Legal status is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re planning to try kanna, quality matters just as much as compliance. Here’s what to prioritize:

  • Standardized extracts: Look for products that specify the alkaloid content, such as Zembrin® (standardized to 0.35–0.45% mesembrine). Standardization ensures consistency across batches.
  • Third-party testing: Reputable kanna suppliers provide certificates of analysis (COAs) from independent laboratories, confirming purity and potency.
  • Transparent labeling: Avoid products with vague ingredient descriptions. The label should clearly identify the plant species (Sceletium tortuosum) and the part of the plant used.
  • Country of origin: Kanna grown and processed in South Africa under good agricultural practices (GAP) tends to be of higher quality.

Kanna is legal in the vast majority of countries, including the US, UK, and most of Europe. Its long history of traditional use, combined with a growing body of clinical research, has helped establish kanna as a credible option in the natural wellness space. That said, regulatory landscapes shift, and a handful of countries do impose restrictions. Before purchasing or traveling with kanna, take a few minutes to verify the current rules in your jurisdiction. For most people, kanna is a fully accessible supplement—one with an interesting history and a promising profile for those exploring natural approaches to stress and mood support.

Is kanna a controlled substance?

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is not a controlled substance in the United States, United Kingdom, or most other countries. It is not listed under major international drug control treaties, making it widely accessible as a dietary or herbal supplement.

Can kanna get you high?

Kanna produces mild mood-enhancing and anxiolytic effects at typical doses, but kanna is not considered a recreational drug. Higher doses may produce more pronounced euphoria, but kanna does not cause intoxication in the way that controlled substances do.

Is it legal to import kanna?

Importing kanna is legal in most countries, including the US and UK. Australia requires more caution due to TGA regulations. Romania and a small number of other countries prohibit kanna entirely. Always check destination country laws before importing.

What is the difference between kanna and Zembrin®?

Zembrin® is a patented, clinically studied extract of Sceletium tortuosum standardized to a specific alkaloid concentration. Kanna is the broader term for the plant and its various preparations. Both refer to the same base plant, but Zembrin® offers more consistency and has more clinical evidence supporting its safety and efficacy.

Is kanna safe to use daily?

Research suggests kanna is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Clinical studies on Zembrin® have found no significant adverse effects at doses of 25mg daily. However, individuals taking SSRIs or other serotonergic medications should consult a healthcare provider before using kanna, due to the risk of serotonin interaction.