Alcohol is such a common stimulant that we often don't think at all about whether and how it will affect the supplementation we use. And it happens that the interactions are serious. Even in typically recreational activities, it's a good idea to use common sense, and knowing how alcohol interacts with the supplements you use is very useful. Kanna extract is a rather niche supplement, so when using it, one might wonder, will drinking alcohol be a problem? Let's check!
Can Kanna be combined with alcohol?
The question, despite appearances, is not easy. Due to the relatively low popularity of Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) in our market, information about potential interaction with alcohol is not widespread.
According to current knowledge, there is no indication of a strong negative interaction between Kanna and alcohol. Experts only sensitize that Kanna combined with depressants (including sedatives, but also alcohol) can more strongly induce drowsiness.
Can Kanna be treated as a substitute for alcohol?
The mechanisms of action of alcohol and Kanna are completely different. However, both agents have an effect on well-being, so one might wonder if they are alternatives to each other. Well, Kanna can give a better mood even with a single dose, but it is not as strong a recreational effect as alcohol. Or at least in doses like those in dietary supplements.
There is known information in ethnobotany about the recreational use of Kann. For this, however, much larger doses of powdered raw material were used, and taken intranasally, chewed or smoked. Kanna preparations were used in this way, among other things, in various tribal ceremonies.
There are known reports of attempts to use Kanna as part of addiction therapy, including alcohol. Mood-enhancing effects, reducing anxiety, stress and tension are properties that can reduce the attraction to alcohol and other stimulants.
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