FAQs

The psychoactive plants in KA! calibrate your brain, allowing it to naturally regulate neurotransmitters and serotonin uptake. KA! is a natural serotonin re-uptake inhibitor AKA it plays bio jazz with your brain to promote happiness, grounded energy, focus, creativity*.

The main psychoactive plant in KA! is kanna, which contains the two alkaloids mesembrine and mesembrenone. Mesembrine is a natural serotonin reuptake inhibitor and is also a natural serotonin releasing agent through the activation of a protein called VMAT2 (Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2) that transports neurotransmitters out of cells. Kanna also activates receptors for GABA, opioids, cholecystokinin and melatonin, thus helping to calm brain activity, decrease anxiety, create a sense of wellbeing, reduce hunger, prevent inflammation in the gut and improve sleep quality. In addition, the mesembrenone in kanna boosts energy use in the body by blocking an enzyme called PDE4 (phosphodiesterase 4). This is the reason why kanna has both the effect of calming while also providing grounded energy at the same time.

The other plant ingredients that are part of the KA! proprietary formulation include snow lotus, acmella and lavender which act synergistically with kanna to enhance its benefits.

The patent-pending KA! Kanna Chews combine Kanna with snow lotus, acmella, and lavender. These botanicals work synergistically to enhance Kanna's therapeutic benefits.

The KA! Kanna Tincture features a carefully crafted blend of Kanna along with sandalwood, acmella, milk thistle, and ginger. Together, these organic ingredients form the best Kanna extract on the market.

KA! contains specific species of Kanna with high alkaloid content that is extracted using a patented process, producing a standardized extract of uniquely high potency.

🌼 KA! Kanna Chews:

The Chews contain whole plant Kanna in addition to kanna extract so you can benefit from the full spectrum of alkaloids, bioflavonoids and essential oils of Kanna.

The Chews use precursor alkaloids to synergistically elevate and prolong the function of the other phytochemicals in our patent-pending formulation. The blend of other plant ingredients in KA! Kanna Chews amplifies the ability for receptors to be activated in sync with Kanna sensorially, biochemically, and through olfactory neuroscience. This natural empathogen engages all of your senses and your entire system, thus enlivening you and giving you a more full spectrum and sustained experience.

They are made via an innovative process that does not use heat so there is no degradation of plant ingredients and their bioactivity. They are also free of sugars, elastomers, artificial sweeteners and preservatives (not even citric acid), and are pH neutral just like your body, making them healthier for you than conventional gummies or edibles.

🌈 KA! Kanna Tincture:

The plant glycerites used in our Kanna Tincture are more potent and bioactive than those found in other products on the market due to our unique extraction process.

Our innovative, patented method produces a highly energized Kanna extract. All of the plant glycerites are hand-crafted in-house. Acmella is included to gently stimulate your salivary glands and help delivery across the mucosal lining. This allows the ingredients to efficiently enter your circulation for maximum effectiveness.

Instead of alcohol, we use glycerin which is kinder to your system. It helps protect your stomach from potential irritation. The tincture has antiemetic properties to be easier on the body and less likely to cause nausea.

Total Primary Alkaloids ≥ 4.5%
Mesembrine Total Content ≥ 2.5%

Alkaloid Profile Mesembrine ≥ 80%
Alkaloid Profile Mesembrenone ≥ 15%
∆ Alkaloid Profile Mesembrenone ≥ 5%

The ingredients in our Chews and Tincture are never grown with herbicides, pesticides or chemical agents of any kind. However, some of our ingredients don’t have official certifications that label them as “organic” based on U.S. Department of Agriculture labeling regulations. Feel a sense of calm knowing our ingredients are sourced in the highest of integrity…it’s one of the aspects that makes KA! Empathogenics so unique (and empathic).

Our empathogenic Chews and Tincture are vegan, gluten-free, corn-free, nut-free, preservative-free and soy-free. Unless you are allergic to any of our listed ingredients, the only surprises here are the ones you feel :)

Never! The Chews and Tincture are 100% natural, 100% life-giving and 0% pharmaceutical.

Yes. No sugar and no carbs. Enjoy freely like our ancestors did.

Clinical studies have shown that Kanna is non-addictive. It is known to be used in South Africa to treat alcoholism. Although considered a “natural MDMA” by some, the effects of Kanna are subtle yet impactful at this dosage, and might even help curb some of your other hedonic cravings. Most importantly, Kanna is neuroprotective, unlike MDMA which is damaging to your nervous system.

Source: NIH

Kanna is a natural empathogen legal in the U.S., with the exception of Louisiana (where other higher-consciousness plants like Damiana and Blue Lotus are also banned). Our other ingredients are fully legal in all 50 states. The botanical empathogenics in our formulations are psychoactive, not psychedelic and have no effect on sobriety level.

A psychoactive is any substance that affects the mind and mental processes, with the ability to change mood and awareness. KA! is a mild psychoactive that lifts the mood and relaxes the mind, body and spirit while offering a solid dose of grounded energy. Although considered somewhat of a natural MDMA alternative, our subtle herbal supplement will never make you feel "high" or affect your sobriety level, and is in fact neuroprotective, unlike MDMA. You'll feel here, feel clear, feel yourself.

On the other end of the spectrum are psychedelics. Psychedelics are hallucinogenic; they alter a person's perception, sense of time, and emotions, while offering a trip to the cosmos. Psychedelics are psychoactive but not all psychoactives are psychedelic. Coffee is a good example of a psychoactive that is not psychedelic.

KA! is made by a team with Phds in biochemistry, molecular biology, expertise in nutraceuticals, herbalism and flavor science. Our team also understands and honors the spiritual and energetic aspects of how to work with sacred plants, having had deep healing experiences with them personally. A patented kanna extraction process ensures consistently high levels of quality and potency. Not only is it important to ensure safety, efficacy and deliciousness, we believe it is very important to also understand how these plants were used by indigenous peoples. This also allows us to integrate their healing wisdom as part of a modern offering.

Our natural empathogenic Kanna Chews and Kanna Tincture are lovingly, scientifically and artisanally handmade in New York.

Yes. Our Chews and Tincture are made with 100% botanicals. The Kanna Chews have acacia gum as the base which is water soluble and actually beneficial to gut health. Feel amazing swallowing KA!, knowing it’s cleansing and healing all the way down!

Yes. In 1998 Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) was added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) vulnerable species due to illegal harvesting an over-poaching in its native lands. Our sandalwood is plantation-grown in Australia by a company that supplies sustainable and full traceable premium sandalwood without the use of growth enhancers, and is a founding signatory of the IFRA-IOFI sustainability charter. 80% of their energy used is derived from a renewable source and they are currently trialing biochar use to further cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their carbon footprint.

Yes. the child-resistant button of the Kanna Chews box is made from compostable material and the paper packaging is fully recyclable. The wax paper is made with water-based inks and FSC certified to confirm it's made with sustainably sourced materials. The packaging tape for the Kanna Tincture is made from rice paper with non-toxic adhesive and printed with soy-based inks. It is both home and commercially compostable. The Biolefin shrink wrap is 100% biodegradable and quickly bio-degrades into food for bacteria and other microorganisms. It does not degrade into micro plastics. Every decision we make is with the earth and its inhabitants in heart and mind.

Press in on the button on the back of the pack with one hand while you pull the bottom sides of the box down with the other.

This is very important to us, as we are honored to share plants discovered by these tribes with the rest of the world.  We source our Kanna from a provider that gives back directly to the Khoisan people, and are actively seeking a partnership of our own with an aligned non-profit.

The language of the South African Khoikhoi and the San incorporates the symbol ! (called an “alveolar”) as a click consonant in the Khoisan alphabet.  The sound of ! is our signature icon for that one-of-a-KA! feeling of aliveness. 

KA has roots in ancient Egypt, India, Japan and Java...much like the worldliness of the ingredients themselves. “KA” translates to life force and vital essence in ancient Egyptian, and it also happens to be a unit of time signaling 1,000 years as well as a unit of electricity — highlighting the healthy, energizing and tingling sensation of a KA! Chew. Plus, it's short for our favorite natural empathogen on earth, Kanna!

For the KA! Kanna Chews: we recommend starting with 1 Chew, especially if you are sensitive, and having no more than 3 Chews per day. Most people feel great with 1 and experience the effects for hours.

For the KA! Kanna Tincture: the recommended dose is 20 drops (1 full dropperful or 2 half dropperfuls) under your tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing. If you are particularly sensitive or just want to take it slow, start by microdosing with 5 drops. You can always take more. Experiment with how many drops your mind, body and spirit call for in different moments. Dose and listen to your body.

You may combine Kanna Chews with the Kanna Tincture for a stronger, all-day effect. First take a Kanna Chew, then boost with ~10 drops of the Kanna Tincture 60+ minutes later, as needed. Do not exceed 40 drops (2 full dropperfuls) after you’ve taken a Kanna Chew.

It's totally safe to consume, but less is more, ya know...feel yourself! Always wait to feel the effects for 60 minutes before deciding to have more. Every body is different, so listen to what yours has to say.

Since everyone’s genetic make-up is unique, finding the optimal Kanna dosage and frequency is a personal journey. We recommend taking KA! Chews or Tincture for a few days at different times and in various settings to feel how your body responds. You might find that you need a little less or a little more than a full dose, making sure to not exceed 3 chews or 60 drops in one day.

Since full benefits unfold with continuous usage, we recommend taking 1 chew or 20 drops daily for a month before pausing for a week to reflect. You can then resume again.

Notice if Kanna seems to influence your perceptions, temperament or how you relate to others. Any shifts will likely be gentle, not jarring or overwhelming. Cultivating curiosity and presence can support a deeper listening to the magical gifts of Kanna. 

Everyone's genetic profile and endocannabinoid system is unique. We all have different numbers of receptors, levels of cannabinoids, and enzymes that react in very specific ways according to our biology. Depending on your biochemistry, it may take 3 to 5 sessions (on different days) of ingesting KA! in order to "prime" your body's receptors to feel the full effect. Also try adjusting the dosage up to no more than 3 Chews or 60 drops of tincture every 24 hours.

That one-of-a-KA! effect is subtle, so don't expect it to come on like a drug would...stay receptive, curious, observant and see what shifts you notice in your consciousness. Try it at different times of the day and be sure to always take on an empty stomach.

If you have taken in the past or are currently taking prescription medications that contain amphetamine salts (examples include Adderall and Ritalin), you'll likely require a higher dose of Kanna to feel the effect. If that is the case, try taking up to 3 Chews or 60 drops at a time to "prime" your system, then you can drop back down to a lower dose after a week or two.

It is also interesting to note that recent research shows one reason serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Kanna may not work for everyone is due to increased inflammation in their body. In this case, this natural empathogen acts on lowering histamine instead of lifting mood. As histamine levels decline, the effectiveness of Kanna increases in helping you feel more alive, connected and better able to navigate everyday stress. Therefore, we recommend taking KA! Kanna Chews and/or KA! Kanna Tincture continuously as a daily supplement to feel the full and lasting effect.

Take on an empty stomach and an open heart. The longer you chew before swallowing the KA! Kanna Chews the more you will feel the effect since the mucosal membrane in your mouth is directly absorbing all the plant goodness before it enters the gut. Same goes for our Tincture, the longer you hold it under your tongue, the more you will feel it. :)

The real answer is: whenever you feel it! Experiment with different times of day and different situations in your life to find what works best for you. Set and setting play an important role as with any psychoactive (i.e. coffee in the morning, not right before bed), so note that your mindset and your physical surroundings will greatly inform your experience.

Try it solo or with a loved one for a heart-opening experience at home or in nature. Any time you want to feel calm, grounded, connected and subtly activated at the same time. Chews your own adventure: 

✨ In the morning on an empty stomach before a busy day or big presentation to help you ground.

✨ Mid-afternoon a few hours after lunch when you need an energetic pick-me-up.

✨ For an added boost of inspired creativity and focus throughout the day.

✨ Instead of having alcohol after work, as Kanna has been referred to as “onse droë drank” (meaning “our dry drink” in certain Khoi-descendent cultures in South Africa).

✨ Before meditation to instantly presence your mind, body and spirit. 

✨ Before bodywork like massage, deep tissue work or fascia-releasing therapies.

✨ With your partner or friends since Kanna eases communication, softens social edges and can enhance intimacy.

✨ With family to enhance mood and increase openness.

✨ With yourself to really feel your feelings and re-establish that sacred relationship with you.

✨ With a group to cohere the shared field.

✨ Before a tough or deep conversation to center you in your feelings and create more empathy for others.

✨ Before solo or team sports. There's a reason indigenous Khoisan would chew on Kanna's roots to sustain and focus their energies during multi-day hunts.

✨ Before yoga to create more body-centered awareness. 

✨ In nature as our plant-powered formula helps you tune more deeply into the natural rhythms of life.

The felt effects of the KA! Chews can last anywhere from 6 to 13 hours in the waking state and even up to 24 hours if the effects extend into a sleep cycle. The effects are more pronounced in the first 3 hours and gradually taper without the feeling of a crash due to Kanna's adaptogenic nature. The felt effects of the KA! Tincture have a quicker and stronger onset than the KA! Chews, and felt effects last around 2 hours or so and taper off faster. Kanna is typically half out of the body within 24 to 27 hours and is 99% eliminated from the body within 2 to 4 days.

Based on the available research, Kanna ingestion is considered safe and well-tolerated for most people. Studies found no adverse effects on liver or kidney function and does not affect blood pressure or heart rate. You can read more about this here, here and here.

Additionally, Kanna has a long history of traditional daily use by the indigenous Khoisan people in southern Africa. Kanna is non habit-forming, non-addictive with no tolerance build-up.

However, scientific research on long-term Kanna use has not yet been conducted and individual experiences can vary. As with anything, it is advisable to pay attention to how your body responds and check with a medical professional if any health concerns arise from regular intake.

The indigenous Khoisan people of South Africa have traditionally used Kanna for long hunts because it helps them stay calm and focused, while also suppressing their hunger and thirst. Kanna and KA! do not impede homeostatic hunger (eating for survival to maintain proper bodily functions). Our natural empathogen Chews are a mild appetite suppressant as they curb hedonic or excessive cravings, but they are not intended for the explicit purpose of weight loss.

Yes! The Chews and Tincture are non-drowsy and non-hallucinogenic. They relax your whole system while helping you focus and lift your mood. Your work might actually prefer you take it ;) Many chew to calm their nerves before a big presentation, or to connect with others more deeply.

Although natural empathogen Chews or drops will help you relax, you’ll want to avoid taking them too close to bedtime since they do have an energizing and activating effect. Though every person is different. Try taking them earlier or lowering the dose if your desire is to wind down before hitting the hay.

Yes. Kanna's ability to inhibit the enzyme PDE4 plays a large role in pain relief, and the alkaloids mesembrine and mesembrenol are known to help with cravings, fatigue, and reduced libido. KA! + cycle syncing = a match made in ovary heaven! What's more is that KA!'s mood enhancing and calming effects indirectly influence the perception of pain, including abdominal pain.

The Chews and Tincture were designed to support overall wellbeing. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, as it is not a drug. None of these statements have been evaluated by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Yes, as our natural empathogen Chews and Tincture (surprisingly) do not contain any sugar.

Avoid KA! products while pregnant or nursing as safe use of Kanna for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers has not yet been studied.

Traditionally, the indigenous Khoisan women of South Africa chewed Kanna during pregnancy to treat nausea, indigestion, and constipation in pregnancy, as well as soothe their aches and pains.

Yes, these empathogenic products are safe for everyone over the age of 18. Elders might particularly appreciate it for its mouth-watering, saliva-activating qualities.

The current version of our Chews are not suitable for use for anyone under the age of 18 as they are potent and formulated for adults. Stay tuned for our next launch, which may include something for the littles...

Yes. Our natural empathogenic Chews and Tincture are friends with other dietary supplements, vitamins, and other natural products.

Although neither psychedelic nor hallucinogenic, Kanna is sometimes taken in plant ceremonies to connect with the heart. While these Chews and Tincture do not contain a ceremonial dose of natural empathogen for journeying purposes, you can still enjoy your own (mild) heart-opening ritual with it. More like a microdose. Hint: enjoy KA! in the time between plant ceremonies to tap into that feeling of oneness. KA! is also a great integration tool to help you ground back into the body and to replenish serotonin post-ceremony.

MDMA (a.k.a. Ecstasy/Molly) is a synthetic drug that produces feelings of euphoria and empathy. This drug is known as a popular rave drug, but it can also be used in a therapeutic setting to treat PTSD and anxiety. Although Kanna is called natural MDMA by some, there are important differences between the two which should not be overlooked. The main similarity is that they both have a euphoric and heart-opening effect, but the similarity ends there. Unlike kanna, MDMA is synthetic and is known to cause negative side effects such as memory problems, depression, and an increased risk of addiction. Kanna is neuro-protective while MDMA damages the neuroreceptor system in the brain. MDMA can also cause hyperthermia, which is a dangerous rise in body temperature that can lead to organ failure.

Do not use any KA! products in conjunction with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRI's) or Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants.

Consult your healthcare provider before use if you have a medical condition or if you are taking any prescription medications.

You may feel synergistic effects while chewing if you consume under 2 alcoholic beverages. However, more than that can have an extremely sedating effect. Therefore, we do not recommend mixing the natural empathogen Chews or Tincture with alcohol. As always, drink responsibly, and know it’s best to enjoy Kanna products on their own to feel the full jazz.

Having caffeine with the Chews or Tincture can enhance its mood-lifting effects to generate an even more energetic and euphoric feeling. Just don’t overdo it.

The Chews and Tincture combine well with cannabis and there are no contraindications. It pacifies the edges sometimes experienced with cannabis to ameliorate any paranoia and provide that smooth-landing feeling.

Mixing Kanna and psilocybin can easily lead to serotonin syndrome, high blood pressure, seizures and fluid imbalances. Both Kanna and psilocybin work on the serotonergic system, so there is a risk of overstimulating the body if you combine psilocybin with Kanna. For your safety, please wait at least 8 hours in between taking psilocybin and Kanna.

Kanna is psychoactive while psilocybin is a hallucinogen, so mixing the two together will affect the efficacy of both substances.

Furthermore, kanna is a sacred plant and psilocybin mushrooms are also sacred medicine. We do not recommend mixing the two at the same time, but instead to take each on its own and to build a relationship with them separately. This allows you to honor each one and discern how they work differently in your body and in your mind.

If you are microdosing psilocybin mushrooms and want to take Kanna, we recommend a combination of 160 to 200 mg maximum of psilocybin + Kanna.

Everyone’s genetic makeup is unique. Some people may be more sensitive to Kanna and experience mild, temporary nausea when first taking a Chew, but it usually subsides within a few minutes. If you feel a wave of nausea, pause, take a deep breath and let it pass knowing it's completely normal and short lived. Odds are, your body will get used to the empathogenic ingredients and you won't feel nauseous when taking KA! regularly. If the nausea persists, take KA! with food instead of on an empty stomach.

If KA! Kanna Chews or Tincture cause drowsiness, the dose was likely too high for you. In that case, we recommend starting with a quarter Chew or 5 drops of Tincture. Slowly increase the amount until you find your ideal dose for maximum enjoyment.

The best way to store your KA! Chews and Tincture is in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.

If you are not planning to enjoy the natural empathogen Chews within the week, keep the box in an airtight bag or container to keep them nice and soft. Because we intentionally do not use any elastomers, sugars or preservatives, the Chews can dry out over time. Even if they do, you can still suck on them and let them dissolve for equal effect.

There’s no need to store the Chews or Tincture in a fridge, although you can if you are in a super hot environment. Just keep it out of extreme heat and away from direct sunlight. You can also refrigerate or freeze the Chews if you want to intentionally harden them—some people like to do this to suck on the Chews instead of chew—Chews your own adventure.

Our Chews and Tincture are loaded with antimicrobial herbs that keep it fresh for many months, without any added preservatives. However, to keep the Chews soft, it's best to keep them in an airtight container or bag. Because we intentionally do not use any elastomers, sugars or preservatives, the Chews can dry out over time. Even if they do, you can still suck on them and let them dissolve for equal effect.

Orders generally ship the same day if placed by 12pm U.S. Central Time, and they ship the next business day if placed after 12pm U.S. Central Time. We do not ship on weekends and national holidays.

Standard U.S. shipping time is 3 to 7 business days. Express shipping time is 2 business days. This is in addition to the above mentioned processing time.

We take great care in making sure packages get shipped to our customers on time. However, once our products leave the fulfillment center they are in the care of third party carriers such as the United States Postal Service(USPS) and we no longer have control.

Yes. Our goal is to provide as many people as possible access to our products; in line with this vision, we ship worldwide. Unfortunately, there are a few countries around the globe that we do not ship to since either local government policies (e.g., embargos) or logistical challenges prevent us from securely, quickly, and reliably sending our products to them.

However, we cannot be responsible for any customs restrictions, duties, taxes or other regulations that may apply in countries outside of the United States. If for any reason your package is seized by customs officials, we unfortunately won’t be able to issue you a refund. If the package is returned to us by customs, you will receive a refund but are still responsible for the shipping charges.

Yes, we ship to the UK & European Union.

The delivery time varies depending on the route/destination. It typically takes 2-5 business days for International Express shipments to arrive. International Standard shipments usually take between 6-14 business days. Note that this time range does not include fulfillment time in the warehouse or any delivery delays due to customs clearance, extreme weather, or pandemic-related conditions.

Duties and taxes are collected on imports and some exports by a country’s customs authorities. A good’s value will usually dictate the import duty, and the duties also can vary by product category. Depending on the context, an import duty may also be known as a customs duty, tariff, or import tariff. The duties are mandatory and must be paid, whether the fees are paid by the shipper or (as typically is the case) by the customer/recipient. Other factors besides the good’s value define the amount of duties to be paid, including trade agreements between countries and specific customs authorities. For example, some countries have minimum thresholds in terms of good’s value below which no duties apply (AKA “de minimis” value)

In addition to duties, many governments levy a tax on imports. Like duties, import taxes are usually a percentage of the good’s value. Also, some countries charge a variety of taxes on the goods imported. For example, Canadian provinces charge a variety of taxes – from a goods and service tax (GST) to a harmonized system tax (HST) to a retail sales tax (RST).

Yes. We use Flavorcloud as our cross-border ecommerce service to make international shipping easy and friction-free. You pay duties and taxes at checkout when you place your order and choose DDP (delivery duties paid). This way, you not only see the total cost upfront before placing the order, but you also won’t have to pay again when the parcel is delivered. DDP also ensures faster customs clearance and predictable, lower landed costs since it is managed by our service provider’s network.  In the case of DDU, you will be asked to pay duties and taxes when the order is delivered to you.

First, we want to let you know that most shipments make it through customs without delays if you chose DDP, as they are part of FlavorCloud's (our cross-border ecommerce service provider's) managed service network. That said, customs authorities review a shipment from time to time, known as formal clearance, and may ask for additional information before the customs authorities clear the shipment for final delivery. If we need additional information from you to get your shipment cleared by customs, we will let you know. Reviews by customs authorities can take as little as a few hours but occasionally last much longer for days or even weeks, depending on the country and their workload at the time.

We stand behind our products and work to ensure our customers have a positive experience all around. In the event that you are dissatisfied with our products for any reason, we will refund your purchase, subject to compliance with these Terms of Sale and Return.

We take great care in making sure packages get shipped to our customers on time. However, once our products leave the fulfillment center they are in the care of third party carriers such as the United States Postal Service or UPS and we no longer have control.

As we all know, sometimes there can be delivery failure and package loss with mail carriers, and successful delivery cannot be guaranteed 100% of the time.

We therefore provide Route package protection at check-out for customers to insure their orders which we highly recommend. In the unfortunate event that packages with Route shipping protection are lost or stolen, customers will be able to file a claim and receive a replacement or refund. By deselecting shipping protection, KA! Empathogenics is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

We would love to hear how KA! makes you feel. Email hi@kaempathogenics.com to give us feedback, make suggestions for what other empathogenic products you would like to see from us, or whatever else is on your heart...