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.

KA! uses 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.

KA! Kanna Chews 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.

The ingredients in our Chews 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 empathogenicChews are vegan, gluten-free, corn-free, nut-free, preservative-free and soy-free. Unless you are allergic to any of our 6 listed ingredients, the only surprises here are the ones you feel :)

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

Yes. No sugar, no calories, no carbs. Chew on 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 neuro-regenerative, 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 are lovingly, scientifically and artisanally handmade in New York.

Yes. Our chews are made with 100% botanicals and Acacia gum as the base. Acacia gum is water soluble and is actually beneficial to gut health. Chew for as long as you can then feel amazing swallowing it knowing it’s cleansing and healing all the way down!

Yes, the child-resistant button is made from compostable material and the minimal paper packaging is fully recyclable. The wax paper is printed with water-based inks and FSC certified to confirm it's made with sustainably sourced materials. 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!

We recommend starting with 1 empathogenic Chew, especially if you are sensitive, and having no more than 3 Chews per day. Most people feel great with 1 and feel the effects for hours.

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.

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 2 or 3 sessions (on different days) of ingesting KA! in order to "prime" your body's receptors to feel the full effect. 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 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 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.

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 indigenous Khoisan people of South Africa have traditionally used Kanna empathogenic for long hunts because it helps them stay calm and focused, while also suppressing their hunger and thirst. They 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 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 a natural empathogen Chew or two will help you relax, you’ll want to avoid taking it too close to bedtime since it does have an energizing and activating effect. Though every person is different. Try taking it earlier or chewing for a shorter amount of time if your desire is to wind down before hitting the hay.

The Chews 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 (surprisingly) do not contain any sugar or calories.

Avoid KA! products while pregnant or nursing.

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 empathogen Chews 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 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-regenerative 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) or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRI's).

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 with alcohol. As always, drink responsibly, and know it’s best to enjoy the Chews on their own to feel the full jazz.

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

The Chews 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. 

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.

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.

The best way to store your Chews is in their box. Place them in a cool place and always keep them away from extreme heat and direct sunlight.

If you are not planning to enjoy the natural empathogenChews 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 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 are loaded with antimicrobial herbs that keep it fresh for many months, without any added preservatives. However, to keep them chewy and 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.

Yes, we ship internationally to most countries. 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 & EU. To get your order to you, we've partnered with Passport Shipping and they will be the seller for all orders to the UK for orders under £135 and orders to the EU for orders €150 and under.

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 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...