Understanding Kanna Alkaloid Profiles Percentages (and Why It Matters)
photo via @williamcallan
Your guide to choosing the right Kanna extract — especially if you’re buying Kanna in Canada.
Understanding Kanna Alkaloid Profiles: 5% vs 18% Total Alkaloids (and Why It Matters)
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is growing quickly in popularity across Canada as more people discover its unique ability to elevate mood, enhance focus, reduce stress, and support emotional connection — all without being sobriety-altering or a controlled substance.
But as Kanna products become more available, you’ll start to see different alkaloid profiles listed on labels (or maybe not—not all Kanna vendors disclose or even know this information):
3% Total Alkaloids
5% Total Alkaloids
18% Total Alkaloids
etc.
So what does that actually mean? And how does a 5% extract differ from an 18% extract in terms of effects?
This guide breaks it down — simply, clearly, and specifically for people looking to buy Kanna in Canada and choose the right extract for their needs.
What Are Kanna Alkaloids?
Kanna’s effects come from a group of naturally occurring compounds called mesembrine-type alkaloids. These alkaloids interact with serotonin pathways and PDE4 enzymes to create Kanna’s signature effects.
Three major alkaloids found in Sceletium Tortuosum are:
Mesembrine — euphoric, mood-lifting, energizing
Mesembrenone — grounding, anti-stress, calming
Δ7-Mesembrenone — clarity, presence, emotional regulation
Put simply, different ratios of these alkaloids create different felt experiences.
What Does “Total Alkaloid Percentage” Mean?
When you see “5% total alkaloids” or “18% total alkaloids,” this number represents:
The concentration of active Kanna alkaloids in the extract.
Higher percentage = more potent extract per milligram.
Lower percentage = gentler, more introductory experience.
For example:
5% Kanna extract = 50 mg of active alkaloids per 1 g of powder
18% Kanna extract = 180 mg of active alkaloids per 1 g of powder
Going from a 5% to an 18% extract is a 3.7× increase in potency.
This is why Kanna Wellness now offers two different extract strengths — each designed for different needs and use cases.
5% Total Alkaloids: Balanced, Gentle, and Perfect for Daily Use
A 5% extract is considered a balanced, versatile, everyday strength. For most people, it delivers noticeable effects — uplifted mood, calm focus, reduced overwhelm — without being too strong or overwhelming.
Effects of 5% Total Alkaloids
Clean, natural energy
Mental clarity and focus
Motivating uplift without jitteriness
Calm, regulated mood
Reduced stress & emotional heaviness
A 5% TA profile is ideal for:
daily use
replacing or reducing caffeine
long work sessions
subtle social confidence
anxiety-prone users who prefer a gentle extract
Same Alkaloid Profile, But Different Ratios?
At Kanna Wellness, we offer two Kanna extract powders with 5% profile: ENERGY and OPEN. Yet, these two extracts have different felt effects because their alkaloid ratios are completely different.
Think of it like two wines with the same alcohol percentage… but totally different flavour profiles and even felt effects. The type of alkaloids matters just as much as the amount.
Below is a simple breakdown of how the two compare:
What This Means in Real Life
ENERGY (5%) — Designed for Drive & Clarity
With a high mesembrine concentration, ENERGY delivers:
clean, functional energy
a motivated and focused mindset
mood elevation without overstimulation
great support for work, productivity, and daily flow
ENERGY feels like: “I can focus, I can move, I can get things done.”
OPEN (5%) — Designed for Warmth & Connection
OPEN has a higher ratio of mesembrenone and Δ7-mesembrenone. This creates:
soft euphoria
emotional openness
social ease & connection
gentle nervous system relaxation
enhanced creativity
OPEN feels like: “I feel open, warm, expressive, connected, and in my heart.”
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ENERGY if…You want motivation, clarity, and a clean boost in your day.
Choose OPEN if… You want emotional warmth, creativity, and connection — with yourself or others.
Many like to have both on hand: ENERGY for daytime clarity, OPEN for evening creativity, calm or connection.
18% Total Alkaloids: Maximum Potency for Experienced Users
At 18% total alkaloids, ENERGY 18 is currently the most potent Kanna extract available in Canada.
With:
90% Mesembrine → powerful mood lift & energy
5% Mesembrenone
5% Δ7-Mesembrenone
ENERGY 18 is built for strong, fast, long-lasting effects.
Effects of 18% Total Alkaloids
Bright, confident energy
Strong mood elevation
High motivation & clear focus
Sociability & talkativeness
Noticeably deeper Kanna experience
Longer duration
An 18% extract is ideal for:
experienced Kanna users
deep work
social events
night-out alternatives
festivals
boosting low energy days
If you’ve tried Kanna before and thought, “I want something stronger,” this is the one.
How to Choose Between 5% and 18% Kanna Extracts
Ask yourself: What kind of support do I want?
Choose ENERGY (5%) if you want…
a balanced, everyday Kanna
clear focus and clean energy
soft uplift
something beginner-friendly
Choose OPEN (5%) if you want…
warmth, softness, emotional connection
creativity
gentle euphoria
support in social or intimate settings
Choose ENERGY 18 (18%) if you want…
maximum potency
much stronger felt effects
next-level focus
pre-event energy or deep work support
a more noticeable Kanna “peak”
Why Potency & Alkaloid Profiles Matter When Buying Kanna in Canada
Because:
Not all Kanna extracts are created equal
Most store-bought Kanna supplements are table-grade (very low potency)
Many brands do not disclose alkaloid profiles or provide 3rd party lab testing
Potent, transparent, lab-tested extracts help you get real effects
You deserve to know what you're putting in your body
Kanna Wellness products are:
third-party lab tested for potency
ethically sourced in South Africa
high-potency & transparent
shipped Canada-wide
optimized for clear, reliable effects
