Long before kanna appeared on wellness blogs or in apothecaries across the world, it was—and remains—a sacred ally to the Indigenous Khoisan peoples of southern Africa. Known botanically as Sceletium tortuosum, kanna has been revered for centuries as a plant of presence, resilience, and connection.
Today, kanna is emerging in Canada and the US as a legal, plant-based companion for those seeking balance in mind, heart, and spirit. Yet to truly understand its gifts, it is essential to trace its ceremonial lineage—from Khoisan traditions to its modern applications in intentional living.
This article honors that story, offering both history and guidance for those wishing to approach kanna with respect and reverence.
Who Are the Khoisan?
The Khoisan are among the oldest known cultures on earth, with genetic and archaeological records suggesting their lineage stretches back tens of thousands of years. Living primarily in the arid deserts and semi-deserts of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, the Khoisan developed profound ecological knowledge of their landscape.
“Khoisan” is actually an umbrella term for two different groups: the nomadic, hunter-gatherer San or Bushmen, and the Khoekhoen, also known as Hottentots.
Plants were not merely “resources” to them—they were kin, allies, and teachers. In this context, kanna held a special place. It was known as kougoed (“something to chew”) after being fermented and prepared, and was deeply woven into both survival practices and spiritual ceremonies.
We've included a video below where Piet Berendse describes his connection with another South African plant called Gemsbokwortel in his traditional language.
Traditional Uses of Kanna
The Khoisan discovered that kanna eased hunger, thirst, and fatigue during long hunts and migrations. But beyond survival, its deeper gifts were relational and emotional.
Ceremonial and Communal Functions:
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Conflict resolution – Kanna was often shared before important community meetings, where it was said to soften tension and open the heart.
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Bonding rituals – It deepened connection between individuals, promoting empathy and understanding.
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Spiritual presence – Used in ceremony, kanna supported access to states of calm awareness, helping participants drop into presence.
Everyday Functions:
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Chewing kougoed – Prepared leaves and stems were chewed for sustained mood support.
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Fermented snuff or tea – Other preparations allowed for quick absorption, offering clarity during long treks.
In each case, kanna was not viewed as a “drug” but as a sacred plant partner—part of a reciprocal relationship between human and nature.
Colonial Encounter and Cultural Suppression
Like many Indigenous practices, Khoisan traditions with kanna were disrupted during colonization. European settlers in the 1600s noted kanna’s effects, with some records describing its use as a mood enhancer and social tonic. But over time, colonial policies marginalized Indigenous ways of knowing, and the sacred context of kanna was overshadowed by attempts to commodify or dismiss it.
Despite this, kanna’s role endured—quietly carried forward by Khoisan descendants and remembered in oral histories. Today, as global interest in kanna rises, there is an opportunity—and responsibility—to honor the roots of this plant’s wisdom.
From Sacred Medicine to Modern Wellness
In the 20th and 21st centuries, kanna began to attract scientific study and global curiosity. Researchers in South Africa and Europe confirmed its calming, mood-enhancing properties, while wellness communities worldwide recognized its potential as a legal, natural ally.
In Canada, kanna occupies a unique space. It is legal to possess and use, which sets it apart from many other sacred plant medicines. This has allowed brands to share kanna in new forms—powders, extracts, and tinctures—while reconnecting users to its ancient heritage.
Yet with accessibility comes responsibility: kanna should never be approached as just another supplement. To use it well means to engage with intention, respect, and gratitude.
Practicing with Respect in Modern Contexts
So how can spiritual seekers and health-conscious Canadians honor kanna’s lineage in their own practice?
1. Acknowledge the Khoisan lineage.
Take time to learn about the people who first worked with kanna. Acknowledge that this plant comes from a living culture with ongoing struggles for recognition and land rights. If you have made it this far in reading this article then you are doing great!
2. Use with intention.
Before consuming kanna, pause. Set a clear intention—whether it’s calming the nervous system, opening to creativity, or deepening presence. This mirrors how the Khoisan used kanna in both ceremony and daily life.
3. Create ritual.
Rather than consuming casually, make kanna part of a ritual. This could mean lighting a candle, taking a few deep breaths, or journaling before and after your session. Ritual transforms kanna from a product into a practice.
4. Respect the plant.
Approach kanna not as a tool to fix you, but as an ally walking alongside you. Gratitude is key—thank the plant, thank the earth, and thank the communities who have safeguarded this wisdom.
The Future of Kanna in Canada
As interest grows, it is vital that kanna be shared ethically. This means ensuring supply chains respect the environment, support fair labor, and acknowledge Indigenous knowledge.
Here at Kanna Garden, we are committed to ethical sourcing—honoring the Khoisan ceremonial lineage while offering Canadians safe, consistent extracts. By weaving ancient wisdom with modern intentional living, kanna becomes not just a product, but a practice of reconnection.
Sources:
https://www.africanbudgetsafaris.com/blog/african-cultures-the-khoisan-people-plants/