By Kenneth Berman ( This article first appeared in the American Free Journal Weekly Nov. 19th-25th 2009 Vol. 20 No. 47)
In 2003 I held a small weekend seminar at the Joshua Tree Inn on entheogenics. There were several presenters but I personally lectured on “legal and available plant entheogens”. I had ordered several plants from specialty herb companies. One of the proprietors thought I might find Sceletium of interest, so I ordered some. They had suggested that I insufflate about 100mg. So this is what I did the day I received it. Sometimes we can feel like we are pioneers when we get introduced to an experience that no one we know has had. This is exactly how I felt as soon as I came on. If there was an herbal Ecstasy- then this was it! I was immediately on the phone to several colleagues sharing in my experiential report. The active alkaloid is a powerful Serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, which means it allows more serotonin to be used by the receptors in our brain. It therefore has applications as an anti-depressant but can also cause serotonin deficiency if combined with some prescription and/or non-prescription drugs. It is important therefore that we have some basis of understanding of this entheobotanical if it is to be applied for any purpose.
– Family: Aizoaceae (Ice Plant family)
– Genus: Sceletiumeae
– Species: tortousum
– Common Names: Kanna, Canna, Channa, Kougoed, Sceletium.
– Description: Ice plants are small low lying succulents. They are “leaf succulents” with smooth, thick, pale green, fleshy leaves that resemble small pudgy fingers. These leaves are attached directly to the stalk which is also smooth in texture. The branches spread laterally. Generally it does not exceed 25cm in diameter or height.
– Habitat and distribution: Native only to South Africa in the “Kanna lands”.
Note: It is rare in the wild and most Sceletium is therefore cultivated.
- Active alkaloids: Mesembrine, Mesembrinine and Tortuosamine. All reported to be Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.
- Toxicology classification: Euphorant
- Legality: Unscheduled worldwide (100% legal)
- Traditional application: The Hottentots used the plant for divination and healing and possible communion with “trance animals”.
- Effects: In smaller doses it decreases anxiety and stress, lowers social inhibitions and increases self confidence. In higher doses it can produce a profound euphoria, cathartic opening, empathic receptiveness and a very pronounced feeling of well being.
- Side effects: Although rare, some people may experience; Mild headache, slight nausea, soft stool, insomnia or sedation. Note: I have introduced at least 30 people to Sceletium and only one person felt discomfort because they consumed too much too fast. They recovered completely in less than an hour.
- Contradictions: Because it seriously affects our serotonin levels it CAN NOT be taken with ANY DRUG that also affects serotonin levels. Exp. Most anti-depressants, amphetamines, cocaine, M.D.M.A. (ecstasy) ….and many others. Check with your doctor before mixing any drugs!
- Parts of plant applied: All parts of the plant can be used in the preparation including the root.
- Preparation and dosage: Traditionally the plant is ground, placed into a cloth bag and set out in the sun for approximately one week until the material has fermented. It is then dried and pulverized. One to two grams of the powder is chewed and the saliva is swallowed. The plant material is expelled after the desired results have been attained. It has also traditionally been smoked alone or with Cannabis. Less than half a gram is needed to achieve results. More recently insufflating 100-200mg has been the preferred methodology for mind alteration.
- Contemporary applications: Tablets can be taken to for Anxiety, mood elevation, mild to moderate depression, social phobias and irritability to menopause. It has also been applied in drug addiction therapy and as a supplement to P.T.S.D. support programs.