Kanna and alcohol: can you mix them?
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Don't mix them. Kanna drinks are made to replace a drink, not to go alongside one, and the simple rule is to pick kanna or alcohol for the night, not both. Here's why, and how to use kanna as the swap instead.
Why not mix kanna and alcohol?
Both change how you feel, so together they stack, and that makes it harder to judge where you are. There's also very little research on combining them. Kanna's alkaloids, mainly mesembrine, are thought to act on serotonin pathways, which is why the antidepressant warning exists. With that much unknown, keeping them on separate nights is the sensible call. The "How to drink it" advice in the what is kanna guide says the same thing.
Kanna instead of alcohol
This is where kanna fits. People describe it as lighter and chattier than kava, closer to the first glass of wine at a party than to a nightcap, which is why kanna drinks are sold as social drinks.
| Kanna can | Glass of wine | |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | None | Yes |
| How people describe it | Lighter mood, easier conversation | Loosened up, then heavier as the night goes |
| Serving | One can | One glass, often refilled |
| Driving after | No | No |
| Best for | Parties, dinners, game nights | The same nights |
How to swap a drink for kanna
- Pick the night. Social plans are where kanna fits best.
- Make it look like a drink. Pour it over ice in a real glass, or turn it into one of these kanna mocktails.
- One can, then wait. Give it 30 to 45 minutes before deciding how you feel.
- If you've already been drinking, skip it. Save the can for another night.
Botanical Brewing Co.'s Kanna Pomegranate Fusion is one of the few ready-to-drink kanna cans: sparkling, raspberry and pomegranate, and made for exactly this swap.
What about kava?
Kava has the same rule: don't mix it with alcohol. If you want something for winding down rather than socializing, kava and alcohol covers that side.
Who should skip kanna
Never combine kanna with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonergic medications. Skip it if you're pregnant or nursing, and check with your doctor if you take any daily medication. Don't drive after drinking it.
Related: Kanna drinks: which to try · Kanna vs. kava · Can you mix kava and alcohol? · Alcohol alternatives that give you a buzz