Kava vs. kratom vs. kanna
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If you're swapping out an evening beer or glass of wine, the real question is how you want to feel. Here's how the three botanicals compare with each other and with the drink you're replacing.
| Kava | Kratom | Kanna | A beer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Pacific root (Piper methysticum) | Southeast Asian leaf (Mitragyna speciosa) | South African succulent (Sceletium tortuosum) | Fermented grain |
| People reach for it to | Unwind at home | Feel bright (white), upbeat (green) or relaxed (red) | Feel lighter and more social | Loosen up, with alcohol |
| Taste | Earthy; canned versions are fruit-and-cream | Bitter tea; canned elixirs are fruit-forward | Tart and fruity in canned form | Malty, bitter |
| Best time | Evening | Any time, by color | Social evenings | Evening |
| Alcohol | 0% | 0% | 0% | ~5% |
| Serving | One can | One can | One can | One bottle |
Kava vs. kratom
They're often mentioned together because both are sold at kava bars, but they're different plants. Kava is a root that people drink to wind down. Kratom is a leaf with a wider range: white and green are brighter, red is closer to kava's evening calm.
Which should you try first?
- Decompressing after work: kava, or a red kratom elixir.
- Out with people: kanna, or a green kratom elixir.
- Earlier in the day, or you want a lift: a white kratom elixir.
- Can't decide: a variety pack is the cheapest way to find out.
Two combinations to avoid: kava with alcohol, and kanna with antidepressants.
A note on "buzz without the booze"
None of these is a one-for-one replacement for alcohol, and you don't drink them in beer-sized quantities. One can is one serving.
Related: Kratom vs. alcohol · Kanna vs. kava · Kava vs. CBD · Alcohol alternatives that give you a buzz