What Is Kanna? A Conversation with the Founder of Ultrakanna

If you've tried any of our signature Sunny products, you've experienced kanna — the South African botanical at the heart of Mary & Jane. Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a natural mood supplement with centuries of traditional use, and it's quickly becoming a favorite alcohol alternative for people who want to feel uplifted and social without the hangover.

But behind every melt is a plant, and behind that plant is a person who has spent years learning it inside and out. We sat down with the founder of Ultrakanna, Roberto Cristobal, to talk about where kanna comes from, what makes a high-quality kanna extract, and why — with this plant — less really is more.

Meet the Founder

Hi Roberto! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Before founding Ultrakanna, I spent my career managing European luxury brands across North and South America. When I discovered kanna, I felt I'd found a plant that was still unknown to most of the world — and I felt called to change that. Introducing kanna to people became a deeply meaningful new chapter in my life. I believe it's a plant that can support the process of raising consciousness.

In 2016, after a period of transition, my wife — who is from South Africa — and I decided to build a company dedicated exclusively to bringing kanna extracts to the world. It's been our life's work ever since.

Where Does Kanna Come From?

For readers who are new to kanna: can you tell us a bit about where kanna comes from and how it's grown and harvested?

Kanna — its botanical name is Sceletium tortuosum — grows naturally in the semi-arid, sun-baked landscapes of the Karoo and Namaqualand regions of South Africa. All of our plants are farmed; we never harvest from the wild. That matters both for protecting kanna's natural habitat and for ensuring consistency in every batch.

What drew you to working with this plant?

I was first introduced to kanna in the United States back in the nineties. I was so impressed by what I experienced that I had to learn more — and at the time, I didn't even know it was a South African plant. That curiosity never left me.

Kanna vs. Zembrin: What Makes Ultrakanna Different?

A lot of kanna products on the market use Zembrin, a standardized extract. How is Ultrakanna different — in terms of sourcing, extraction, or alkaloid profile?

Our extracts contain twenty to thirty times more alkaloids than Zembrin, including meaningful levels of mesembrine — the alkaloid best known for its mood-supporting properties. We source exclusively from farms that follow ethical, renewable practices that respect the environment. Our extraction process is unique to us, and like Zembrin, our extracts are fully standardized — so you know exactly what you're getting, every time.

What Does Kanna Feel Like?

People describe kanna's effects differently depending on the product — some feel calm, some feel uplifted, some feel more social. What is it about our kanna specifically that shapes the way it feels, and what should someone expect?

It all comes down to the alkaloids. Kanna contains three main alkaloids, and the balance between them determines whether an extract feels more uplifting or more relaxing.

The Ultrakanna extract used in Mary & Jane's formulations contains a well-balanced profile of all three, with a higher concentration of mesembrine. What most people notice is a two-phase experience: an energizing, uplifted feeling at first, which settles into a cozy, comfortable second phase — one that makes it easy to feel at ease socially. It's a big part of why so many people reach for kanna as an alcohol alternative.

How Is Kanna Tested for Quality?

Quality and consistency are big concerns with botanicals. How do you test and verify each batch, and what should consumers look for when judging whether a kanna product is high quality?

Every batch we produce is standardized and tested twice — first in our own lab, then by an independent third-party lab. We test for alkaloid content, heavy metals, and microbial contamination.

There's one more step that sets us apart: our extraction process removes all of the oxalates naturally present in the raw plant material. Not every extract manufacturer does this, and oxalates can be harmful to human health. If you're evaluating a kanna product, ask about standardization, third-party testing, and oxalate removal. If a brand can't answer those questions, keep looking.

The Secret Most Kanna Fans Don't Know: Less Is More

You know this plant better than almost anyone — what's something about kanna that most people (even kanna fans) don't know, but should?

When people first try kanna, they often look for a strong, dramatic experience. But those of us who know this plant well will tell you: less is more.

At smaller amounts, kanna works quietly behind the scenes. Many people who take it this way tell us the same story — their friends and family start asking what they're doing differently, because they seem more grounded and more present. That's the real magic of this plant. It doesn't announce itself. It just helps you show up as yourself.

Try Kanna for Yourself

Curious what a natural mood lift feels like? Explore our kanna-powered lineup — clean, intentional formulations designed for feeling better, not getting high. New to kanna? Start with our 1mg Sunny, our cult-favorite melt.