If you’re into health and wellness, you’ve probably heard of kava. This incredible plant is showing up in tonics, capsules, and other herbal supplements.
As more folks enjoy kava for relaxation, you might wonder if there’s more to the story. Are people really using kava for its potential mind and body benefits? Or are they taking it as a hallucinogen disguised as a supplement?
Well, we’re here to report that there’s no conspiracy. Kava is not a hallucinogen and does not induce hallucinations. So, why do people think that? And what does kava actually do? Let’s take a closer look.
Exploring the Nature of Kava
First things first: What is kava?
The kava kava plant (piper methysticum) is a leafy plant that grows in the South Pacific. People from those areas have long consumed the kava plant’s ground-up roots as part of ceremonies.[1]
If kava isn’t hallucinogenic, why do islanders from the South Pacific consume it in the first place? There are a few reasons:
- Kava use calms the mind – People often take kava as a natural relaxant, as it’s known to help relieve occasional anxiety.[2]
- Kava helps you wind down – As it relaxes you, kava’s effects provide a slight feeling of sleepiness, making it an ideal supplement for people having trouble getting a quality night’s sleep.[1]
- Kava makes it easier to socialize – Kava can provide a “social lift”—perfect for anyone who struggles at large parties or networking events.[1]
Thanks to these beneficial effects, the use of kava has spread far beyond its native islands.
Common Misconceptions About Kava
However, as kava use has spread, the plant has been subject to more and more misconceptions.
Well, the misinformation stops here. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about kava:
- Kava is illegal – Kava is not considered a controlled substance in the US, and it never has been.[3] As such, you can legally use kava in all 50 states.
- Kava consumption is dangerous – When consumed correctly, kava is safe. After all, the plant has been utilized in rituals and ceremonies for hundreds of years.
- Kava is a recreational drug – Although some people enjoy kava for its “social effects,” it’s definitely not a party drug. It would be more accurate to say that kava is an herbal supplement.
Myths and Realities: Is Kava a Hallucinogen?
Of course, the biggest misconception is that kava is a hallucinogen. Some critics assume that because people use kava as part of traditional rituals, it must be a psychedelic drug.
While some cultures do use mind-altering substances in their rituals—ayahuasca ceremonies, for example—kava doesn’t fall under the same category.
Now, here’s where some people get tripped up. While kava is not hallucinogenic, it is psychoactive. There’s an important difference between these two definitions.
Hallucinogenic substances change the way you view the world. When you take a hallucinogen, you might see patterns, motion effects, or figures that aren’t physically in front of you.
Some well-known hallucinogens include:[4]
- LSD (acid)
- Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
- Ketamine
Psychoactive substances, on the other hand, simply affect how the brain works. They alter your mood, your thoughts, or your behavior.[5] Under that definition, kava is psychoactive—and so are caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Ultimately, all hallucinogens are psychoactive, but not all psychoactive substances make you hallucinate.
So, once and for all: Is kava hallucinogenic? No. Is kava psychoactive? Yes. And that’s part of what makes it so beneficial and appealing.
Scientific Evidence of Kava’s Effects
Remember, a psychoactive substance is anything that affects how the brain works. Well, kava has a positive effect on the mind.
Over the years, studies have shown that kava’s effects can help with a range of problems. One trial found that kava could relieve occasional anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).[6] Other studies have suggested that kava consumption could also treat insomnia and nervous disorders.[2]
And kava’s benefits don’t just touch the mind. Another scientific review from 2020 lays out kava’s potential as an anti-inflammatory.[7]
More research is needed, but the preliminary evidence is promising—as are the thousands of positive reviews from kava users.
Legal Status and Safety Considerations
As mentioned, kava is legal. But is it safe?
Yes. As long as you don’t take more than the recommended daily kava dose of 150–400 mg per day, you shouldn’t experience any side effects.[8]
That said, you should be cautious if you have liver problems. Some researchers suspect that kava could impact the liver and cause liver toxicity.[2] While these claims are based on older data, you’re always better safe than sorry. Additionally, there is evidence of kava having some negative drug interactions, so be cautious if you take any medications.[8] Talk with your healthcare provider before taking kava to make sure it’s right for you.
Experiment with Kava and See the Effects for Yourself
Kava is not hallucinogenic, but it is a powerful plant that can help provide social ease and energy boost in a completely natural way.
If you’re looking for a kava supplement that can elevate your mood, and help you focus, you may have just met your match.
Try our feel free kava tonics and capsules to experience the benefits of kava products firsthand. Experience herbal bliss with our feel free collection today.
Sources:
- Botanic Tonics. What is Kava? https://botanictonics.com/pages/kava-101
- Botanic Tonics. Is Kava Legal? https://botanictonics.com/blogs/botanic-secrets/is-kava-legal-botanic-tonics
- Cleveland Clinic. Hallucinogens. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6734-hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-and-pcp
- Mount Sinai. Kava kava. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/kava-kava
- National Cancer Institute. psychoactive substance. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/psychoactive-substance
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23635869/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7600512/
- WebMD. Kava - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-872/kava
About The Author
Jamal Bouie is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Biomedicine at Salus University. Jamal has worked in several industries; he began his career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and transitioned to the cannabis industry, where he specialized in analytical testing and manufacturing, playing a vital role in ensuring product safety and compliance. Now, Jamal has turned his attention to the dietary supplement field, combining his scientific acumen with his passion for health and wellness.
