As mentioned above, medium grind may be a better way to start. I would urge you to try a few different kavas until you find one that suits you. From your experience it sounds like it could be heady kava that doesn't agree with you and I am exactly the same. From KWK try Vula Waka, Boronguru or the Samoan. If you are like me then Loa Waka will make you feel really bad and Pouni Ono would need to be drunk in moderation. Above all don't give up after your first experience although I'm sure it's tempting. Most people find that kava does start to work for them in the way they want as soon as they realise that not all kavas have the same effects.
Oh .yes Edward, in our similar experiences of the Pouni Ono, I did have a truly wonderful sessiin one day with zero edge at all- 20 grams Pouni Ono, with 20 grams KS Melo Melo.
It synergized to perfection. No edge of jitter to the Pouni, but a very delightful happy, uplifted mental state and alertness, perfectly temprered by the dozzier, gradual and very caliming/restful effetcs of the MELO Melo, not too sedating.
The Pouni added just the right amount of uplifted, excited, headyness to keep the longer active Melo Melo Kacalactions gentler.
It was like a different cultivar entirely, and my head space was so free, settled, calm hally and relaxed.
Seperately- i just finidhed my 1st ever pound of WoW Kava. For a while it's really wasn't my ideal cup of tea but I have been growing to appreciate it greatly as a perfect balance of theuickly and so pleasutably heavy strains I Aluball to begin with often.
I found a WoW shell or mix can really settle my mind into peace and detachment quickly and pleasurabl, especially after a purely heady karva like M'oi, or bestfijikava AAA Lawena.
Or even Kavafied Tonga, and others..
I saw ypur older comments here on WoW being one of your fave ever Kavas, hence my decision to try it. Im glad I did. I do feel tnat my preference of kavas, or at least preference of balance, has changed and may contimue to do so.
I expect many kava drinkers habe experienced this too.