There are lots of countries where Absinthe is legal to acquire, sell and consume. Gone are the times of bootleg or clandestine Absinthe, when it must be distilled in secrecy, shipped from other countries or marked in another way. Generally in most countries it is no longer a criminal offense to distill Absinthe or against the law to promote it.
Absinthe is actually a herbal liquor which contains an anise taste. It usually is served diluted with iced water, that can cause the famous louche effect, and was a well-known beverage in the 19th century. It was made illegal in many countries at the outset of the twentieth century due to concerns about the chemical thujone present in wormwood. Not only was Absinthe an intoxicant, like several alcohol based drinks including wine, beer and cider, but it was also thought to be an hallucinogen.
The medical profession and prohibitionists believed that Absinthe contained huge amounts of thujone which they alleged was psychoactive, like THC in the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects seltzerbeverage.com. We now know that Absinthe only contains small amounts of thujone and is also equally as safe just like any strong spirit. It could however give you a completely different kind of drunkenness, if consumed in too much. The alcohol and the unique mixture of herbs combine to act as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. Many people have described it as a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe is legal comprise:-
United States – Absinthe was prohibited in 1912 however in 2007 a couple of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US for their low thujone content. The USA only allows “thujone free” beverages to be distributed but Absinthes with lower than 10 ppm of thujone (a lot less than 10mg per liter) count as thujone free.
The EU (European Union) – Absinthe was legalized within the EU in 1988 but there is a regulation concerning thujone content in drinks in the EU. As much as 10mg/kg of thujone is permitted in alcohol exceeding 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol tagged “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe is legal. Bitters could have a thujone content as high as 35mg/kg along with other beverages can contain as much as 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Brazilian law permits Absinthe of up to 10mg/kg thujone and that it must have lower than 55% abv.
Canada – From March 2007 it’s been up to the individual Canadian province liquor boards to modify thujone. Many provinces don’t allow any thujone containing alcohol to be distributed but Absinthe is legal in British Columbia, where there is no limit, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Quebec and Ontario legislate that Absinthe with up to 10mg/kg thujone will be legally sold.
Czech Republic – Absinthe never was prohibited within the Czech Republic.
France – France notoriously prohibited Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 enables thujone beverages to be marketed if they comply with EU laws and if they’re tagged “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” and not Absinthe my blog. France also has regulations regarding fenchone that is present in fennel, an integral ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages also need to have low fenchone contents (approximately 5mg/liter).
Hungary – Absinthe became legal in 2004.
Israel – Absinthe seems to be legal as well as on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe containing thujone is illegal to buy and sell but can be imported for private consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe was made legitimate in 2004 after being suspended in 1909. Absinthe must meet EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe is legal.
Portugal – Absinthe was not ever prohibited.
Russia – High thujone Absinthes (approximately 75mg/kg thujone) are available in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia doesn’t appear to allow Absinthe made up of thujone or above 50% abv to be sold.
South Africa – Absinthe is legal since 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation could be sold and is tagged as containing wormwood.
Switzerland – Home to Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 right after banning it in 1908.
UK – The UK never banned Absinthe. Absinthe must comply with EU legislation.
As you have seen there are numerous countries where Absinthe is legal and will be enjoyed. You might want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences produce a true Absinthe and can be shipped around the world. They do not require distillation, that has already been prepared for you, and are generally perfectly legal. Have a look.