There are a number of countries where Absinthe is legal to buy, sell and consume. Gone are the times of bootleg or clandestine Absinthe, when it had to be distilled in secrecy, shipped from other countries or labeled differently. In most countries it is no longer a crime to distill Absinthe or against the law to sell it.
Absinthe is a herbal liquor which has an anise taste. It is usually served diluted with iced water, which causes the famous louche effect, and was a popular beverage in the 19th century. It was declared as illigal in many countries at the beginning of the 20th century due to suspected neuronal effects of chemical thujone found in wormwood. Besides being an intoxicant Absinthe was also thought to be an hallucinogen.
Absinthe contained large amounts of thujone as per medical professionals of eighteenth century which they alleged was psychoactive, like THC in the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects. We now know that Absinthe only contains small amounts of thujone and is just as safe as any strong spirit. if consumed in excess it might give you entirely different experience. The alcohol and the unique blend of herbs combine to act as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. Some people have described the experience of it as a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe has legal status include:-
United States – Absinthe was made illegal in 1912 however in 2007 a few brands of Absinthe were approved in the US because of their low thujone content. The USA only allows “thujone free” beverages to be sold but Absinthes with less than 10 parts per million of thujone (less than 10mg per liter) count as thujone free.
The EU (European Union) – Absinthe was legalized in the EU in 1988. Up to 10mg/kg of thujone is allowed in alcohol with more than 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe is legal drink. Bitters can have a thujone not more than 35mg/kg and other beverages can contain up to 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Brazilian law allows Absinthe of up to 10mg/kg thujone and that it should have less than 55% abv.
Canada – From March 2007 it is as per discretion of separate Canadian province liquor boards to regulate thujone. Many provinces do not allow any thujone containing alcohol to be sold but Absinthe is legal in British Columbia, where there is no limit, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Quebec and Ontario legislature states that Absinthe containing less that or equal to 10mg/kg thujone can be legally sold.
Czech Republic – Absinthe was always legal.
France – Banned Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 allowed thujone beverage sale and distribution if they are labeled “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” and not Absinthe. France also has regulations regarding fenchone which is found in fennel, an important ingredient of Absinthe, hence beverages also have to have low fenchone contents (up to 5mg/liter).
Hungary – Absinthe is legal.
Israel – Absinthe is legal in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe is illegal to buy and sell but can be imported for personal consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe was made legal in 2004. Absinthe to meet EU requirements is mandatory.
New Zealand – The drink is legal.
Portugal – Absinthe was always allowed.
Russia – It is legal to sell High thujone Absinthes (up to 75mg/kg thujone) in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia does not seem to allow Absinthe containing thujone or above 50% abv to be sold.
South Africa – Absinthe enjoys legal status as of 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe made under EU guidelines can be distributed freely as long as the label denotes wormwood. The Absinthe kit site is located in Sweden.
Switzerland – The home of Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 after banning it in 1908.
UK – The United Kingdom never banned Absinthe. Absinthe must be in accordance with EU legislation.
As now known there are many countries where Absinthe can be legally enjoyed. You may want to make your own absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences are used for making authentic quality Absinthe that is supplied across the globe. They do not require distillation, that has already been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Check these out.
