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 had to be distilled in secrecy, shipped from other countries or labeled differently. In many countries it’s no longer a criminal offense to distill Absinthe or against the law to sell it.
Absinthe is actually a herbal liquor which contains an anise taste. It is usually served diluted with iced water, that can cause the famous louche effect, and was a well-liked beverage in the 19th century my absinthe. It was made illegal in several countries at the outset of the twentieth century due to concerns concerning the chemical thujone seen in wormwood. Not only was Absinthe an intoxicant, like every alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and cider, but it has also been considered to be an hallucinogen.
The medical profession and prohibitionists claimed that Absinthe contained considerable amounts of thujone that they alleged was psychoactive, like THC in the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects. We now know that Absinthe only is made up of small amounts of thujone and is equally as safe as any strong spirit. It might however offer you a totally different type of drunkenness, if consumed in too much. The alcohol and also the unique combination of herbs combine to behave as both a sedative plus 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 restricted in 1912 nevertheless in 2007 a couple of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US because of their minimal thujone content. The USA only permits “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 in the EU in 1988 but there is a regulation relating to thujone content in drinks in the EU. As much as 10mg/kg of thujone is allowed in alcohol with over 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol tagged “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe is legal. Bitters can have a thujone content up to 35mg/kg along with other beverages can contain up to 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Brazilian law allows Absinthe of up to 10mg/kg thujone and that it must have lower than 55% abv.
Canada – From March 2007 it has been up to the independent Canadian province liquor boards to manage thujone. Many provinces don’t let any thujone containing alcohol to be distributed but Absinthe is legal in British Columbia, where there is certainly no limit, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Quebec and Ontario legislate that Absinthe with as much as 10mg/kg thujone will be legally sold.
Czech Republic – Absinthe was never prohibited within the Czech Republic.
France – France famously restricted Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 enables thujone beverages to be marketed if they comply with EU laws and if they are really tagged “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” and not Absinthe. France has also regulations relating to fenchone which is present in fennel, a key ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages must also have low fenchone contents (approximately 5mg/liter).
Hungary – Absinthe turned out to be legal in 2004.
Israel – Absinthe seems to be legal and on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe which contains thujone is unlawful to buy and sell but can be brought in for personal consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe was made legal in 2004 after being restricted in 1909. Absinthe must fulfill EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe is legal.
Portugal – Absinthe was not ever prohibited.
Russia – High thujone Absinthes (approximately 75mg/kg thujone) can be bought in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia does not seem to allow Absinthe that contains thujone or higher 50% abv to be marketed.
South Africa – Absinthe is legal as of 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation might be sold and is labeled as formulated with wormwood.
Switzerland – Home to Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 right after banning it in 1908.
UK – The UK never banned Absinthe. Absinthe must conform to EU legislation.
Essentially there are lots of countries where Absinthe is legal and will be enjoyed yoururl.com. You might want to build your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences make a true Absinthe and might be shipped worldwide. They do not require distillation, that has already been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Have a look.