There are several countries where Absinthe is legal to purchase, 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 marked differently. Generally in most countries it is no longer a criminal offense to distill Absinthe or illegal to promote it.
Absinthe is a herbal liquor which has an anise taste. It is usually served diluted with iced water, that can cause the famous louche effect, and was a well-liked beverage during the 19th century. It was made illegal in many countries at the beginning of the 20th century due to concerns concerning the chemical thujone seen in wormwood. Not just was Absinthe an intoxicant, like all 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 that they alleged was psychoactive, like THC from the drug cannabis, and might cause psychedelic effects. Now that we know that Absinthe only consists of small quantities of www.absinthelegal.com thujone and is also equally as safe as any strong spirit. It might however offer you a totally different form of drunkenness, if consumed in too much. The alcohol and also the unique blend of herbs combine to behave as both a sedative plus a stimulant – very strange. Many people have described it as being a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe is legal include:-
United States – Absinthe was forbidden in 1912 nevertheless in 2007 a number of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US due to their minimal 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 within the EU in 1988 however, there is a regulation regarding thujone content in drinks in the EU. Approximately 10mg/kg of thujone is authorized in alcohol exceeding 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe is legal. Bitters can have a thujone content up to 35mg/kg and other beverages can contain approximately 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Brazilian law enables Absinthe up to 10mg/kg thujone and that it ought to have below 55% abv.
Canada – From March 2007 it’s been up to the individual Canadian province liquor boards to manage thujone. A lot of provinces don’t allow any thujone containing alcohol to be sold but Absinthe is legal in British Columbia, where there’s no limit, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Quebec and Ontario legislate that Absinthe with up to 10mg/kg thujone could be legally sold.
Czech Republic – Absinthe never was suspended in the Czech Republic.
France – France famously banned Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 allows thujone beverages to be marketed if they comply with EU laws and if they are tagged “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” and not Absinthe. France has regulations relating to fenchone which is present in fennel, an integral ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages must also have low fenchone contents (as much as 5mg/liter).
Hungary – Absinthe turned legal in 2004.
Israel – Absinthe appears to be legal and also on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe that contains thujone is illegal to buy and sell but can be brought in for private consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe was made legitimate in 2004 after being prohibited in 1909. Absinthe must fulfill EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe is legitimate.
Portugal – Absinthe never was banned.
Russia – High thujone Absinthes (up to 75mg/kg thujone) are available in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia does not appear to allow Absinthe that contains thujone or higher 50% abv to be marketed.
South Africa – Absinthe is legitimate as of 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation can be sold and is labeled as containing wormwood.
Switzerland – The home of Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 soon after banning it in 1908.
UK – The UK never banished Absinthe. Absinthe must comply with EU legislation.
As you can see there are numerous countries where Absinthe is legal and can be enjoyed. You might like to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences make a true Absinthe and can be shipped around the world. They just don’t require distillation, which has already been prepared for you, and so are perfectly legal. Check them out.