Being aware of Countries Where Absinthe is Legal
There are lots of countries where Absinthe is legal to obtain, 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. In many countries it’s no longer a criminal offense to distill Absinthe or illegal to market it.
Absinthe is a herbal liquor which has an anise taste. It usually is served diluted with iced water, which causes the famous louche effect, and was a well-known beverage during the 19th century. It had been made illegal in several countries at the outset 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 has also been thought to be an hallucinogen.
The medical profession and prohibitionists stated that Absinthe contained large amounts of thujone that they alleged was psychoactive, like THC in the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects seltzerbeverage. We now know that Absinthe only consists of small quantities of thujone and is equally as safe as any strong spirit. It might however offer you a very different form of drunkenness, if consumed in too much. The alcohol and also the unique mixture of herbs combine to behave as both a sedative as well as a stimulant – very strange. Many people have described it as a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe is legal include:-
United States – Absinthe was prohibited in 1912 but in 2007 a couple of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US due to their minimal thujone content. The USA only permits “thujone free” beverages to be sold but Absinthes with less than 10 parts per million 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’s a regulation regarding thujone content in drinks in the EU. Approximately 10mg/kg of thujone is permitted in alcohol exceeding 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe is legal. Bitters could have a thujone content as high as 35mg/kg as well as other beverages can contain as much as 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Brazilian law permits Absinthe of up to 10mg/kg thujone and that it should have lower than 55% abv.
Canada – From March 2007 it has been up to the independent Canadian province liquor boards to manage thujone. Numerous provinces don’t let 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 will be legally sold.
Czech Republic – Absinthe was not ever banned in the Czech Republic.
France – France notoriously suspended Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 permits thujone beverages to be sold if they comply with EU laws and if they are labeled “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” and not Absinthe imp source. France has regulations relating to fenchone which is found in fennel, a vital ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages also need to have low fenchone contents (up to 5mg/liter).
Hungary – Absinthe turned out to be legal in 2004.
Israel – Absinthe appears to be legal and on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe that contains thujone is unlawful to buy and sell but could be imported for personal consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe was made legal in 2004 after being prohibited in 1909. Absinthe must meet EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe is legitimate.
Portugal – Absinthe never was banned.
Russia – Substantial thujone Absinthes (as much as 75mg/kg thujone) can be found in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia doesn’t seem to allow Absinthe made up of thujone or higher 50% abv to be distributed.
South Africa – Absinthe is authorized as of 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation could be sold and is tagged as formulated with wormwood.
Switzerland – The home of Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 right after banning it in 1908.
UK – The UK never banished Absinthe. Absinthe must comply with EU legislation.
As you can see there are many countries where Absinthe is legal and will be enjoyed. You might want to build your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences make a true Absinthe and can be shipped worldwide. They just don’t require distillation, which has been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Have a look.