Countries Where Absinthe is Permitted By Law
There are a number of countries where Absinthe can be legally traded. Gone are the times when Absinthe was clandestine, 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. Not only was Absinthe an intoxicant, like all alcohol containing drink, but it was also thought to give hallucination to its users.
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 have evidence that Absinthe contains small amounts of thujone and is equivalent to any other strong spirit. if consumed in excess it might give you entirely different experience. The alcohol when combined with these unique blend of herbs act as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. Many people who used Absinthe have described it as a “clear headed” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe can be legally traded include:-
United States – 2007 saw a few brands of Absinthe being sold in the US because of their low thujone content after a bann of 95 years. 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 got legal status in 1988 but there is a regulation regarding thujone content in drinks in the EU. Up to 10mg/kg of thujone is permitted in alcohol with more than 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.
Australia – It is legal. Bitters can have a thujone not more than 35mg/kg and other beverages can contain up to 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Absinthe enjoys legal status but should not have more than 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. A number of provinces prevent any thujone containing alcohol to be sold but Absinthe is legal in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Quebec and Ontario law permits Absinthe with up to 10mg/kg thujone to be sold legally.
Czech Republic – Absinthe was always allowed for sale and distribution.
France – Banned Absinthe in 1915. French government passed a law in 1988 that allows 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. French government also has strict regulations to regulate fenchone which is found in fennel, and an important constituent of Absinthe, hence beverages should have fenchone less than 5mg/liter.
Hungary – Absinthe got legal status in 2004.
Israel – Apparently Absinthe is legal and on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe can be imported for personal consumption however buying and selling is illegal.
Netherlands – Absinthe received a legal status in 2004. Absinthe should necessarily meet EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe has legal status.
Portugal – Absinthe was never banned.
Russia – High thujone Absinthes (up to 75mg/kg thujone) are available 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 is legal and should be labeled as wormwood. The Absinthe kit site is located in Sweden.
Switzerland – Absinthe was legalised in 2005 after banning it in 1908.
UK – It was never banned Absinthe. Absinthe has to be in compliance with EU legislation.
As you can see there are many countries where Absinthe is legal and can be enjoyed. You may want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences are best for preparation of hight qauality Absinthe and are supplied across the globe. They do not require distillation, that has already been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Check these out.