Being familiar with Countries Where Absinthe is Legal
There are several countries where Absinthe is legal to obtain, sell and consume. Gone are the times of bootleg or clandestine Absinthe, when it needed to be distilled in secrecy, shipped from other countries or marked diversely. In most countries it is no longer a crime to distill Absinthe or against the law to sell it.
Absinthe is actually a herbal liquor which has an anise taste. It is usually served diluted with iced water, which then causes the famous louche effect, and was a well-liked beverage during the 19th century myabsinthe. It was made illegal in several countries at the beginning of the twentieth century because of concerns about the chemical thujone present in wormwood. Not only was Absinthe an intoxicant, like every alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and cider, but it was also thought to be an hallucinogen.
The medical profession and prohibitionists claimed that Absinthe contained considerable amounts of thujone that they alleged was psychoactive, like THC from the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects. Now that we know that Absinthe only is made up of small quantities of thujone and is just as safe just like any strong spirit. It might however provide you with a totally different type of drunkenness, if consumed in too much. The alcohol and also the unique blend of herbs combine to behave as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. Some individuals have described it as being a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe is legal comprise:-
United States – Absinthe was prohibited in 1912 but in 2007 a number of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US for their very low thujone content. The USA only allows “thujone free” beverages to be distributed but Absinthes with lower than 10 ppm of thujone (below 10mg per liter) count as thujone free.
The EU (European Union) – Absinthe was legalized within the EU in 1988 but there is a regulation regarding thujone content in drinks in the EU. As much as 10mg/kg of thujone is allowed in alcohol exceeding 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol tagged “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe is legal. Bitters may have a thujone content up to 35mg/kg and other beverages can contain approximately 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’s been up to the separate Canadian province liquor boards to modify thujone. Numerous provinces don’t let 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 legislate that Absinthe with as much as 10mg/kg thujone could be legally sold.
Czech Republic – Absinthe was not ever restricted within the Czech Republic.
France – France notoriously prohibited Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 allows thujone beverages to be sold if they adhere to EU laws and if they are labeled “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” instead of Absinthe. France has regulations regarding 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 legal in 2004.
Israel – Absinthe is apparently legal and also on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe that contains thujone is prohibited to buy and sell but can be brought in for personal consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe was made legal in 2004 after being banned in 1909. Absinthe must fulfill EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe is lawful.
Portugal – Absinthe was not ever prohibited.
Russia – Excessive thujone Absinthes (approximately 75mg/kg thujone) are available in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia does not appear to allow Absinthe made up of thujone or higher 50% abv to be marketed.
South Africa – Absinthe is legitimate at the time of 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation could be sold and is labeled as comprising wormwood.
Switzerland – Home to Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 soon after banning it in 1908.
UK – The UK never prohibited Absinthe. Absinthe must comply with EU legislation.
As you have seen there are lots of countries where Absinthe is legal and can be enjoyed next page. You may want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences come up with a true Absinthe and can be shipped globally. They don’t require distillation, which has been accomplished for you, and tend to be perfectly legal. Try them out.