Understanding 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 labeled in another way. In many countries it is no longer a crime 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, that can cause the famous louche effect, and was a popular beverage in the nineteenth century myabsinthe. It was made illegal in lots of countries at the start of the 20th century as a result of concerns concerning the chemical thujone found in wormwood. Not merely was Absinthe an intoxicant, like every alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and cider, but it has also been regarded as an hallucinogen.
The medical profession and prohibitionists claimed 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 amounts of thujone and is also just as safe as any strong spirit. It might however give you a completely different kind of drunkenness, if consumed excessively. The alcohol and the unique blend 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 comprise:-
United States – Absinthe was forbidden in 1912 but in 2007 a number of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US because of their minimal thujone content. The USA only allows “thujone free” beverages to be sold but Absinthes with fewer 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 within the EU in 1988 but there’s a regulation concerning thujone content in drinks in the EU. As much as 10mg/kg of thujone is authorized in alcohol with more than 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe is legal. Bitters may have a thujone content as high as 35mg/kg along with other beverages can contain up to 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Brazilian law enables 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 separate Canadian province liquor boards to manage thujone. Many provinces do not allow 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 can be legally sold.
Czech Republic – Absinthe wasn’t prohibited within the Czech Republic.
France – France notoriously restricted Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 enables thujone beverages to be marketed if they comply with EU laws and if they’re labeled “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” instead of Absinthe. France also has regulations concerning fenchone which is seen in fennel, a key ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages also need to have low fenchone contents (up to 5mg/liter).
Hungary – Absinthe became legal in 2004.
Israel – Absinthe appears to be legal and on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe which contains thujone is illegal to buy and sell but can be imported for private consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe was made legal in 2004 after being restricted in 1909. Absinthe must meet EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe is legal.
Portugal – Absinthe was not ever restricted.
Russia – Excessive thujone Absinthes (up to 75mg/kg thujone) are available in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia does not seem to allow Absinthe that contains thujone or over 50% abv to be distributed.
South Africa – Absinthe is legal as of 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation may be sold and is marked as containing wormwood.
Switzerland – The house of Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 soon 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 may be enjoyed get more information. You might want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences make a true Absinthe and can be shipped worldwide. They do not require distillation, that has already been prepared for you, and are generally perfectly legal. Have a look.