There are many countries where Absinthe is legal to buy, 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 labeled diversely. In many countries it is no longer a criminal offense to distill Absinthe or illegal to market it.
Absinthe is 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 nineteenth century my absinthe. It was made illegal in several countries at the beginning of the twentieth century due to concerns about the chemical thujone found in wormwood. Not only was Absinthe an intoxicant, like several alcohol based drinks including wine, beer and cider, but it was also 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 contains small quantities of thujone and is also equally as safe as any strong spirit. It might however provide you with a completely different form of drunkenness, if consumed excessively. The alcohol and also the unique combination of herbs combine to act as both a sedative plus a stimulant - very strange. Some individuals have described it as a "lucid" or "clear headed" drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe is legal consist of:-
United States - Absinthe was restricted in 1912 however in 2007 a number of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US due to their low thujone content. The USA only allows "thujone free" beverages to be distributed but Absinthes with less than 10 ppm 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 however, there is a regulation regarding thujone content in drinks in the EU. As much as 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 may have a thujone content up to 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 ought to have lower than 55% abv.
Canada - From March 2007 it has been up to the independent Canadian province liquor boards to control thujone. A lot of provinces do not allow any thujone containing alcohol to be distributed 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 never restricted in the Czech Republic.
France - France famously restricted Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 enables thujone beverages to be marketed if they comply with EU laws and if they are really labeled "spiritueux à base de plantes d'absinthe" instead of Absinthe. France has also regulations concerning fenchone that's found in fennel, a vital ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages must also have low fenchone contents (as much as 5mg/liter).
Hungary - Absinthe became legal in 2004.
Israel - Absinthe is apparently legal and also on sale in Israel.
Ireland - Absinthe which contains thujone is prohibited to buy and sell but could be shipped in for personal consumption.
Netherlands - Absinthe was made legitimate in 2004 after being suspended in 1909. Absinthe must meet EU requirements.
New Zealand - Absinthe is legal.
Portugal - Absinthe never was prohibited.
Russia - Substantial thujone Absinthes (approximately 75mg/kg thujone) are available in Russia.
Serbia - Serbia does not seem to allow Absinthe made up of thujone or over 50% abv to be distributed.
South Africa - Absinthe is legitimate by 2005.
Sweden - Absinthe complying with EU legislation may be sold and is marked as formulated with wormwood.
Switzerland - The home of Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 right after banning it in 1908.
UK - The UK never banned Absinthe. Absinthe must adhere to EU legislation.
As you have seen there are many countries where Absinthe is legal and can be enjoyed more helpful hints. You may want to build your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences come up with a true Absinthe and can be shipped worldwide. They just don't require distillation, which has already been accomplished for you, and tend to be perfectly legal. Have a look.
