Knowing Countries Where Absinthe is Legal

There are many countries where Absinthe is legal to purchase, 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 marked differently. In most countries it’s no longer a crime to distill Absinthe or illegal to sell it.

Absinthe is a herbal liquor which contains an anise taste. It is usually served diluted with iced water, which then causes the famous louche effect, and was a popular beverage in the nineteenth century myabsinthe. It was made illegal in many countries at the start of the twentieth century as a result of concerns about the chemical thujone present in wormwood. Not merely was Absinthe an intoxicant, like every alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and cider, but it was also considered to be an hallucinogen.

The medical profession and prohibitionists believed that Absinthe contained large amounts of thujone which they alleged was psychoactive, like THC from the drug cannabis, and may cause psychedelic effects. Now that we know that Absinthe only consists of small amounts of thujone and is equally as safe just like any strong spirit. It might however offer you a very different form of drunkenness, if consumed excessively. The alcohol and also the unique blend of herbs combine to act 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 forbidden in 1912 but in 2007 a number of brands of Absinthe were approved in the US due to their minimal thujone content. The USA only permits “thujone free” beverages to be marketed 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. Approximately 10mg/kg of thujone is authorized in alcohol with over 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.

Australia – Absinthe is legal. Bitters can have a thujone content up to 35mg/kg along with other beverages can contain as much as 10mg/kg.

Brazil – Brazilian law permits Absinthe up to 10mg/kg thujone and that it must have under 55% abv.

Canada – From March 2007 it has been up to the separate Canadian province liquor boards to modify thujone. Numerous provinces don’t 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 was not ever suspended in the Czech Republic.

France – France notoriously banned Absinthe in 1915. French law of 1988 enables thujone beverages to be marketed if they abide by 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 found in fennel, an integral ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages also have to have low fenchone contents (up to 5mg/liter).

Hungary – Absinthe became legal in 2004.

Israel – Absinthe seems to be legal and also 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 legitimate in 2004 after being suspended in 1909. Absinthe must meet EU requirements.

New Zealand – Absinthe is authorized.

Portugal – Absinthe was not ever suspended.

Russia – Substantial thujone Absinthes (up to 75mg/kg thujone) can be found in Russia.

Serbia – Serbia doesn’t seem to allow Absinthe containing thujone or over 50% abv to be marketed.

South Africa – Absinthe is authorized by 2005.

Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation may be sold and is tagged as formulated with wormwood.

Switzerland – The home of Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 soon after banning it in 1908.

UK – The UK never restricted Absinthe. Absinthe must comply with EU legislation.

As you have seen there are many countries where Absinthe is legal and can be enjoyed more bonuses. You might like to create your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences make a true Absinthe and can be shipped globally. They do not require distillation, which has been prepared for you, and so are perfectly legal. Try them out.

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