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Countries Where Absinthe Is Not Banned

July 12, 2009

There are a number of 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 differently. In most countries it is not a crime now to distill Absinthe.

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 illegal in many countries at the advent of 20th century due to the presence of chemical thujone found in wormwood. Not only was Absinthe an intoxicant, like all alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and cider, but it was also thought to be an hallucinogen.

Many ddenouncers claimed that Absinthe contained large amounts of thujone which they alleged was psychoactive, like THC in the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects. It has now been an accepted fact that Absinthe only contains small amounts of thujone and is just as safe as any strong spirit. It may however give you a very different type of drunkenness, if consumed in excess. The alcohol and the unique blend of herbs combine to act as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. Some people have described it as a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.

Countries where Absinthe has legal status include:-

United States – Absinthe was banned in 1912 but in 2007 a few brands of Absinthe were approved in the US. 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 was legalized in the EU in 1988. 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 – Absinthe is legal drink. Bitters can have a thujone content of up to 35mg/kg and other beverages can contain up to 10mg/kg.

Brazil – Absinthe is legal that contains up to 10mg/kg thujone and that it should have less than 55% abv.

Canada – From March 2007 it has been up to the separate Canadian province liquor boards. Many provinces do not allow 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 up to 10mg/kg thujone can be legally sold.

Czech Republic – Absinthe was never banned.

France – Banned Absinthe in 1915 after a lot of publicity. 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. France also has guidelines preventing excessive use of fenchone which is found in fennel, a key ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages also have 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 is illegal to buy and sell but can be imported from other countries for personal consumption.

Netherlands – Absinthe was made legal in 2004. Absinthe must meet EU requirements.

New Zealand – Absinthe enjoys legal status.

Portugal – Absinthe was never banned by the law.

Russia – Absinthes with up to 75mg/kg thujone are available in Russian markets.

Serbia – Serbia does not seem to allow Absinthe containing thujone or above 50% abv to be sold.

South Africa – Absinthe is legal as of 2005.

Sweden – Absinthe complying with EU legislation can be sold and is labeled as containing wormwood. The Absinthe kit site is located in Sweden.

Switzerland – The home of Absinthe once again saw Absinthe distributed legally in 2005.

UK – The UK never banned Absinthe. Absinthe must be as per requirements of EU legislation.

As now known there are many countries where Absinthe can be legally enjoyed. You may want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences make a true Absinthe and can be shipped world wide. They do not require distillation, that has already been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Check these out.

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