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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 no longer a crime to distill Absinthe or against the law to sell it.

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 made illegal in many countries at the beginning of the 20th century because of concerns about the 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.

Absinthe contained large amounts of thujone as per medical professionals of eighteenth century 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 distinct kind of drunkenness, if consumed in excess. The alcohol when combined with these unique blend of herbs act as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. A number of people described it as a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.

Absinthe is legal in the following countries :-

United States – Absinthe was made illegal in 1912 however in 2007 a few brands of Absinthe were approved in the US because of their low thujone content. 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 but there is a regulation regarding thujone content in drinks in the EU. Up to 10mg/kg of thujone is allowed in alcohol with more than 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.

Australia – Absinthe enjoys legal status. Bitters can have a thujone not more than 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 – Post March 2007 it’s sale and distribution is looked after by the separate Canadian province liquor boards that regulates thujone. Many provinces mark thujone containing alcohol to be sold as illigal however Absinthe is legal in British Columbia, where there is no limit, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. Quebec and Ontario legislate 10mg/kg thujone in Absinthe is legally acceptable.

Czech Republic – Absinthe was never banned.

France – Banned Absinthe in 1915 after a lot of publicity. French law of 1988 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. French government also has stringent regulations with respect to fenchone which is found in fennel, and an important constituent of Absinthe, hence beverages should have fenchone less than 5mg/liter.

Hungary – Absinthe is legal.

Israel – Apparently Absinthe is legal and on sale in Israel.

Ireland – Absinthe which contains thujone is illegal to trade however it can be imported for personal consumption.

Netherlands – Absinthe bann was lifted in 2004 after being banned in 1909. Absinthe needs to be compliant with EU requirements.

New Zealand – Absinthe has legal status.

Portugal – Absinthe was always allowed.

Russia – It is legal to sell High thujone Absinthes (up to 75mg/kg thujone) in Russia.

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 if complying with EU guidelines, then can be distributed freely as long as the label denotes wormwood. The Absinthe kit site is located in Sweden.

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

UK – The United Kingdom never banned Absinthe. Absinthe must be in accordance with EU legislation.

Now evidently there are many countries where Absinthe is legal and can be enjoyed. You may want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences are used for making authentic quality Absinthe that is supplied across the globe. They do not require distillation, that has already been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Check these out.