Another huge fact I see get thrown around is that thujone(alpha-thujone) is very similar to THC(delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol). This statement is completely false. While both are terpenoids and have a similar molecular geometry, they are in fact 2 quite different chemicals. Turpentine is also a terpenoid, yet yields no effects similar to that of THC.

And as Robert stated above, most vintage absinthes studied have been below 10 mg/kg and all were below current EU regulations for bitters. Keep in mind that vintage absinthe was around 150 Proof. Someone would die of alcohol poisoning long before the thujone in their system would reach a level that would cause an effect on the body.

Thujone, when taken in high quantities can result in seizures, and is in fact poisonous (but then, so is alcohol). Far too much attention however is paid to the thujone in absinthe, because in fact real absinthe, when made properly, has very little. The distillation process removes most of the thujone, as well as most of the bitterness.

Virtually all absinthes coming out of the Czech Republic is made in a manner similar to “Bathtub Gin”, in which oils or “essences” are simply added to gain alcohol, or the herbs are simply soaked in the alcohol before bottling. Properly made absinthe will be distilled again after the herbs are macerated in it, which is essentially the same process used for making gin, just with different botanicals.

There are a wide variety of absinthes available for ordering on-line from countries where it is still legal to manufacture. US law doesn’t make it illegal to order, purchase, or own absinthe, but it can be confiscated if transported into the US.

One of the better brands to look for is “Jade”, which is currently being made in France by a chemist from New Orleans who reverse engineered the authentic recipes, but there are many other great brands available if you look carefully enough.