Switzerland has decriminalized absinthe

[CoasterMatt]

Hey everybody, looks like it's time for a Lounge trip to Switzerland...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20050323-0500-life-absinthe.html

[Name]

I personally prefer to get my stuff mailed to me from here (http://www.eabsinthe.com/index.htm) or here (http://www.absintheonline.com/acatalog/Absinthe.html). :D

[wendybeth]

I really want to try it, just once. All my favorite lit types dabbled in it, and I have no frame of reference.;)

Okay, I realise they also dabbled in heroin and opium, but absinthe just sounds so exotic! Plus, I love the Degas painting.

It's probably a good thing I can't get it here.

[Name]

Hrmm, something to consider, but if anyone is up for a san diego absinthe meet, and is willing to throw in a few bucks, I could host a small gathering of folks interested in having a drink or 3.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I personally prefer to get my stuff mailed to me from here (http://www.eabsinthe.com/index.htm) or here (http://www.absintheonline.com/acatalog/Absinthe.html). :DUmm, what's the legal situation here?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

So now I have to ask - have you ever had real deal hallucinations from it? I'd love to try some. :evil:

[€uroMeinke]

Hmm I wonder how the Swiss side of the family is doing, perhaps its time to pay a visit. So any countries still producing Laudanum?

[wendybeth]

Oooh, laudenum!!!!

I would really like to try that- all the consumptive types swore by it! Damned FDA.

[€uroMeinke]

Confessions of an opium eater - ah De Quincy, those proper Victorian times

[Name]

So now I have to ask - have you ever had real deal hallucinations from it? I'd love to try some. :evil:
never had any real deal hallucinations from it, but never had a buzz similar to it before. Of course I never drank more then 2 glasses in a sitting.

[Name]

Umm, what's the legal situation here?From http://www.free-definition.com/Absinthe.html
According to the United States Customs (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/leavingarrivinginUS/vacation/know_brochure/prohibited_restricted.xml#2) office, "The importation of Absinthe and any other liquors or liqueurs that contain an excess of Artemisia absinthium is prohibited.".

The prevailing consensus of interpretation of United States law among American absinthe connoisseurs is that:

It is probably illegal to sell items meant for human consumption which contain thujone derived from Artemisia plant species. This derives from an FDA regulation.
It is probably illegal for someone outside the country to sell such a product to a citizen living in the US, given that customs regulations specifically forbid the importation of "absinthe".
It is probably not illegal to purchase such a product for personal use in the US.
Absinthe can be and occasionally is seized by United States Customs, if it appears to be for human consumption.
Despite a call to the press officer for the local US Customs office, it has not been possible to define what amount of Artemisia Absinthium is considered "excess".

An absinthe-like liqueur called Absente, made with Artemisia Abrotanum instead of Artemisia Absinthium, is claimed by the importers to be sold legally in the United States; however, the FDA prohibition extends to all Artemisia species, including even, in theory, tarragon

[wendybeth]

I love tarragon! Hmm, now I want some Bearnaise sauce.

[Freaky Tiki]

Absinthe is good. I tried it for the first time tonight, and I have to say its great. obviously a lot stronger and different effects, I can see why it is illegal, but when you consider what people do nowdays that it really wouldnt matter imo.