Absinthe, also known as La Fee verte or The Green Fairy, was banned in the United States in 1912. The ban was primarily driven by a belief that absinthe contained a hallucinogenic substance that posed a danger to public health and safety. However, the reasons behind the ban were influenced by a combination of social, political, and economic factors.
One of the main concerns surrounding absinthe was its supposed hallucinogenic properties. It was believed that a chemical compound called thujone, found in wormwood, the main ingredient in absinthe, was responsible for these effects. Thujone was thought to have psychoactive and toxic effects, leading to claims that absinthe consumption could cause madness, hallucinations, and even violent behaviors. These claims were fueled by sensationalized stories and exaggerated accounts of absinthe's effects, which ultimately contributed to the public perception that absinthe was a dangerous and harmful substance.
Furthermore, the temperance movement, which advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption, gained significant momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement was driven by concerns over the social and moral implications of alcohol abuse, such as domestic violence, crime, and the negative impact on productivity. Prohibition, which eventually led to the ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919, was a culmination of the temperance movement's efforts to control and regulate alcohol consumption.
Absinthe became a convenient target for the temperance movement because of its association with bohemian and artistic circles, where excessive alcohol consumption was often prevalent. The drink's popularity among artists, writers, and musicians, such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway, added to its allure and mystique. However, this association also made absinthe an easy scapegoat for societal concerns surrounding alcohol abuse and the perceived decline in moral values.
Additionally, economic factors played a role in the ban on absinthe. The domestic production of absinthe in the United States was limited, and the ban on importing absinthe provided protectionist benefits to American alcohol producers. By banning absinthe, domestic producers could eliminate competition from foreign brands and increase their market share.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered various misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding absinthe. While absinthe does contain thujone, the levels are generally low and not sufficient to cause hallucinations or other severe effects. Absinthe is typically consumed in small quantities and diluted with water, which further reduces any potential negative effects. Its reputation as a dangerous and mind-altering drink has been largely debunked by scientific research and analysis.
The ban on absinthe in the United States was driven by a combination of factors, including concerns over its supposed hallucinogenic properties, the influence of the temperance movement, and economic considerations. While absinthe was indeed banned, the reasons behind the ban were largely based on misconceptions and exaggerated claims about its effects. Today, absinthe has made a resurgence, and its production and consumption are once again legal in the United States.