Is Wormwood Still Illegal?
As a seasoned sommelier and brewer, I have delved into the world of absinthe, a unique and intriguing spirit known for its historical controversies and alleged hallucinogenic effects. One of the key components in absinthe is wormwood, a plant that contains a compound called thujone, which has been the subject of much debate and regulation over the years.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, absinthe faced a ban in several countries due to concerns about the potential harmful effects of thujone. It was believed that high levels of thujone in absinthe could lead to madness and even death. However, after a century-long prohibition, absinthe started making a comeback in the early 2000s, with regulations and restrictions in place to ensure its safety.
To address the question at hand, wormwood itself is not illegal. However, the legality of absinthe depends on the thujone content it contains. In the United States, for example, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) allows the sale of absinthe as long as it meets the requirement of containing less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of thujone. This limit ensures that the thujone levels are low enough to prevent any potential harmful effects associated with the compound.
The process of making absinthe involves the maceration and distillation of various botanicals, including wormwood. Traditionally, absinthe was made with the use of Artemisia absinthium, also known as French wormwood, which is believed to have higher levels of thujone compared to other varieties of wormwood. Therefore, to comply with regulations and reduce thujone levels, some absinthe producers now choose to use different species of wormwood or even omit it altogether.
Another method employed by absinthe producers to ensure compliance with thujone regulations is post-distillation filtering. This process involves passing the distillate through various filtering agents, such as activated charcoal or silica gel, to remove any remaining thujone. The filtration process helps to bring the thujone levels down to an acceptable range, allowing the absinthe to be sold legally.
In my personal experience, I have come across absinthes that are made with alternative varieties of wormwood, such as Artemisia pontica or Artemisia vulgaris. These absinthes still capture the essence and character of the spirit without the higher thujone content. The flavors and aromas may differ slightly, but they still offer a delightful and unique drinking experience.
It's worth noting that regulations regarding thujone content may vary from country to country. While the United States has set the limit at 10ppm, other countries may have different thresholds or no specific regulations in place. It's important for both producers and consumers to be aware of the laws and guidelines governing absinthe production and consumption in their respective regions.
Wormwood itself is not illegal, but the thujone content in absinthe is regulated to ensure safety. By using alternative varieties of wormwood or employing post-distillation filtering techniques, absinthe producers can comply with thujone regulations and offer a legal and enjoyable spirit to enthusiasts. It's fascinating to see how absinthe has evolved over time, shedding its controversial past and gaining recognition as a unique and intriguing beverage in the world of spirits.