As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer regarding the legality of AGWA in the United States. AGWA, a herbal liqueur made with coca leaf extract, is legal to import into the US. However, there are some differences between the European and US versions of the drink.
In the United States, AGWA contains 32 milligrams of coca leaf extract, whereas the European version contains 40 milligrams. This difference in extract content may be due to regulatory requirements and limitations imposed by the US authorities. It is important to note that AGWA, in either version, does not contain any illegal substances.
The fact that AGWA is legal does not mean that consuming it will have any psychoactive effects or get you high. The hype surrounding the drink may lead some individuals to believe otherwise, but it is simply a marketing strategy. The coca leaf extract used in AGWA undergoes a process to remove the cocaine alkaloids, which are the psychoactive compounds found naturally in the coca leaf.
It is worth mentioning that the consumption of coca leaf extract has a long history in South America, where it has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for its medicinal and cultural purposes. In countries like Peru and Bolivia, coca leaf tea is a common beverage and is legal to consume.
In the United States, AGWA and other similar coca leaf products are considered legal as long as they comply with the regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA regulates the importation and sale of food and beverages, including herbal liqueurs like AGWA. The specific regulations for coca leaf products may vary, but as long as they meet the requirements, they can be legally sold in the US.
Personal experiences and situations can vary, but it is important to understand that the legality of AGWA does not imply that it has any mind-altering effects. It is a legal product that can be enjoyed responsibly, just like any other alcoholic beverage. The use of coca leaf extract in AGWA is for flavor and does not have the same effects as consuming the coca leaf in its natural form.
To summarize, AGWA is legal to import into the United States, and the US version contains 32 milligrams of coca leaf extract. The hype surrounding the drink should not be confused with its actual effects, as consuming AGWA will not get you high. It is important to consume any alcoholic beverage responsibly and within legal limits.