Should The Absinthe Laws In The US Be Changed To Legalize It?

Question

is it really as bad as people say? does it make you hallucinate and go violent?

Answer 1

I don't know the details, but I read a little blurb somewhere recently that was saying that the U.S. actually *is* relaxing the ban against absinthe. I just wish I could remember where I saw that.

Update:

I was right, according to wikipedia, there are actually now a couple of legal brands available in the U.S.:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe#Ban

Answer 2

Absinthe is harmless.

Like many laws in the U.S. that go overboard, Absinthe was criminalized because of some high profile murder in 1906, called The Lanfray Murders. As a result, the Swiss government outlawed it, and other countries followed suit.

Absinthe was incorrectly labeled as a dangerously addictive, psychoactive drug because it contained the chemical Thujone.

To quote the website below:

"Many myths and rumours about absinthe's hallucinogenic properties have been floating around for ages and ages. Absinthe is not hallucinogenic though and it will not get you high. It was previously believed that thujone, from wormwood, had the same properties as THC because they had a similar molecular structure. This has since been proven completely untrue. Thujone has no relation to THC or anything else remotely close to Cannabis."

Now that people know better, over 100 brands in a dozen countries are producing Absinthe.

I live in the Czech Republic, in the heart of Prague, and Absinthe is one of the most popular souveniers.

Answer 3

There are several websites overseas that will ship absinthe into the US. Evidently there is a loophole making it illegal to SELL in the US, but not to consume. They say they have never had an order seized by customs.

Answer 4

It is an extremely powerful substince when abused. But im a firm believer of the government not telling you what you can and cant have. So yes those laws should be history.

Answer 5

i think we have enough types of alcoholic beverages available in the US why add yet an other? I have heard (not verified mind you) that it is mildly hallucinogenic.