Importing Absinth

Importing absinth to the United States or Canada is becoming every time more and more frequent. The laws are regulated and stores are not allowed to sell absinth with high concentrations of thujone, the only thing we can find here is highly diluted absinth look-a-like. Thus, people are importing absinth to have a taste of the real thing. Europe and other countries allow 7 times or more of thujone in absinth than US or Canada, so naturally people are looking for ways to get the drink into their home lands. Caution, some absinth products have abused this and are offering absinth with thujon that is way too high! The original recipe had just the right amount to let the rest of the drink (other 20 herbs) be an important part of the experience as well.

If you happen to go to Mexico, absinth of all European brands is sold in almost any major liquor store and can be purchased just as any drink if you are of legal drinking age, the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Cancun, Acapulco, Mexico City, and just about all major cities near the border usually offer a wide selection. Here you can get the Czech Strong, Hill's, German serpis and many others. The crossing of the border is no problem and up to two cases for personal use are permitted.

If you can't travel there, the internet has become the usual way of finding major distributors for the absinth of your choice. Some internet companies are willing to do the importing for you. They pass through customs and deliver the absinth to your doorstep in the US.

As long as you are ordering the product for your personal use you are in the clear. Be sure to deal with a reputable internet company that offers good customer service. The arrival in Canada is confusing because each province is taking a different behavior towards the importation of absinth. As far as I know they will go through your shipment (you will receive your case opened), presumably to check the quantity. If you ordered a case or less they let it pass.

The same thing goes for the US, the shipments that are arriving are being permitted, as long as its for personal use.

The law of both countries does not consider illegal the consumption of absinth containing thujone, hence legal. What they are regulating is the importation of large quantities, for commercial sale or the internal production. That is why so many companies are offering to make the deal with you. Even the producers that have web sites are willing to ship a couple of cases to the US or Canada, and payment is easily made online.