The enduring reputation of absinthe, often called the “Green Fairy” (La Fée Verte), is shrouded in the historical myth that it causes hallucinations or a psychedelic “trip.” This high-proof, anise-flavored spirit is distilled from a blend of botanicals, most notably grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), fennel, and green anise. The spirit gained notoriety in 19th-century Europe, especially among bohemian artists and writers who claimed it sparked creativity and provided a unique mental state. Despite the lore, which led to absinthe’s ban in many countries during the early 1900s, modern science has clarified the drink’s actual effects. This article explores the source of the hallucination myth and clarifies the true impact of absinthe consumption.
Thujone: The Chemical Basis of the Myth
The hallucinogenic legend centers on thujone, a chemical compound naturally present in grand wormwood. Historical concerns focused on the belief that high concentrations of thujone caused convulsions, psychosis, and hallucinatory effects, a supposed condition termed “absinthism.” Thujone is a known neurotoxin that acts as a GABA-A receptor antagonist in the brain, meaning it inhibits the calming effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. In extremely high doses, this inhibition can lead to muscle spasms and convulsions.
However, the amount of thujone found even in historical absinthe was far lower than the levels needed to cause a “trip” or a seizure. Scientific analysis of pre-ban absinthe bottles, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, found thujone content averaging around 25.4 milligrams per liter (mg/L), far below the hundreds of milligrams once theorized. Researchers have concluded that a person would die from alcohol poisoning long before ingesting enough thujone to experience any neurotoxic or hallucinogenic effects. The symptoms of “absinthism” were more likely caused by chronic alcoholism, poor nutrition, or toxic additives (like copper salts) used in cheap spirits, rather than a specific thujone reaction.
The Actual Effects of Absinthe Consumption
The primary psychoactive component in absinthe is, and always has been, ethanol, the same alcohol found in all spirits. Absinthe is a highly potent beverage, typically containing 50% to 75% alcohol by volume (100 to 150 proof). When consumed in large quantities, the effects are simply those of severe alcohol intoxication.
Absinthe’s unique reputation stems from its high alcohol content and unique blend of botanicals, including anise, fennel, and hyssop. Many drinkers report a feeling of “lucid drunkenness” or a mental clarity that differs from the often-sedative effects of other alcoholic drinks. This sensation is not a hallucination but is attributed to the interaction between alcohol and herbal compounds, such as anethole from anise, which may slightly alter alcohol’s effects.
Absinthe does not cause hallucinations or any psychedelic experience. Any altered perception reported is due to extreme alcohol consumption, which can include alcohol-induced psychosis or delirium in cases of severe abuse. When properly diluted, absinthe is simply an anise-flavored spirit that induces intoxication consistent with its high alcohol proof.
Regulatory Limits and Modern Absinthe Production
The historical controversy surrounding absinthe led to its ban in the United States in 1912 and in many European countries shortly thereafter. Its reintroduction in the US and the European Union required establishing strict limits on thujone content. Modern, legally sold absinthe is now strictly regulated to ensure consumer safety.
In the United States, absinthe is permitted if its thujone content is below 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The European Union typically limits distilled absinthe spirits to 10 mg/L, though bitters may contain up to 35 mg/L. These low regulatory maximums are significantly below the level required to cause any neurotoxic or hallucinogenic effects.
The traditional serving method involves slowly dripping ice-cold water over a sugar cube and into the absinthe, causing the spirit to turn cloudy (the “louche”). This ritual requires slow consumption, which reduces the rate of alcohol intake and influences the perceived effect. The modern, legally available product is safe, ensuring the consumer experiences a strong alcoholic beverage, not a mind-altering substance.