Absint v USA: Co je legální, co ne a jak se vyhnout problémům

When talking about absint, nápoj s historií, který byl považován za nebezpečný a zakázaný v mnoha zemích. Also known as absinth, it is not outright banned in the United States today, but its production and sale are tightly controlled—especially when it comes to the presence of thujone, přírodní látka z třezalky, která dříve sloužila jako důvod pro zakázání absintu. In modern U.S. law, absint is legal if thujone levels are below 10 ppm, which most commercial brands meet. That’s why you’ll find bottles on shelves in specialty liquor stores, but not in your average gas station.

Many people confuse absint with other psychoactive substances, especially THC, hlavní psychoaktivní složka marihuany, která má účinky úplně jiné než thujone. THC alters perception, mood, and cognition in a way that’s more intense and longer-lasting than anything in traditional absint. Meanwhile, CBD, nepsychoaktivní kanabinoid, který se často objevuje v moderních nápojích jako alternativa k alkoholu, is sometimes marketed alongside absint in wellness circles—but it has zero effect on the legality of absint itself. You can’t mix CBD into absint to make it legal, nor can you use CBD as a legal loophole to bypass alcohol regulations.

What you need to know is this: absint in the U.S. is treated like any other high-proof spirit. You must be 21 to buy it. You can’t drink it in public places where alcohol is prohibited. And if you’re flying, TSA doesn’t care about absint specifically—they care about the alcohol content. A 750ml bottle in checked luggage? Fine. A 100ml bottle in your carry-on? Only if it fits in the quart-sized bag. But here’s the catch: if your absint contains illegal additives—like synthetic cannabinoids or unapproved flavorings—you’re not just breaking alcohol rules. You’re risking a federal offense.

Most absint sold today in the U.S. is made to mimic historical recipes without the old dangers. It’s not hallucinogenic. It doesn’t make you see green fairies. The myth lives on because of marketing, not science. But if you’re looking for a strong, herbal, anise-flavored drink to enjoy responsibly, there’s nothing stopping you—so long as you buy from a reputable source. The real risk isn’t the absint itself. It’s buying something labeled as absint that’s actually laced with something else entirely.

Below, you’ll find real stories and facts about what’s allowed, what’s not, and how people in the U.S. actually experience absint today. No myths. No hype. Just what you need to know before you pour your first glass.