Absinthe Blog

Absinthe is probably the only drink that has managed to get such a fearsome reputation. It is believed that the drink has mind-bending potency and one of Absinthe’s alcohol effects is being hallucinogenic but no real evidence supports this claim.

In an experiment by Dr. Magnan, a study of 250 cases of alcoholism claimed that Absinthe drinkers were worse off compared to regular alcohol drinkers. And those who drank Absinthe experienced rapidly brought on hallucinations among other things. These purportedly Absinthe alcohol effects got a boost in the 1970s when a scientific publication mistakenly stated that thujone (the supposed active chemical in Absinthe) was related to Tetrahydrocannabinol and most probably had the same hallucinogenic properties based on its shape.

Absinthe Alcohol Effects

The most commonly reported Absinthe alcohol effect is a clear-headed feeling of inebriation, which is sometimes called secondary effect. This state of lucid drunkenness is believed to have been caused by thujone and other compounds. Ted Breaux, a chemist and Absinthe historian, said that these Absinthe alcohol effects might be caused by the fact that some of the compounds act as stimulants, others as sedatives, and collectively create a neutral effect. Other people believe that the placebo effect and individual reaction to the herbs make these secondary effects subjective and minor when likened to the psychoactive effects of alcohol.

According to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, a high concentration of thujone in alcohol would have a negative effect on attention performance. One of Absinthe’s alcohol effects is a decrease in reaction time. The subjects seemed to focus their attention more in the central field of vision.

Nowadays, it is known that drinking Absinthe will not cause hallucinations. Although large doses of thujone can cause muscle spasms, there is no real evidence that hallucinations are one of Absinthe’s alcohol effects.