Cannabis-Infused Absinthe Gains Popularity Across Europe
Cannabis-infused absinthe is gaining popularity in Europe, offering a modern twist on the historic 'green fairy' without the psychoactive effects of THC
Key Points
- 1Absinthe, once banned, is now legally infused with cannabis seeds
- 2Czech and Spanish brands lead the cannabis-infused absinthe market
- 3The drink contains no THC but features a cannabis aroma
- 4Absinthe's alcohol content can reach up to 70%, urging moderation
- 5The trend reflects innovation in the alcoholic beverage industry
Absinthe, the legendary 'green fairy' of the 19th century, is experiencing a modern twist with cannabis infusion, captivating a new generation of enthusiasts. Known for its potent psychoactive effects, absinthe was a favorite among artists and laborers alike. The drink, originally developed as a medicinal elixir in Switzerland, spread across Europe, reaching peak popularity by the late 1800s
Despite its popularity, absinthe faced significant controversy due to its alleged negative effects on the nervous system, leading to its ban in France in 1915. The ban was influenced by concerns over compounds like thujone and fenchone, which were believed to cause madness. However, absinthe made a legal comeback in 1988, provided it contained no more than 35 grams of thujone per liter
In recent years, European companies have begun experimenting with cannabis-infused absinthe, creating a unique blend that combines traditional absinthe recipes with cannabis seeds. This fusion does not contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, but offers a distinct cannabis aroma that complements the potent alcohol
The Czech Republic has emerged as a leader in this niche market with brands like Euphoria 1bsinth, which offers a variety of cannabis-infused absinthes. Similarly, Spain's Rodniks brand has expanded its distribution to Portugal and the UK, making these products widely accessible online
While the cannabis-infused absinthe trend is gaining traction, it is important to note that the drink remains incredibly potent, with alcohol content reaching up to 70%. Consumers are advised to enjoy it with caution, as the high alcohol content can be deceiving when paired with the subtle cannabis flavor
The re-emergence of absinthe, now with a cannabis twist, reflects a broader trend of innovation in the alcohol industry, where traditional products are being reimagined with new ingredients. As the market for cannabis-infused products grows, it will be interesting to see how this trend develops and whether it will influence other beverage categories in the future