I had 3 bottles of French Absinthe while in Japan. 2 were 55% alcohol and one was "premium" 60% alcohol. Tasted horrible (Ultra Intense Black
Jellybeans/Licorice) and got me pretty lit. Moderation is key. If you let the alcohol overpower the Thujone/Wormwood, it's pretty much wasted.
The "Premium" gave me severe blackouts and vomitting (I don't blackout or vomit from hard liquor alone). I foolishly overdid it. It was a unique
experience, and I would try it again (in moderation, sans the vomitting and blackouts) given the opportunity.
Erowid has some good information about it, from a scientific standpoint all the way
through user experiences.
If you are looking for a "massive high" or even a "massive stone" this is NOT for you. It is very mellow and very subtle, and if you go in w/high
expectations, I think you'll be disappointed. If you're open-minded and into new things and unique experiences, I say give it a chance.
Habitual use WILL cause short-term memory loss!!!
American-made or American marketed Absinthe does not contain Thujone. Absinthe is not regulated by the United States DEA, but thujone is regulated by
the United States FDA. It is regarded as a poison not fit for human consumption. Legal info can be found
here.
My understanding is possession is legal, sale is not. The only legal way I know of to get it into America is to bring it in yourself, in small
quantities, and don't try to sale it once you're here. I've had a bottle checked out by customs, and I didn't catch any flak, but that was a
coupla years ago. You may not even ship it into America as far as I know.
If you decide to make it yourself, please be aware of the laws regarding the distillation of alcohol (if you plan to make it alcoholic). These can
also be found @ the above links.
Hope this helps, always be intimately familiar with anything you put into your body.
--J1M