Thujone is widely known for being a chemical contained in absinthe and responsible for the so-called ‘secondary effects’ which include, but are not limited to, irregular eyesight sensitivity to colors and light, a feeling of sober inebriation, euphoria, hallucinations, and even epileptic attacks. Since the mysterious impact produced by the ‘Green Fairy’ has played its part of a magnet attracting curious minds, absinthe manufacturers claimed their liquor contain unbelievable amounts of Thujone – 260-350 mg/L.

However, modern research shows that pure Thujone oil derived from the herb called Artemisia Absinthium, which is an indispensable absinthe ingredient, constitutes approximately 40-60% of wormwood oil contained in the spirit. Scientific tests demonstrate that Thujone content in absinthe is around 1.8-4 mg/L, while the chemical can pose a real threat to a person’s life only if taken in great amounts.

One who has ever heard of absinthe might have been impressed by the legend about the effects it produces. It is believed that absinthe differs from any other alcoholic drink due to the so-called ‘secondary effects’, which include hallucinations, irregular eyesight sensitivity to light and colors, euphoria and a feeling of lucid inebriation.

Many find the issue of absinthe ‘secondary effects’ the most controversial one, since there is little evidence, which moreover lacks credence. The effect produced by a good absinthe can vary from person to person, but it is usually no more extraordinary than from drinking any other hard liquor: the drinker gets into the state of the “buzz”, senses pointed clarity of mind and vision. This condition ceases within 20 to 30 minutes and many drinkers report that they don’t experience anything out of the ordinary at all, but the regular effects the alcohol has.