Yes, absinthe is legal in California, provided it complies with state and federal alcohol regulations. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) enforces standards aligned with the TTB’s 2007 approval of thujone limits, permitting absinthe with ≤10 ppm thujone. Distributors must secure proper licenses, and retailers cannot sell to minors under Business & Professions Code §25658.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in California
- Thujone Limit: Must contain ≤10 ppm thujone, per TTB 27 CFR §5.25 and California’s adoption of federal standards.
- Licensing: Requires a Type 02 (beer/wine) or Type 04 (distilled spirits) license from the ABC; unlicensed sales violate §23355.
- Labeling Compliance: Labels must display alcohol content (ABV ≥20%) and avoid misleading health claims, per ABC’s 2023 Labeling Guide.
Local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions; for example, Los Angeles County bans absinthe sales in unincorporated areas without a separate permit. The 2026 ABC biennial review may tighten thujone testing protocols, requiring producers to submit third-party lab reports. Violations risk fines up to $5,000 or license suspension under §25757. Consumers should verify retailer licenses via the ABC’s Public License Lookup.