Yes, Absinthe is legal in Colorado, provided it complies with federal and state regulations. The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor Enforcement Division enforces these rules, aligning with the 2007 federal ban lift on thujone levels (≤10 ppm). Retailers must verify proper labeling and licensing, while distillers adhere to TTB standards.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Colorado
- Thujone Limit: Must contain ≤10 ppm thujone, as mandated by the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division (LED) and federal TTB guidelines.
- Alcohol Content: Must be labeled accurately; absinthe exceeding 140 proof (70% ABV) requires special permits under Colorado Revised Statutes § 44-3-103.
- Labeling Compliance: Labels must include the term “absinthe,” alcohol content, and a batch number traceable to the Colorado LED’s inventory system.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts introduce stricter batch testing for imported absinthe, enforced by the LED’s newly expanded laboratory capacity. Distillers must submit pre-market samples to the Colorado State University’s Food Safety Lab for thujone verification. Violations trigger immediate seizure under C.R.S. § 44-3-115, with penalties ranging from fines to license revocation.