Yes, absinthe is legal in Maine, provided it complies with state and federal alcohol regulations. The Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations enforces licensing requirements, while the TTB mandates proper labeling, including thujone content below 10 ppm. Recent 2026 compliance shifts require absinthe producers to submit batch-specific formulations for pre-approval, aligning with the state’s strict adulteration statutes under 28-A M.R.S. § 207.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Maine
- Thujone Limits: Must contain less than 10 parts per million of thujone, per TTB standards, to avoid classification as a controlled substance under 22 M.R.S. § 2383-A.
- Licensing: Distributors and retailers must hold a valid Maine liquor license, with absinthe sales restricted to licensed premises; direct-to-consumer shipping requires a separate permit from the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages.
- Labeling: Labels must display alcohol content, net volume, and a government warning, with “absinthe” prominently featured; failure to comply risks seizure under 28-A M.R.S. § 207(3).