Yes, absinthe is legal in Maryland, but its sale and distribution are tightly controlled under state alcohol laws. The Maryland Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) regulates absinthe as a distilled spirit, requiring proper licensing for production, importation, and retail. Recent 2026 amendments to the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Code (Title 5) impose stricter labeling and thujone content limits, aligning with FDA standards to mitigate health risks.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Maryland
- Licensing Requirements: Distributors and retailers must hold a Class B beer, wine, or distilled spirits license from the ATC. Absinthe producers must also secure a manufacturer’s license, with annual renewals contingent on compliance audits.
- Thujone Limits: Maryland enforces a maximum thujone concentration of 10 ppm in absinthe, mirroring federal guidelines under 21 CFR § 172.510. Products exceeding this threshold are prohibited from sale.
- Labeling Compliance: Labels must display alcohol content (ABV ≥ 40%), a government warning, and the manufacturer’s name/address. Misleading terms like “absinthe spirit” or “distilled absinthe” require pre-approval from the ATC’s Labeling Review Unit.