there are a few variations of Absinthe. The colour (verte) ones aren't as strong as the anise/boheme which are fairly colourless and have visible herbs & spices in.
Today it is known that absinthe does not cause hallucinations, especially ones similar to those described in 19th century studies.
However, the debate over whether absinthe produces effects on the human mind additional to those of alcohol has not been conclusively resolved.
The effects of absinthe have been described by some artists as mind opening. The most commonly reported experience is a 'clear-headed' feeling of inebriation � a form of 'lucid drunkenness'. Some modern specialists, such as chemist, historian and absinthe distiller Ted Breaux, claim that alleged secondary effects of absinthe may be caused by the fact that some of the herbal compounds in the drink act as stimulants, while others act as sedatives, creating an overall lucid effect of awakening.
Go forth and be awakened..