Absinthe?!

[Al Khalifah]

Jeez, talk about a bunch of sissies. They sell Absinthe at Queens College Bar in Cambridge University. The modern commonly on sale version in the EU (by La Fee Verte) is no more hallucinagenic than vodka is, in the same way that Coca-Cola does not contain cocaine anymore.
Some more dodgy versions, including non-commerical interpretations do contain substances that produce stronger effects than mere intoxication, however, if you're going to drink stuff like that then you should expect it.

My personal favorite is Tunel Black Absinthe (80% vol). 2 shots of this gets the party started and although the after-taste is a bit rough - I don't drink this stuff for the taste. If you mix it with coke, you can barely taste it and you get a cocktail that is blacker than black.

[A.Saturnus]

One of you who has tried quality absinthe: can you please relay the specific difference in effect created when compared with alcohol?

I felt no differences, though I only tried it once. But I just bought a bottle for the party tonight. I'll tell you how it is tomorrow. Or maybe in a week or two, whenever I'm able to again

[A.Saturnus]

Ok, had a few glasses of it. No special effects. Recommandable if you like anise. A bit like uzo only slightly sweet.