“WHAT INGREDIENT(S) IN ABSINTHE ARE PSYCHOACTIVE? ETHANOL Ethanol (normal drinking alcohol) is definitely one main active component. Undiluted absinthe was anywhere from 60% to 85% ethanol. Although some, such as Alfred Jarry, were known to have drunk it straight, it was usually substantially diluted. Still, dilution could not change the fact that absinthe contained a lot of ethanol in comparison to its other ingredients. THUJONE Another candidate is the monoterpene, thujone, which is...