Thujone gained notoriety in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the popularity of absinthe, an anise-flavored spirit. Absinthe was associated with various health issues and was banned in many countries due to fears of toxicity and its supposed mind-altering effects. Modern studies have debunked many myths surrounding absinthe, establishing that it is the high alcohol content, rather than thujone, that likely contributed to its negative reputation.