Absinthe is no more dangerous than Everclear. The only real scientific proof of detrimation to your health was liver problems created by consuming wormwood, although the quantites needed to reach this were in the 1000's of mgs (ie 10-14 drinks a day) The ban of Absinthe like most bans on hallucinogens and entheogens by close minded forms of government, was an attempt to control a growing population of non-working artisans. Put into effect by a prohibition-freinzied government. Thujone and Absinthe was actually documented by Hippocrates as a medical ailment back in the early ages for things such as period pains and indigestion. Most of the textbook information of Wormwood we have in america is INCORRECT. THUJONE IS NOT A POISEN. MAN! It amazes me how LITTLE people actually kno about Absinthe, but how they love to pretend like they do. I have been selling Absinthe for 3 years on ebay, I first tasted it at 16 in Paris. If you are looking for CORRECT INFO check out The Virtual Absinthe Museum (do a search on yahoo) Made by a French distiller and the most complex resource of TRUE facts on the subject you can access on the net. If you dont know that of which you speak....keep your mouth shut.
Oh yeah, and beer and wormwood would make a NASTY mix. Wine works. But your best off with a grain base alcohol.