What Are Steroids, and Are they Illegal?
Steroids can be divided into two types: anabolic and androgenic. Anabolic steroids, those most commonly sold illegally; mainly affect metabolism, immunity and muscle, while androgenic steroids have strong masculinisation effects on females, and sometimes feminization effects on men. Most steroids are legal with a prescription, as there are a wide variety of therapeutic uses for steroids. However, there is a large black market for steroids, with athletes and body-builders making up a large portion of the users. Currently, there are both federal and state criminal penalties for the illicit use or sale of steroids. If I Use or Sell Steroids, What Federal Penalties Will I Face? The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 defines steroids as a Schedule III drug, and imposes federal penalties for both the illicit possession and sale of steroids. The following are the federal penalties for both possession and sale of steroids: • Simple possession of steroids with no prior offenses • Up to a yea
