In the USA, all steroids are illegal to possess, distribute, or manufacture. You can only possess them if you have a legitimate medical condition and a prescription for the drug from a medical professional.

The laws surrounding steroids in the USA are pretty strict, and some of the punishments are severe. Given some of the health hazards, I guess the laws are justified. Can you imagine if anybody off the street could walk into a store and purchase steroids over the counter? The lack of education about the use and effects of steroids could lead to some serious misuse and abuse.

Depending on the steroid you take, you can become infertile, grow unwanted breast tissue, or suffer from heart enlargement. There’s also the psychological threat posed by steroids. Almost everybody is familiar with the term ‘roid rage’. Finally, and most importantly, they can literally kill you.

Why are steroids illegal in the US?

While no government authority has ever given a straight explanation for this, there are some pretty obvious reasons it makes sense for steroids to be illegal:

1 They cause major health issues – Too many people care more about gains than they do their internal organs. Yep, the government has to protect us from ourselves sometimes.

2 Steroids are associated with organised crime – Drug dealing is a major issue worldwide. Steroids are just another kind of illegal substance to add to the long list being sold on the black market these days.

3 They cause dangerous mental health issues – It’s common for steroid users to suffer from both psychosis and mania. This is a problem not only for the person taking it, but also those around them. Roid rage is real and it’s destroyed many lives, families and marriages. For some, it’s even proven fatal.

4 Needle-based steroid use increases your risk of contracting HIV – Using needles for recreational reasons is never a good idea. Not only do you have a higher risk of contracting HIV, you’re also risking contracting other blood-borne infections, such as Hepatitis B and C. The message is clear – don’t stick needles in your arm unless you have a genuine medical need and a prescription to boot.

Steroids banned in sports

When people think of steroids, they usually think of performance enhancement in sports and physical activity. It must be remembered that steroids are banned not only to keep sport fair and clean, but also because they have the potential to be dangerous. So, which of the most popular steroids are, in fact, illegal in the USA?

Cutting steroids

Stanozolol

Many people use Stanozolol (Winstrol) during a cutting cycle as it doesn’t hold water under the skin, leading to a harder physique. Baseball player Rafael Palmeiro was banned in 2005 after testing positive for this substance. He never really managed to restore the support of fans after his failed test.

5 Winstrol Side Effects You’ll Want To Avoid – Read more >

Clenbuterol

Australian heavyweight boxer Lucas Browne tested positive for Clenbuterol in 2006 and lost his WBA world title. The ban was lifted a few months later, but he failed a second test which showed that he had used another banned substance called Ostarine.

5 Clenbuterol Side Effects You’ll Want To Avoid – Read more >

Bulking steroids

Dianabol

Dianabol has been a go-to choice for bodybuilders over the years. One of the most popular cases to date of Dianabol use comes from The Terminator himself; Arnold Schwarzenegger, during his competitive bodybuilding days before the drug was banned.

5 Dianabol Side Effects You’ll Want To Avoid – Read more >

Testosterone

The case of WWE wrestler Chris Benoit stands out as one of the saddest cases of steroid use among athletes. Sadly, in 2007, Benoit murdered his wife and 7-year-old son before committing suicide. During the autopsy, he was found to have high levels of synthetic testosterone in his system.

Does your testosterone supplement contain these 4 vital ingredients? – Read more >

Strength steroids

Deca Durabolin

This drug, also known as Nandrolone, is a popular choice for competitive athletes, bodybuilders, and powerlifters. Afghani sprinter Masoud Azizi was banned for 2 years in 2013 during tests completed at the World Championships.

5 Deca Durabolin Side Effects You’ll Want To Avoid – Read more >

Primobolan

Major League baseball star Alex Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan in 2003. Many say that it was the drug use that saw him named as the league’s most valuable player that season.

If steroids are illegal, why do people risk it?

For the hobbyist, they do it for the easy gains. But when it comes to competitors, they have another driving force behind their desire to become bigger than anyone else.

With prize money and wages in professional sport increasing rapidly, athletes are more prepared than ever to risk it all for the glory.

Although sporting governing bodies have their own rules and regulations regarding steroids and the use of them, many will still take that chance. The way they see it, they cannot bear to come second, and they’d rather be caught in possession than take that risk.

But they’re not just risking a fine and some jail time – they’re risking their health. And that risk is all too real.
All of the athletes mentioned above ended up in a less fortunate position than the one they started in; Financial difficulties, shame, or even retirement.

Let’s not forget they may also suffer from the health consequences of long-term steroid abuse further down the line. The best way not to get caught is not to start. Almost all of the competitions that have substantial prizes will enforce a drugs ban and implement testing procedures, which is worth remembering.

If you feel the need to take something, make sure it doesn’t contain a banned substance. This includes any supplements and medicines you may need. You’ll always struggle to stay a step ahead of the authorities, and any wrong-doing always comes out in the end.

Are steroids legal anywhere in the USA?

The short answer to this is no.

The federal government classifies all anabolic steroids as schedule III controlled substances. This means that unless you have a prescription from a doctor, being found in possession of steroids could land you a hefty fine, or worse.
The maximum penalty for a first offense is one year in prison, plus a $1,000 minimum fine.

For trafficking, you could be looking at a maximum of five years in prison, plus a fine of $250,000. And that’s just if this is your first time. If you do this again, you can look forward to that fine and time in jail being doubled.

This holds true for every state across the USA. There’s no state in the US which allows anyone to be in possession of anabolic steroids without a genuine medical need and prescription.

A better way

It’s not complicated. Steroids are illegal because they can damage your physical and psychological health.
For those who find the thought of steroid gains appealing, but not the risks, there is an alternative.
At CrazyBulk, we sell bodybuilding supplements which are 100% legal and carry no side effects at all. They mimic the effects of real steroids using all-natural ingredients.

The great thing about our supplements is they can be used in the long term, with no adverse effects on your health – and you won’t have to run from the police to get ripped!