Anabolic steroids are basically synthetic variations of the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone is produced in both men and women and in men it is produced within the testes while in women the ovaries are responsible for the production of this hormone. Anabolic steroids contribute towards building of tissues while androgenic steroids promote development of masculine characteristics. Anabolic steroid laws have declared steroids to be schedule III controlled substances.

As per the anabolic steroid laws it is essential for individuals to have a valid prescription to be able to buy anabolic steroids. These steroids can be taken as oral medication or they can also be injected intramuscularly or administered by way of transdermal patches. Many individuals take these drugs in cycles that include taking drugs for a period of time and then stopping them. Some other individuals combine multiple drugs as they believe this has a greater effect.

The anabolic steroids control act 1990 which is a part of the anabolic steroid laws was passed on November 29, 1990. This law is applicable to every Federal court throughout United States. As per the law a simple possession of steroids which is a Schedule III substance is deemed to be a federal offense and is punishable with a prison sentence of around one year and a fine of at least $1000.

As per the anabolic steroid laws a person who has had previous convictions can face imprisonment of minimum 90 days and maximum three years along with a fine of at least $5000. Selling of steroids or possessing steroids with the intention to sell them is regarded as a federal felony as per the law. Such a person intending to sell steroids can be punished with an imprisonment of around five years.

Anabolic steroid laws also indicate that a person who commits a violation with a previous conviction for any drug offense can face around ten years imprisonment along with a fine. The anabolic steroid control act is enforceable in every state and violations can also be prosecuted in each state. The drug enforcement agency is primarily responsible for dealing with cases involving anabolic steroids.

The anabolic steroid laws also allow every state to enact laws that can regulate drugs deemed to be dangerous. Likewise every state is free to determine the definition of the anabolic steroids as it wants. So New York has listed steroids as Schedule II drugs. Anabolic steroid laws also make it acceptable for states to draft their own distinctive laws on how steroid offenders are to be dealt with.

Anabolic steroid laws were changed with the passing of anabolic steroid control act 2004. As per this changes were made in the definition of anabolic steroids and this included removal of the clause ‘promotes muscle growth’ so as to include the new designer variety of steroids.