Anabolic Steroids

Steroids are basically synthetic derivatives or variations of testosterone which is a male hormone. The anabolic steroids control act of 1990 first classified steroids as controlled substances. So steroids are not deemed as illegal substances but are rather classified to be controlled substances.

The steroid control act came into force following increasing reports by media during the 1980s about the use of anabolic steroids by professional sports persons. There were also a number of reports that indicated use of steroids in high schools. Following these reports Congressional hearings attempted to determine the severity of this problem. In these hearings it was determined whether anabolic steroids were needed to be included as controlled substances.

The Anabolic steroids control act of 1990 is applicable through the United States. As per this act steroids are classified in the legal class similar to Schedule III drugs. Schedule III drugs include veterinary tranquilizers, LSD precursors and barbiturates. So the use of steroids for non medical purposes is controlled through this act. The anabolic steroids control act of 1990 states that steroids can be obtained only through a valid and legal prescription. A simple possession of steroids is considered as federal offense under the law and is punishable with a sentence of around a year in the prison. In the event of a simple possession the person will also have to pay a fine of around $1000.

Individuals caught for simple possession and having previous conviction for some offenses may get imprisonment for a period of up to two years and the fine in that case can be a minimum of around $2,500. Individuals who have had two and more convictions can face imprisonment of minimum 90 days or up to three years. The minimum fine in this case can be around $5,000.

The anabolic steroids control act of 1990 also indicates that selling of steroids or then possessing steroids with the intent of selling them is considered as federal felony. Such a person selling steroids or possessing them so as to sell can be punished with an imprisonment of around five years. Such a person may also be required to pay a fine.

An individual caught with steroids and having the intent to distribute them can be punished with around five years imprisonment along with a fine of around $250,000. For repeat offenders these penalties are even higher. The anabolic steroids control act of 1990 also gives states the freedom to classify steroids as controlled substances. Likewise most states have added steroids as a part of the controlled substances list. So in states like Georgia and Florida a simple possession can result in imprisonment of around five years. In Alabama such a possession can result in imprisonment of around ten years. In Louisiana simple possession for personal use can result in imprisonment including hard labor. The anabolic steroids control act of 1990 made is more difficult for individuals genuinely in need of steroids to obtain these and get benefit from the use of steroids.