Illegal Steroids and HGH: Criminal Charges and Penalties

Illegal steroid and human growth hormone (HGH) use has spread well beyond competitive sports into everyday gym culture, youth athletics, and anti-aging trends. These drugs fall under the broad category of performance-enhancing drugs, or PEDs. While not all PEDs are regulated (or FDA-approved), anabolic steroids and HGH are subject to federal and state laws that carry real penalties for illegal distribution and use.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs Move Into the Mainstream

Anabolic Steroids and HGH: Are They Controlled Substances Under Federal Law?

Anabolic steroids include any drug or hormonal substance chemically related to testosterone. They are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under federal law and most state laws, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them without a valid prescription. Using or providing anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance or build muscle mass is considered an illicit use. (21 U.S.C. §§ 802, 812 (2026).)

HGH isn't a controlled substance under federal law, but the FDA regulates HGH and how it can be used. Illegally distributing synthetic HGH—also known as somatropin—is a federal offense. (21 U.S.C. § 333 (2026).) Several states also prohibit HGH for uses other than recognized medical purposes. Common illegal uses include taking HGH for improving muscle appearance, enhancing athletic performance, and reducing signs of aging.

When Is Steroid or HGH Use Legal?

Anabolic steroids and HGH are legal when a doctor prescribes them for a recognized medical condition.

Anabolic steroid uses. Doctors commonly prescribe anabolic steroids to treat low testosterone in men or for conditions like endometriosis and osteoporosis in women. They're also used to stimulate muscle growth in patients with certain cancers or AIDS.

HGH uses. Synthetic HGH has several FDA-approved uses. In children, it can treat short stature, Turner's syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and chronic kidney disease. In adults, approved uses include muscle-wasting disease, short bowel syndrome, and HGH deficiency.

Sharing is illegal. Only the patient named in the prescription can legally take them. Giving them to a friend, for instance, would be illegal.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal Steroids?

Anabolic steroids are Schedule III substances under federal law and most state laws. Illegal possession penalties generally start as misdemeanors, but the penalties quickly ramp up to felonies.

Under federal law, it’s a crime to possess anabolic steroids without a valid prescription. It’s also illegal to sell or distribute these steroids through illicit channels.

• A first offense for simple possession is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine. Repeat offenses are felonies with mandatory minimum and maximum sentences. (21 U.S.C. § 844 (2026).)
• A first offense for sale or distribution is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. Repeat offenses can result in up to 20 or even 30 years in prison and fines up to $1,000,000. (21 U.S.C. § 841 (2026).)

State penalties vary widely. Most states, like federal law, make first-time possession of a schedule III drug a misdemeanor. States may impose harsher penalties for repeat offenses and distribution offenses.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal HGH Use?

As noted above, HGH (or somatropin) isn’t a controlled substance (like anabolic steroids), but it’s still regulated by the FDA and can only be taken by prescription.

Federal Penalties for HGH

Federal law focuses on the unauthorized administering, prescribing, and distributing of HGH or somatropin. It doesn't criminalize the user.

Anyone who illegally distributes HGH or somatropin, or possesses it with intent to distribute for unauthorized purposes (like bodybuilding), can face felony charges and up to five years in prison. The maximum penalty increases to 10 years if the person distributes it to a minor. (21 U.S.C. § 333(e) (2026).)

State Penalties for HGH

Many states follow the federal model that makes it an offense to administer, prescribe, or distribute HGH without a valid medical purpose. Penalties vary with some states imposing felony-level penalties and other misdemeanor-level penalties. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28-4.01(e); Tex. Health & Safety Code § 481.071 (2026).)

Some states go further than the federal law and make it illegal to possess human growth hormones without a prescription—targeting users. For instance, Colorado and Idaho added human growth hormones to their Schedule III drugs, making possession a crime. (Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-18-102, 18-18-205; Idaho Code § 37-2709 (2026).)

Several states also require gyms and high schools to post notices that only doctors can prescribe anabolic steroids or HGH, and that bodybuilding, muscle enhancement, and increase in strength are not valid medical purposes for a prescription. (Tex. Educ. Code § 38.008 (2026).)

Do Anti-Doping Rules Apply?

Both anabolic steroids and HGH are listed as prohibited substances by the U.S. and World Anti-Doping Agencies. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) are two major agencies that oversee anti-doping efforts in sports. WADA is an international organization that sets the global standard for banned substances and testing in Olympic and international sports. USADA enforces those standards for U.S. athletes competing in Olympic, Paralympic, and other sanctioned sports.

Neither WADA nor USADA has the power to bring criminal charges or impose criminal penalties—their authority is limited to the sports world. However, in 2020, Congress passed the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act of 2020, which made it a federal felony to run a doping scheme designed to influence performance at major international sports competitions. (21 U.S.C. § 2401 (2026).)

In February 2024, the Department of Justice announced the first-ever conviction under this law. Eric Lira was sentenced to prison for providing banned PEDs to Olympic athletes ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Talk to a Lawyer

If you're facing criminal charges related to anabolic steroids or HGH, contact a criminal defense attorney. It's generally best to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions from police or investigators.