Question: Are SARMs Legal?
Written by ITL Attorney, Posted in Criminal Law
Page updated: 05/16/2024
Answer: Yes, SARMs are legal to sell and purchase in the U.S. as “research chemicals.” SARMs are not covered by the Controlled Substances Act or the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990.
Additionally, SARMs aren’t illegal compounds–so having them in your possession is not a crime, and drug tests used in criminal cases such as drunk driving will not detect them. However, SARMs (also known as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are not legal to be sold for human consumption or to be sold as a supplement (for example: as a bodybuilding supplement). In short, enforcement of SARMs is typically on the seller side and targets retailers who are promoting it as a supplement for human use.
In most countries, including the United States, SARMs are considered unapproved drugs and are illegal to sell, purchase, or possess for human use without a valid prescription or proper authorization from regulatory agencies such as the FDA. Of course there is no prescription available for SARMs or any doctor willing to prescribe one, so that point is moot. SARMs can be legally purchased online as “research chemicals,” and if you don’t ingest the compound then they aren’t illegal which puts it in a bit of a legal gray area.
In 2018, the U.S. Senate introduced the SARMs Control Act (S.2742), which aimed to amend the Controlled Substances Act to include SARMs as Schedule III controlled substances. The bill sought to criminalize the possession and distribution of SARMs without a valid prescription. But importantly, the SARMs Control Act did not become law! But it demonstrates the growing concern among lawmakers about the potential risks associated with these substances and the need for stricter regulation (so keep your eye on the legality going forward).
Anabolic steroids are of course illegal in the US, and so are most prohormones which were reclassified as Schedule III drugs in 2005. SARMs however have no such legal language against them, or any legal precedent either.
As such, many people still purchase and use SARMs for bodybuilding and performance enhancement purposes. The risk of getting caught and facing legal consequences is relatively low for individual users, as enforcement efforts primarily target suppliers and distributors rather than consumers.
The decision to use SARMs is a personal one that should be made after carefully considering the potential legal and health risks. If you’ve already made up your mind and want to get started taking SARMs regardless of the legal aspects, you can look into variations such as IBUTA 667, LIGAN 4033 and TESTOL 140 which can be purchased from the aforementioned source.
Read our other articles on these similar topics people often ask us:
Current (May 2024) legal status of SARMs in the United States
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved SARMs for human use, classifying them as “unapproved drugs” and warns against side effects. The FDA has taken a firm stance against companies selling SARMs as dietary supplements, issuing warning letters to those making false claims about their products’ safety and efficacy. “The FDA is concerned about the potential health risks posed by these products,” states an agency spokesperson, “and we will continue to take action against companies that illegally market them.” So if you are selling SARMs online, you should be very careful on the verbiage and copywriting you use on your website. We suggest speaking with a qualified attorney in your state.
Despite the FDA’s position, SARMs are not currently listed under the Controlled Substances Act, which regulates drugs based on their potential for abuse and medical use. However, this could change in the future as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to monitor the situation. “The legal status of SARMs is a moving target,” explains Dr. Michael Sachs a professor of law specializing in drug policy. “As more research emerges and public awareness grows, we may see a shift in how these substances are regulated.”
What About Prohormones vs SARMs?
From our legal perspective perspective, the main difference between SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) and prohormones is that while SARMs are currently unapproved drugs and are illegal to sell or distribute for human consumption, prohormones have been explicitly banned and classified as controlled substances in many countries. In the United States, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 amended the Controlled Substances Act to include prohormones, making them Schedule III controlled substances.
Legal Status of SARMs in Other Countries
- Canada: In Canada, SARMs are considered “experimental drugs” and are illegal to sell without a prescription. Health Canada has taken enforcement actions against companies selling SARMs, including seizing products and issuing public warnings.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, SARMs are classified as “medicinal products” and cannot be sold without a license from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA has prosecuted individuals and companies for illegally selling SARMs, resulting in fines and prison sentences.
- Australia: Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) prohibits the sale, supply, or advertising of SARMs without a prescription. The TGA has taken action against several companies for illegally importing and distributing SARMs, leading to significant fines.
Legal Consequences/Penalties of Illegal SARMs Use and Distribution
In the U.S., possessing or distributing unapproved drugs can result in criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment. While prosecutions specifically targeting SARMs users are relatively rare, the risk is still there. It’s essential to understand the potential legal ramifications before considering using these substances.
Businesses that sell SARMs illegally (by promoting them for bodybuilding or strength training) face even greater risks, including hefty fines, product seizures, and reputational damage. In recent years, several companies have been the target of legal action by the FDA and other regulatory agencies worldwide. “The message is clear,” states an FDA representative, “if you’re selling SARMs without proper approval, you’re putting your business and your customers at risk.”
Other Common Questions
Is it legal to travel with SARMs?
In most countries, including the United States, it is legal. SARMs are considered unapproved drugs or controlled substances in many jurisdictions, but they’re not a “scheduled drug” or a toxic or poisonous substance that would be dangerous to travel with, so yes it’s legal. Also a drug sniffing dog or screening swab at the airport is not calibrated to detect these substances.
SARMs vs Steroids Legality
While both SARMs and steroids both target androgen receptors, they are distinct substances.. SARMs are designed to selectively target specific tissues, such as muscle and bone, while minimizing side effects on other organs. In contrast, steroids have a more widespread effect on the body. Most countries legally categories SARMs much differently than steroids and under different legal frameworks.
Is RAD-140 illegal?
RAD-140, also known as Testolone, is a SARM that is not approved for human use by the FDA or other major regulatory agencies. As such, it is illegal to sell or market RAD-140 for human consumption in most countries, including the United States. Use of RAD-140 without a prescription may also be illegal, depending on the jurisdiction. Simply possessing RAD-140 however for “research purposes” is legal in the US by all indications.
Is MK-677 illegal?
MK-677, or Ibutamoren, is not a SARM but rather a growth hormone secretagogue. Like SARMs, MK-677 is not approved for human use by the FDA or other major regulatory agencies. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t buy it or use it in secret however, as it’s more of a CYA deal by the manufacturers and retailers. Selling, distributing, or possessing MK-677 not for human use is legal in the US and most countries
Can you fail a drug test for SARMs?
Likely no. While SARMs are not specifically targeted in most standard drug tests, some advanced testing methods can detect their presence (mostly in competitive sports and anti-doping tests). However some SARMs products may be contaminated with other substances that are detectable in drug tests. Athletes subject to anti-doping regulations should be especially cautious, as SARMs are prohibited by most sports organizations.
Can you use SARMs in the U.S. military?
The use of SARMs is prohibited in the U.S. military and many other armed forces worldwide. The Department of Defense considers SARMs to be “high risk” substances that can potentially compromise the health and readiness of service members. Military personnel found using SARMs may face disciplinary action, including court-martial, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The U.S. military doesn’t specifically test for SARMs in urine analysis or other drug tests, however if you’re caught with them in your possession they will want to know what it is and will likely find out!!
Re-cap
The legal status of SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) is complex and varies by country. In the United States, SARMs are considered unapproved drugs and are illegal to sell or distribute for human consumption without proper authorization, although they can be purchased legally as “research chemicals” if not ingested. The legal landscape is evolving, with lawmakers expressing concerns about potential risks and the need for stricter regulation. Despite this, many people still use SARMs for bodybuilding and performance enhancement. The decision to use SARMs should be made after carefully considering the potential legal and health risks, and staying informed about the evolving legal landscape surrounding these substances.
