Doesn't really say what making it a schedule 3 drug actually means.
Yeah, we get it, taking it from 1 to 3 moves it from the group with heroin, LSD, ecstasy, methaqualone, and peyote, and puts it in the group with Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.
https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
What does that mean from a LEGAL perspective?
Someone caught with anabolic steroids without a prescription is still in trouble, yeah?
https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/steroids-possession-lawyers.html
The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 defines steroids as a Schedule III drug. It assesses federal penalties for both the illegal possession and sale of steroids. The following are the federal punishments for both possession and sale of steroids:
Simple possession of steroids with no prior offenses:
Up to a year in federal prison; or
Minimum fine of $1,000.
Simple possession of steroids with certain prior convictions:
Minimum 15 days in prison, and up to two years in prison; or
Minimum fine of $2,000.
Possession with intent to sell
Up to five years in prison; or
Minimum fine of $5,000.
If I Use or Sell Steroids, What State Penalties Will I Face?
Each state has the right to legislate laws that regulate drugs they view as harmful. Most states echo the Federal scheduling of steroids as a Schedule III drug. Therefore, state punishments usually mirror the punishments for drugs of this category:
Simple possession can be characterized as either a misdemeanor or felony. One may face jail time of up to 2 years if in a state where steroid possession is considered a felony. A fine will usually be levied in states that list steroids as a misdemeanor.
The sale of steroids is a felony in every state. In some states, the punishment for selling steroids can be up to 7 years in prison.
So it looks like this whole notion of just re-scheduling it to "de-criminalize it" is a misnomer.
