Anabolic steroids, also known as Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS), build muscle and bone mass by stimulating the body’s cells to produce more tissue, particularly in the muscles. They allow athletes to train harder for longer periods of time, leading to abnormal muscle growth. The most common forms of anabolic steroids include:
- Testosterone
- Dihydrotestosterone
- Androstenedione (Andro)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Clostebol
- Nandrolone
Anabolic steroids allow people to build muscle they wouldn’t normally be able to build. But their effects are not one hundred percent positive. Steroids emulate the effects of hormones. Because of this, those who use steroids experience increased hormonal growth and side-effects. Some of the more adverse effects include:
- Liver damage
- Development of male breast tissue
- Acne
- Increased aggression
- High blood pressure
- Jaundice
- Loss of hair and baldness
- Increased gum growth
- Minnesota Drug Lawyers
Minnesota law places anabolic steroids in the schedule III controlled substance category. As such, possession or sales of anabolic steroids are fourth degree controlled substance violations punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
Due to the fact that they are outlawed in the United States, anabolic steroids are now largely produced in Eastern European countries and illegally imported to America for sale. The biggest steroid consumers are athletes. Consequently, most illicit steroid trafficking occurs at gyms or other workout facilities.
Anabolic steroids are illegal under both Minnesota and federal laws, which means an offender may be prosecuted under either jurisdiction. The agency responsible for your arrest and the seriousness of your charge dictates the court in which your case will be prosecuted. Whether you are charged with a federal or state drug violation, a seasoned Minnesota drug defense lawyer can review your case and determine the best strategy for defense.