Legal cases involved end users

[anon0]

I would like to ask whether there have been documented cases in which authorities chose to pursue legal action against individual end users rather than focusing primarily on sellers or distributors. My understanding is that enforcement efforts are typically directed toward those involved in production, distribution, or large-scale sales, rather than individuals who purchase GLP-1’s for personal use. However, in theory, it would seem legally possible for authorities to bring charges against end users as well. I would be interested in hearing informed perspectives on this issue.

 

[yrrdead]

I'm curious as to what charges you think could be brought?

As an aside no local law enforcement has any idea what you are doing. Nor do they care, well they might want to know where you are getting stuff so they can also join in.

From a federal perspective, they really don't care. Most cases need to have a dollar amount attached over $500k for an ausa to even look at it.

The only realistic scenario i could see is if you are in some type of political arena. Then an investigation may move forward with illegal schedule ii drugs as a pretense.

The biggest "risk" for the grey peptide space (imo) is a customs violation resulting in removal of Trusted Traveler status.

 

[anon0]

I'm curious as to what charges you think could be brought?

As an aside no local law enforcement has any idea what you are doing. Nor do they care, well they might want to know where you are getting stuff so they can also join in.

From a federal perspective, they really don't care. Most cases need to have a dollar amount attached over $500k for an ausa to even look at it.

The only realistic scenario i could see is if you are in some type of political arena. Then an investigation may move forward with illegal schedule ii drugs as a pretense.

The biggest "risk" for the grey peptide space (imo) is a customs violation resulting in removal of Trusted Traveler status.

It depends on the laws of each country I think. I am not based in the United States, but I assume that regulations there may be more lenient. Meanwhile, many European countries, Commonwealth nations, and several countries in Asia tend to have stricter rules regarding medications, which means people are more likely to run into trouble with the law.

 

[Not_Your_Dad]

I agree with yrrdead - with the exception of HGH, nothing gray requires an Rx such that the feds would care, and nothing is Scheduled anyway. I also agree that the biggest concern relates to seizure at the border.

 

[Jellybelly54]

No worries at all for peptides. Testosterone is the big one that will get you in trouble. Stay away from that and HGH and you’ll be well under the radar. Peptides are just amino acids so you’re basically ordering supplements in their minds.

 

[Radxpro43]

Wouldn't know. Unless you get it from a pharmacy and under a prescription everything we deal with is for research purposes only and not for human consumption. 😉 The rats in my garden love it that way.

 

[designing677]

I'm curious as to what charges you think could be brought?

As an aside no local law enforcement has any idea what you are doing. Nor do they care, well they might want to know where you are getting stuff so they can also join in.

From a federal perspective, they really don't care. Most cases need to have a dollar amount attached over $500k for an ausa to even look at it.

The only realistic scenario i could see is if you are in some type of political arena. Then an investigation may move forward with illegal schedule ii drugs as a pretense.

The biggest "risk" for the grey peptide space (imo) is a customs violation resulting in removal of Trusted Traveler status.

There is no GLP-1 agonist in any DEA schedule.

 

[CNCCurrency]

Wouldn't know. Unless you get it from a pharmacy and under a prescription everything we deal with is for research purposes only and not for human consumption. 😉 The rats in my garden love it that way.

Pretty sure hgh only affects being the supplier to another person and sales. Not end user

 

[Calm Logic]

No worries at all for peptides. Testosterone is the big one that will get you in trouble. Stay away from that and HGH and you’ll be well under the radar. Peptides are just amino acids so you’re basically ordering supplements in their minds.

And even with steroids, federal enforcement is usually zero for simple possession (or importing a smaller amount), at least if you do some rounding. They will just seize it and move on.

A number of cops are arguably on steroids, but some states like Florida have tougher penalties.

 

[Calm Logic]

Pretty sure hgh only affects being the supplier to another person and sales. Not end user

Depends on the state for simple possession:

State-by-State Legal Categorization of HGH

State	Legal Status	Typical Penalty (Personal Use)	Primary Enforcement Method
Nevada	Schedule III	Category E Felony	Specifically enumerated in NAC 453.015. One of the strictest in the US.
West Virginia	Schedule III	Misdemeanor / Felony	WV Code §60A-2-208; includes hCG and growth hormones in steroid schedules.
Rhode Island	Schedule III	Misdemeanor (Up to 1 yr)	Categorized under the state's Uniform Controlled Substances Act.
Texas	Dangerous Drug	Class A Misdemeanor	Health & Safety Code 483; carries up to 1 year in county jail and $4,000 fine.
Arizona	Prescription-Only	Class 1 Misdemeanor	ARS § 13-3406; illegal to possess, use, or transport without a valid script.
Florida	Prescription Drug	2nd Degree Misdemeanor	F.S. 499.005(12); Possession without a script is a "Prohibited Act."
California	Prescription-Only	Misdemeanor	Handled under Health and Safety Code 11350 as a non-scheduled drug crime.
Federal (CBP)	FDCA Legend Drug	Civil Seizure / Fine	Simple possession is a gray area; Importation is the primary target.

 

[CNCCurrency]

Depends on the state for simple possession

I was thinking federal

:

• Federal Status: Not a controlled substance, but regulated as a prescription drug. Illegal to distribute for non-approved uses.

 

[RubbaDubba1]

I've always wandered (don't want to find out) if I ever got pulled over by law enforcement and got my car searched. If I had unlabeled vials of Amino Acids in my car, would they do a road side test kit for Narcotics.

 

[Calm Logic]

I've always wandered (don't want to find out) if I ever got pulled over by law enforcement and got my car searched. If I had unlabeled vials of Amino Acids in my car, would they do a road side test kit for Narcotics.

It could be a long afternoon maybe but should be fine:

Full-scale federal investigations of individual consumers over their online shopping habits for small personal-use quantities are pretty rare, even for many sch. 1 or 2 substances. If anything is going to happen, it's usually something they'll hand off to local cops.

Even if an investigation is started, there is still the question of what if any testing might ever be done. Most local (and even state) law enforcement usually don't have the resources available to dedicate to extensively analyzing a small number of vials unless there are other factors contributing to a (probably already ongoing) bigger investigation. I suspect most likely when rapid field tests with the various swabs and reagents they keep handy to ID the "usual" substances come up negative they're just gonna drop it and move on.

But for steroids, the guys on Meso shouldn't argue with their partner/spouse on anything, haha. There is far less discretion if someone reports steroids, than if found during a traffic stop. And some states like Florida are more conservative than others, at least regarding possible penalties.

 

[IshimaruKenta]

I agree with yrrdead - with the exception of HGH, nothing gray requires an Rx such that the feds would care, and nothing is Scheduled anyway. I also agree that the biggest concern relates to seizure at the border.

Yep, HGH while not a scheduled drug, is a felony if you're caught without a prescription. Even having tirzepatide or semaglutide without a prescription isn't illegal.

 

[CNCCurrency]

Yep, HGH while not a scheduled drug, is a felony if you're caught without a prescription. Even having tirzepatide or semaglutide without a prescription isn't illegal.

Not true in most states: Read above posts,

 

[IshimaruKenta]

Not true in most states: Read above posts,

Which part isn't true? The HGH thing is from the FDA/DEA:

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hgh.pdf

 

[ZippityDooDah]

There are so few published cases it's hard to really glean anything useful, but the anecdotal evidence is pretty convincing.

An end user receiving products through the mail, etc. or in a "possession" situation is 99.99% likely to not have any legal issues ever. Trying to clear customs coming back into the US with something might have a slightly higher chance but still slim.

The potential ancillary impact to things like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or a security clearance are probably a bigger concern than having to defend oneself in court.

 

[Calm Logic]

The potential ancillary impact to things like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or a security clearance are probably a bigger concern than having to defend oneself in court.

And for those concerns, the US warehouses and domestic resellers are a godsend.

 

[CNCCurrency]

Which part isn't true? The HGH thing is from the FDA/DEA:

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hgh.pdf

However, as part of the 1990 Anabolic SteroidsControl Act, the distribution and possession, with the intent todistribute, of hGH

 

[Mr. Blonde]

The feds don't investigate people that are buying $100 bucks worth of tirzepatide. Watch the news, they aren't very effective even when shit is gift wrapped to them.

Have you seen local law enforcement...hahahahaha....you are good 👍

 

[libertarianguy]

You might get in trouble if you import GLP1s (so you guys using crypto to buy direct from labs in china face a small but non-zero risk) but there is no federal law that criminalizes the mere possession of these chemicals.

 

[CNCCurrency]

You might get in trouble if you import GLP1s (so you guys using crypto to buy direct from labs in china face a small but non-zero risk) but there is no federal law that criminalizes the mere possession of these chemicals.

Trouble from who?

 

[lessthanhalf]

The rules are different in the US, but in Australia it is unequivocal that importing any scheduled substance, that includes any prescription drug, and a large number that are in development, and includes some just by the type of drug they are even if unlisted such as dermorphin without a prescription and an import permit is a criminal offence. I looked it up in some detail before ordering. I have never heard of anyone importing glp's being prosecuted, and customs seems to just impound them rather than prosecute, but they could if they wanted to. I imagine many other countries have similar laws.

 

[anon0]

The rules are different in the US, but in Australia it is unequivocal that importing any scheduled substance, that includes any prescription drug, and a large number that are in development, and includes some just by the type of drug they are even if unlisted such as dermorphin without a prescription and an import permit is a criminal offence. I looked it up in some detail before ordering. I have never heard of anyone importing glp's being prosecuted, and customs seems to just impound them rather than prosecute, but they could if they wanted to. I imagine many other countries have similar laws.

I assume the authorities could investigate and press charges if they chose to. In theory, since this is likely a criminal offense in many jurisdictions, convictions are certainly possible, but are they common? In Europe, authorities can often obtain a search warrant and potentially prosecute end users for illegally purchasing unapproved medicines.

 

[Calm Logic]

Have you seen local law enforcement...hahahahaha....you are good 👍

Similarly, a law enforcement officer (apparently) on Reddit, concerning international delivery of more serious drugs (with state laws usually not being enforced):

https://www.reddit.com/r/myfriendwantstoknow/comments/xdg7p9/comment/ioe9su3

View: https://www.reddit.com/r/myfriendwantstoknow/comments/xdg7p9/comment/ioe9su3/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

 

[CNCCurrency]

Similarly, a law enforcement officer (apparently) on Reddit, concerning international delivery of more serious drugs (with state laws usually not being enforced):

https://www.reddit.com/r/myfriendwantstoknow/comments/xdg7p9/comment/ioe9su3

View: https://www.reddit.com/r/myfriendwantstoknow/comments/xdg7p9/comment/ioe9su3/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

So now the discussion has evolved to narcotics? SMH

 

[Calm Logic]

The point is if that is how they are treating felony-level drugs, then even the more exotic peptides like HGH may be no big deal to local law enforcement.

Molly is a stimulant/hallucinogen, not a narcotic. But it is classified as Schedule I (by the feds and most states) and as a "dangerous drug" by other states. So definitely a more serious drug than any peptide.

 

[OregonSunshine]

Depends on the state for simple possession:

What the hell did HgH ever do to Nevada? Dang.

 

[Calm Logic]

Neveda was legitimately worried that all the alternative health clinics were putting already ill patients at risk, especially by not doing any due diligence:

James Forsythe, MD and Frank Shallenberger, MD, legal troubles

faculty.uml.edu

Forsythe had improperly diagnosed a patient, who was actually an undercover FDA agent, with hypopituitism without conducting relevant tests, obtained hGH by claiming in a letter to U.S. Customs that he needed it for "personal use," and sold it directly to the patient rather than writing a prescription that could be filled at an ordinary pharmacy.

Las Vegas was historically one of the biggest markets in the world for hormone replacement and anti-aging clinics.

It’s easy to frame this as "Big Medicine vs. The Underdog," but for a state regulator, it’s usually about the duty of care. If a clinic isn't performing basic blood work or imaging before prescribing a heavy regimen of supplements or IV drips, they aren't just being "alternative"—they're being negligent.

Prosecutors argued that marketing HGH to terminally ill patients as a "wellness" or "anti-aging" booster was a form of medical fraud because the risks (cancer progression) outweighed the unproven benefits for those patients.

 

[lessthanhalf]

Australia in general has much stricter rules and the prosecutions I have seen evidence of are in "wellness" or beauty clinics, or steroid importers. If it is a prescription drug or scheduled anywhere ( and 99% of the peptides on the average Chinese list are on their books as scheduled drugs even if not released yet ) then it needs to follow the laws about who can prescribe and administer it . So someone got busted for selling botox on facebook to another clinic that had run out. You are not allowed to give or sell a prescription medication to anyone other than the person the doctor prescribed it to. Of course those clinics still happen here anyway, but sometimes people get charged for not sticking to the rules, like nurses in those clinics providing prescription drugs / Chinese peptides without a prescription written by a doctor etc, but usually only if something goes wrong and it gets investigated or someone puts in a complaint.