Are SARMs Legal?

SARMS or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators have been a sweetheart to many in the bodybuilding industry. Since their introduction in the market, we have been able to enjoy their potency without many restrictions. The future, however, doesn’t seem to be so bright. This is because we could very soon see these drugs join the long list of other banned supplements.

As of right now, SARMs are completely legal. Anyone can buy these products online without having to worry about the DEA or any other agency knocking on your door. Manufacturers and suppliers too can make and distribute these compounds without many restrictions. This, however, is only limited to personal use or for research purposes. You are not allowed to use these drugs if you are a professional athlete engaging in competitive sports. The United States Anti-Doping Agency lists SARMs as performance-enhancing drugs and hence does not permit their use by athletes. This ban isn’t just limited within the United States. Other international sports organizations like in the Olympics have also placed a ban on all these compounds. It doesn’t stop there. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has also prohibited the use of SARMs within their domain. In summary, anyone engaging in any sort of competitive sport should avoid using SARMs.

For those of us who have been enjoying SARMs for personal use, we could very soon witness this honeymoon getting cut short. This is due to the proposed bill which will very soon see to it that all our favorite SARMs are out of the market. The bill, SARMS Control Act of 2018, was introduced into the Senate by Sen Sheldon Whitehouse and Sen. Orrin Hatch back in April of 2018. Since then, the bill has gained quite a backing from other influential Senators, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and other stakeholders within the drugs and supplements industry. At the moment, the bill has garnered support from Steve Mister, the President, and CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition; Michael McGuffin, President of the Herbal Products Association; Loren Israelsen, the president of the United Natural Products Alliance; Scott Melville, President and CEO of Consumer Healthcare Products Association; Travis Tygart, President and CEO of US Anti-Doping Agency.

With such an enormous backing, it is rather obvious that the bill will indeed be passed into law and this could happen sooner than you may think. What will this law mean? First, the fact that SARMs could end up being banned by both the FDA and DEA means that it will be categorized as a Schedule III drug. The FDA ban will mean that no one will be allowed to distribute or manufacture these drugs with the intent of selling. This will, therefore, see the closure of all SARMs suppliers and manufacturers both online and off the net. Anyone caught making or distributing the drugs will be charged with a felony. Secondly, The DEA ban means that no one will be allowed to carry or possess these drugs. If SARMs end up under the DEA ban, possessing them alone will be considered as a breaking the law.

Which SARMs will be affected by this law?

Under the Schedule III law, the DEA has the responsibilities of notifying consumers and companies on the specific compounds they ban. From the details we’ve gathered, some of the SARMs that will be affected by this law include Ostarine, Ligandrol (LGD-4033), LGD-3303, LY2452473/TT701, RAD-140, Andarine, BMS-564929, LG-121071, and S23.

Take note that this list doesn’t cover all the SARMs and hence a few more could be added before the bill is finally passed. In case any SARMs manage to remain in the market then the risk of producing and distributing them will go high. This essentially means that any “SARMs” that will manage to remain in the market after this law comes into action will be a lot harder to get an even more expensive to buy.

Furthermore, experts argue that any compounds that will manage to escape this law are likely to be poorly dosed or simply ineffective. They could, therefore, be pretty much useless.

The only potential upside from the above list is the notable absence of Cardarine and MK677. Even though the two compounds are always categorized and sold as SARMs, they technically aren’t one. Some consider them as more of PPAR agonists than androgen receptor modulators. Due to this technicality, we might be able to continue enjoying their efficacy even after the bill is passed. This is all just speculation though, we’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out.

So, what should we expect?

In a joint statement issued by all stakeholders supporting this bill, the participants reinforced their commitment to “…support efforts to enact and enforce laws to protect consumers, eliminate bad actors marketing illegal substances masquerading as legal products and prosecute criminals who manufacture and sell them”. With such a backing, this bipartisan bill is somewhat destined to pass. So, what should all users of these supplements expect?

First and most obvious, is that the drugs will become difficult if not impossible to use in the United States.

Secondly, importation, exportation, manufacturing, and distribution of selective androgen receptor modulators will be prohibited.

Take note that this law does not have any grace period but instead, it’ll come into action immediately the President signs it into law.

Final Thoughts

It’s rather sad that we are witnessing an end to something so remarkably good. It is no longer a matter of whether SARMs will be illegal or not but more of when will the ban on SARMs come into action. The only recommendation we can give you is to stock up your supply while these compounds are still available. Liquid SARMs, especially, have quite a long shelf life and will hence last for quite some time once the ban is implemented. In the meantime, we will be keeping an eye on any potential new drugs that can match the performance of SARMs.

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