If you follow the news much then you may know that Hunter Biden was bitten by a federal gun law—where it's illegal to possess a gun if you use drugs illegally. Apparently the law is now being challenged in court by someone who used marijuana. I was curious and wanted to know if this applies to the average guy buying steroids without a prescription. Per Grok:
Are users of unprescribed steroids "unlawful user"s? Yes:
Typical federal steroid-related offenses, e.g. possession, may carry penalties of up to a year in prison and $1,000 fines. This is already draconian, but it pales in comparison to what could happen if you also own a firearm. Then you're looking at up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000. The problem with laws that are rarely enforced is that they enable selective enforcement. With respect to steroids, the ideal solution is to have them revert to being prescription drugs and not controlled substances. I don't see this happening very soon.
Interestingly, it appears this law could even be triggered by something as innocent as a friend giving you a few of his prescription Ambien tablets.
The federal law prohibiting unlawful drug users from owning or possessing firearms is codified at 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which is part of the Gun Control Act of 1968. This provision makes it unlawful for any person "who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802))" to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Are users of unprescribed steroids "unlawful user"s? Yes:
The statute itself does not define "unlawful user" or "addicted," but ATF regulations at 27 CFR § 478.11 provide clarification: It means a person who uses a controlled substance and has lost the power of self-control with reference to its use, or any person who is a current user of a controlled substance in a manner other than as prescribed by a licensed physician.
Typical federal steroid-related offenses, e.g. possession, may carry penalties of up to a year in prison and $1,000 fines. This is already draconian, but it pales in comparison to what could happen if you also own a firearm. Then you're looking at up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000. The problem with laws that are rarely enforced is that they enable selective enforcement. With respect to steroids, the ideal solution is to have them revert to being prescription drugs and not controlled substances. I don't see this happening very soon.
Interestingly, it appears this law could even be triggered by something as innocent as a friend giving you a few of his prescription Ambien tablets.
