The legal authority on PEDs, Rick Collins Esq., explains the legality behind giving open advice about illegal drugs.
Recreational use of steroids for performance enhancement is currently illegal in the United States. Despite this, many individuals have sought out steroids in order to get an edge within sports. There have been plenty of pro athletes getting caught to prove that this is happening across all athletic endeavors. This has evolved further with the internet. Now influencers can give open advice on how to take steroids, where to get it, and how to use it to improve your sports performance. Is this illegal? Or does this fall under free speech? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Rick Collins Esq. explains the legal ramifications of non-doctors sharing steroid use advice online.
The concept of social media influencers and open information on the internet has proven to be a double edged sword. On one hand, the easy of gaining information allows individuals to obtain knowledge that was previously walled off and inaccessible. It allows us as a society to be more aware. On the other hand, it allows for misinformation to spread as well. On top of that, dangerous “black market” information is easier to obtain now more than ever.
This notion has hit the bodybuilding world when it comes to steroids. What was once hidden behind closed doors is now openly available on the internet. Specifically, how to use steroids to enhance athletic performance.
On a legal level this shouldn’t exist at all. The use of steroids for performance enhancement is illegal in the United States. Yet if you go onto bodybuilding web forums, social media, or certain websites – you’ll find information on how to use steroids easily available. On top of that, a lot of the information is being provided by non-doctors or non-scientific personnel.
Beyond the moral implications of this, the big question becomes: is any of this legal? Can a bodybuilding guru influencer get into legal trouble for dispensing open information about an illegal drug like steroids?
For answers, we turned to lawyer Rick Collins who is known for his vast knowledge specifically surrounding all thins steroids and PEDs. Right off the bat, Collins explains that most open information about steroids falls under free speech. Due to this, there is little legal ramifications influencers need to worry about when it comes to publishing information about steroids.
There are some caveats though. If a person details specifics on where or how to get these illegal drugs, they can run into serious legal trouble. By dispensing this kind of information, they become accessories to buying and selling illegal drugs.
Additionally, a guru or trainer that provides information on how to use drugs can run into civil lawsuit, should a person follow the advice and get hurt. The family, or the individual themselves, can file a civil case against that person.
The truth is, a person can be sued for anything in the Unites States. That doesn’t mean that it will be a successful lawsuit. It does mean that if someone is angry enough or has enough money – that they can drag it out via the legal process. This is rare but it’s something that can happen when dealing online with grey areas like steroids.
You can watch Rick Collins Esq.’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided by Rick Collins should not be construed as legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this video are not necessarily that of the Generation Iron Network.
