- Anabolic steroids are Schedule IV under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
- Simple possession of a Schedule IV substance isn’t an offence. The CDSA’s possession offence doesn’t apply to Schedule IV.
- Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, importing and exporting are offences, and “trafficking” includes giving steroids away.
- Testosterone is also a prescription drug, and anti-doping rules apply separately in sport.
“Are steroids legal in Canada?” has a more nuanced answer than most people expect. They’re controlled, but the law treats personal possession very differently from selling or importing. This guide explains what the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act actually says, with practical examples.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you’re facing charges, speak to a criminal defence lawyer; many offer free consultations, and legal aid is available in every province.
Where steroids fit in Canadian law
The CDSA sorts controlled substances into schedules. Anabolic steroids and their derivatives are listed in Schedule IV, alongside drugs like benzodiazepines. Schedule IV is the least restrictive schedule with criminal offences attached.
What is and isn’t an offence
| Activity | Offence for Schedule IV? |
|---|---|
| Possessing steroids for your own use | No |
| Selling, giving, sending or administering to someone else | Yes: trafficking |
| Possessing with the intent to traffic | Yes |
| Bringing steroids into Canada | Yes: importing |
| Taking or sending steroids out of Canada | Yes: exporting |
Schedule IV trafficking and importing offences can carry prison terms of up to three years on indictment.
Sharing with friends counts as trafficking
Under the CDSA, “trafficking” includes selling, giving, transferring, sending or administering a substance. Splitting an order with a training partner, or giving someone a vial, is legally trafficking even if no money changes hands.
Possession for the purpose of trafficking
Police and courts can infer intent to traffic from the circumstances: large quantities, many different products, scales, packaging for resale, or messages arranging sales. Keeping only what you personally use avoids that inference.
Importing and the CBSA
Ordering steroids from outside Canada means they cross the border, which is importing. The Canada Border Services Agency can detain and seize the parcel. Buying from a source that ships within Canada avoids importing altogether. See buying anabolic steroids in Canada.
Prescriptions
Testosterone and some other steroids are prescription drugs. With a prescription, possession and use are entirely legal, and you can travel with them in their pharmacy packaging. See our TRT guide and travel guide.
What about SARMs, HGH and peptides?
- SARMs aren’t approved by Health Canada and aren’t listed in the CDSA
- HGH (somatropin) is a prescription drug but isn’t CDSA-listed
- Most research peptides aren’t approved drugs and aren’t controlled substances
Sport and employment
Separately from criminal law, steroids are prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code, enforced in Canada by the CCES, and some employers test in safety-sensitive roles. See steroids in Canadian sport.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to have steroids in Canada?
Possessing anabolic steroids for personal use isn’t an offence, because they’re Schedule IV. Trafficking, importing and exporting are.
Can I give steroids to a friend?
No. Giving counts as trafficking under the CDSA, even without payment.
Is ordering steroids online legal in Canada?
Ordering from abroad is importing, which is an offence. Domestic orders don’t involve importing.
Can police charge me for personal steroid use?
Not for simple possession of a Schedule IV substance. Charges can follow if there’s evidence of trafficking or importing.
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
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