Steroids by country

Here’s a country-by-country breakdown of anabolic steroid legality as of mid‑2025, based on official and widely cited sources.
 

🟢 Countries where steroids are 

legal without a prescription

 (personal purchase and use, though sales/distribution may still be restricted)
These jurisdictions often allow over‑the‑counter (OTC) or pharmacy purchase for personal use:

Mexico, Thailand, Turkey: Steroids are available OTC in pharmacies or via veterinary sources, with minimal restrictions  .India, Egypt, Greece, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Poland, Bulgaria, Serbia, Russia, Ukraine: Personal use and OTC purchase are often tolerated or permitted. Regulations exist around supply or trafficking but enforcement varies  .In the Balkans, such as Bulgaria, steroids are reportedly sold OTC in gyms and pharmacies, with some Reddit sources stating minors have access  .

👉 Implication: Among these, Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, and parts of Eastern Europe (e.g. Bulgaria, Greece, Russia, Ukraine) are considered among the easiest places to purchase steroids without prescription.

🟡 Countries where 

personal possession is legal

 but 

prescription required

 and 

supply or import very restricted

United Kingdom: Possession and personal import are allowed, but supply (selling, giving away) is illegal and heavily penalized—up to 14 years in prison  .

Canada: Classified as Schedule IV—possession itself is not prosecuted, but trafficking or sale without prescription can result in up to 18 months imprisonment  .
 

🔴 Countries where steroids are 

illegal without a prescription

 and heavily controlled
 

Many Western and developed countries tightly regulate or prohibit anabolic steroids:

United States: Schedule III controlled substances. Possession without prescription is a federal crime punishable by up to 7 years (or one year for first offense), distribution even more  .Australia, France, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Japan, South Africa, and Belgium: Steroids strictly require prescription; unauthorized possession, import, distribution—criminal penalties including fines or imprisonment