STEROIDS: Not always illegal, but they can hurt you, By: Lena Sin

May 06, 2007

- Steroids are hormones that come in several forms. Some are used to treat medical conditions, but anabolics have few legitimate uses.

- Easily bought on the black market, anabolic steroids can be injected or taken as tablets. They build strength by accelerating the manufacture of muscle proteins.

- They also have a frightening list of side-effects including aggression, violent mood swings, paranoia, hair loss, severe acne, infertility, impotence, stunted growth, male breast development, liver tumors and elevated levels of cholesterol.

- The estimated 9,000 users across the country who share needles also risk contracting infectious diseases such as hepatitis or AIDS.

- A 2003 RCMP report says the U.S. is both a major source country and a transit point for Mexican steroids. Thailand, Poland and China are other important points of origin for anabolic steroids entering Canada.

- It's not illegal to possess a small quantity of steroids, but possession for trafficking is illegal. Anyone convicted of illegally importing steroids under the Customs Act is subject to a $500,000 fine and/or five years in prison. Maximum penalty for illegally importing or possessing steroids under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is three years in jail.