This article is a guide on the topic of peptides written by our drug lawyers Sydney team. It is recommended to speak to a criminal lawyer for more detailed guidance on this topic.
In Australia, certain peptides can be obtained legally only with a doctor's prescription. The use of peptides, including synthetic peptides that increase growth hormone levels, are only permitted for legitimate medical purposes as prescribed.
Peptides linked to performance or image enhancement such as 'growth hormone releasing peptides' (GHRPs), 'growth hormone releasing peptide-6' (GHRP-6), and 'pralmorelin' (GHRP-2) are 'Schedule 4' prescription-only medicines, as per the Poisons Standard.
The Poisons Standard was last updated in June 2024 and outlines the classification of medicines and poisons, applicable to relevant legislation of the states and territories across Australia.
Peptides are essentially strings of molecules called amino acids which are considered the 'building blocks' of proteins.
They serve important functions in the body including supporting the immune system, regulating your metabolism, and stimulating growth and repair in the body, including muscle growth.
Peptides are about 2-100 amino acids long. An example of a vital peptide is insulin, which is a 51-amino-acid-long peptide hormone.
The important functions promoted by peptides has led to their use for performance or image enhancement. However, health risks of using peptides include heart attacks, severe headaches, hypertension, and diabetes.
Peptides are commonly misused in combination with anabolic steroids, to seek to maintain muscle growth gains whilst cycling off steroids. Steroids and peptides are different molecules and are subject to different regulations.
Here is a guide on whether steroids are legal in Australia.
Are Peptides Safe?
Peptides are generally safe if used under the guidance and directions of a health professional such as a doctor. Side effects of using peptides can include allergic reactions in some people, which can include swelling, hives and difficulty in breathing. As there is not adequate research conducted on peptides yet, there is still much that is not known about it.
Some types of synthetic peptides also known as growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) may reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin and may increase the blood sugar.
Buying Peptides in Australia | Where to Buy Peptides in Australia
Peptides can be purchased from a wholesaler provided the purchaser has a valid prescription, and the seller has a valid authority to sell it in Australia. There are websites online such as Peptides Direct and Auspep that sell it. To purchase peptides online, you will normally have to go through and complete a series of checklists such as registration form, premedical screening, and treatment plan.
It is illegal to possess Peptides without a valid prescription. It is also illegal to sell Peptides for therapeutic use unless it is sold in accordance with the law. a person who supplied by wholesale must do so within the conditions of a wholesaler's licence or authority issued under the regulation. Failure to comply with this carries up to two years imprisonment and/or $2,200 fine.
The cost of purchasing peptides in Australia ranges from $100 to $350 depending on the brand and quantity.
Is Pt-141 Legal In Australia?
Pt-141 is a Bremelanotide, which is a synthetic peptide primarily used to treat sexual dysfunction in women. It is illegal to possess or sell without a valid prescription or authorisation under the law. The penalties for illegally possessing or selling this is two years imprisonment and/or $2,200 fine.
Is MK 677 Legal In Australia?
Ibutamoren is also known as MK 677 which is a Schedule 4 prescription only medicine in Australia predominantly used for treatment of frailty in elder people and children who are deficient in growth hormones. It is illegal to possess or supply this without a valid prescription or authority in Australia.
Is BPC-157 Legal In Australia?
BPC-157 is a peptides synthetic drug that increases growth hormone levels. It is a Schedule 4 prescription only medicine in Australia. It is illegal to possess or sell this without a valid prescription or authority in Australia.
Below is a list of penalties for criminal offences concerning peptides across each state and territory of Australia.
Are Peptides Legal in New South Wales?
In New South Wales, substances in Schedule 4 of the Poisons List are considered 'restricted substances' as prescribed in the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW).
It is an offence to attempt to obtain, or have a restricted substance, such as peptides, in one's possession, without a prescription. The maximum penalty applicable is a $2,200 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment, pursuant to section 16.
It is also illegal for retailers or individuals to sell peptides, other than pharmacies, as per section 9. A maximum penalty of a $1,650 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment is applicable.
Are Peptides Legal in Victoria?
In Victoria, it is illegal to sell, as well as possess or use peptides without a prescription.
Substances contacted within Schedule 4 of the Poisons List are considered a 'poison or controlled substance' as outlined in the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (VIC).
It is an offence to possess peptides, without authorization such as a prescription, pursuant to section 36B(2). This carries a maximum penalty of a $1,975.90 fine (10 penalty units x current value of $197.59 from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025).
The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017 (VIC) prohibits the sale of 'poisons or controlled substances' without authorisation. A maximum penalty of a $19,759 fine is applicable.
Are Peptides Legal in Queensland?
In Queensland, it is prohibited to purchase and possess peptides without a prescription, or to sell or supply them, without lawful authority.
Substances contacted within Schedule 4 of the Poisons List are considered a 's4 medicine' as outlined in the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 (QLD).
A person who buys or possesses peptides, without a prescription or reasonable excuse, faces a maximum penalty of a $32,260 fine (200 penalty units x current value of $161.30 from 1 July 2024), as per pursuant to section 34.
It is also an offence to supply peptides, without authorisation or a reasonable excuse. This carries a maximum penalty of a $80,650 fine, as outlined in section 35.
Are Peptides Legal in ACT?
It is illegal to purchase, sell and possess peptides, in the Australian Capital Territory, without a prescription or lawful authority.
Schedule 4 substances are considered 'prescription only medicines' or 'declared substances', as per the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008 (ACT).
Supplying peptides, without authorisation, carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $156,500 fine (500 penalty units x current value of $330 from 1 July 2024), pursuant to section 26.
Section 36 prescribes that possessing peptides, without a prescription, carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and/or a $66,000 fine.
Are Peptides Legal in South Australia?
In South Australia, it is illegal to sell peptides, without a prescription, as outlined in the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA). A maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine applies for those who use, sell, supply, prescribe, or purchase peptides, without proper authorisation, as per section 27.
Are Peptides Legal in Western Australia?
In Western Australia, it is illegal to sell, supply or possess peptides, without a doctor's prescription.
The Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 (WA) provides that a person commits an offence if they supply peptides without authorisation, as per section 14(1). Furthermore, section 14(4) criminalises possession, without proper authorisation, such as a prescription.
A maximum penalty of a $45,000 fine is applicable to these offences, as per section 115.
Are Peptides Legal in Northern Territory?
In the Northern Territory, it is illegal to sell, supply or possess peptides, without a doctor's prescription.
Using or possessing peptides, without a doctor's prescription, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment or a $18,500 fine (100 penalty units x current value of $185 from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025), as per section 39 of the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012 (NT).
Supplying peptides, without registration as a pharmacy, carries a maximum penalty of a $37,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment, as per section 40.
Are Peptides Legal in Tasmania?
In Tasmania, schedule 4 substances, such as peptides, are referred to as 'restricted substances' as per the Poisons Act 1971 (TAS).
It is illegal to have peptides in ones' possession, without a prescription, as outlined in section 36.
A maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment or a $9,750 fine (50 penalty units x current value of $195) is applicable.
Unless authorised to do so, a person or retailer who sells or supplies peptides faces a maximum penalty of a $3,900 fine, pursuant to section 26.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.