Are Peptides Legal? State-by-State Guide (2026)

The short answer: it depends on which peptide, how you got it, and what you plan to do with it.

The long answer fills the rest of this article. Peptide legality in the United States is a patchwork of federal regulations, FDA category designations, state pharmacy laws, medical board standards, and enforcement trends that vary by jurisdiction. A peptide that a physician can prescribe legally in one state may trigger a medical board investigation in another. A product sold freely online as a "research chemical" may be the target of an attorney general enforcement action in a third.

This guide breaks down the federal framework first, then walks through the key state-by-state differences, explains the different legal channels for obtaining peptides, and provides practical guidance for patients, providers, and anyone trying to figure out whether what they are doing (or planning to do) is legal.

Last updated: February 2026. Peptide regulations are changing rapidly. Check the FDA's bulk drug substances page and your state pharmacy board for the latest updates.

Table of Contents

The Federal Framework
Three Legal Categories of Peptides
Prescription vs. OTC vs. Research: The Three Channels
State-by-State Overview
Permissive States
Moderate States
Restrictive States
State Attorney General Enforcement Actions
Telemedicine and Peptide Prescribing
Peptides and Anti-Doping: WADA and Sports Rules
Dietary Supplements and the DSHEA Question
Selling Peptides: Business Licensing Requirements
Practical Guidance
FAQ
The Bottom Line
References

The Federal Framework

Federal law sets the floor. Every state must comply with federal rules, but states can add their own restrictions on top. No state can make something legal that federal law prohibits.

The FDA's Role

The FDA regulates peptides as drugs when they are intended for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. This intent-based framework means that the same physical substance can be treated differently depending on how it is marketed and used:

A vial of BPC-157 sold "for research use only" to a laboratory? Legal to sell.
The same vial sold with dosing instructions and marketed for gut healing? The FDA considers that an unapproved drug.

The distinction between these two scenarios is not the substance itself but the intended use, as demonstrated by labeling, marketing, and the context of the sale.

The Controlled Substances Act

Most peptides are not scheduled controlled substances under the DEA's Controlled Substances Act. There is no "Schedule I peptide" list. However:

Some growth-hormone-related substances are subject to specific federal restrictions. Human growth hormone (somatropin) is controlled under a separate statute (21 U.S.C. 333(e)) that makes it illegal to distribute for non-approved purposes.
The DEA has reviewed certain growth hormone secretagogues for potential scheduling due to sports doping concerns, though as of early 2026, no commonly discussed research peptides have been scheduled.
Anabolic steroids are Schedule III controlled substances, but peptides are structurally distinct from steroids and are not classified under this category.

The FD&C Act

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is the primary federal statute governing peptide regulation. Under the FDCA:

A "new drug" requires FDA approval before it can be marketed in interstate commerce.
Compounded drugs are exempt from the new drug approval requirement if they meet the conditions of Section 503A or 503B.
A substance marketed as a dietary supplement must meet DSHEA requirements (more on this below).
Misbranded or adulterated drugs can be seized, and their sellers can face criminal prosecution.

Three Legal Categories of Peptides

For practical purposes, every peptide you might encounter falls into one of three categories:

1. FDA-Approved Peptide Drugs

These have gone through clinical trials and received FDA approval. They are fully legal to prescribe, dispense, and use for their approved indications. Off-label prescribing (using the drug for an unapproved condition) is legal at the physician's discretion.

Examples: Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), leuprolide (Lupron), octreotide (Sandostatin), tesamorelin (Egrifta), bremelanotide (Vyleesi).

Legal status: Fully legal with a valid prescription.

2. Compoundable Peptides

These are substances that can be legally prepared by compounding pharmacies under Section 503A or 503B of the FDCA. They are not themselves FDA-approved drugs, but they meet the criteria for compounding: they appear on the Category 1 bulks list, have USP monographs, or are active ingredients in FDA-approved drugs.

Examples: Sermorelin, gonadorelin, GHK-Cu (topical only), VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide), NAD+.

Legal status: Legal with a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber, compounded by a licensed pharmacy that meets regulatory requirements.

3. Non-Approved Peptides (Research Chemicals)

These are peptides that have not been FDA-approved and cannot be legally compounded. They are often sold as "research chemicals" or "for research use only" (RUO). This includes the peptides the FDA has placed on Category 2 (safety concerns) and Category 3 (insufficient data).

Examples: BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, AOD-9604, Melanotan II, Selank, Semax, KPV, DSIP, Epitalon.

Legal status: Selling for research purposes is generally legal. Selling or marketing for human consumption is illegal under federal law. Purchasing for personal self-administration occupies a gray area that is increasingly subject to enforcement.

Prescription vs. OTC vs. Research: The Three Channels

Prescription (Rx)

FDA-approved peptide drugs and compounded peptides from licensed pharmacies require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The provider must have a legitimate patient-provider relationship, which in most states requires at minimum a consultation (increasingly, telemedicine consultations are accepted -- see the telemedicine section below).

Over-the-Counter (OTC) / Cosmetic

Some peptide products are sold without a prescription:

Topical skincare peptides. Products containing matrixyl, argireline, copper peptides, palmitoyl peptides, and others are sold as cosmetics. They are regulated by the FDA as cosmetics, not drugs, as long as they do not make drug claims. Read more in our peptide skincare guide.
Collagen peptides. Hydrolyzed collagen sold as a dietary supplement is legal because collagen peptides are derived from food sources and have a long history of use in food.
Oral BPC-157? Some companies sell oral BPC-157 as a "supplement." The FDA considers this illegal because BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide that does not meet the DSHEA definition of a dietary ingredient. Enforcement has been limited but is increasing.

Research Use Only (RUO)

The "research chemical" channel is where most of the legal ambiguity lives. Companies sell peptides labeled "for research use only" or "not for human consumption." When purchased by an actual laboratory for genuine research purposes, this is legal.

The problem arises when:

The seller packages peptides with syringes, bacteriostatic water, and dosing guides
Marketing materials describe human health benefits
Customer reviews discuss personal use
The website targets consumers rather than laboratories

In these cases, the FDA considers the products to be unapproved drugs marketed for human use, regardless of the RUO label. Several companies have received FDA warning letters on this basis, and state attorneys general have brought enforcement actions against sellers whose marketing clearly targets human consumers.

State-by-State Overview

Federal law provides the baseline, but states layer on additional rules through pharmacy boards, medical boards, consumer protection statutes, and specific legislation. The result is a spectrum from relatively permissive to highly restrictive.

The following categorization reflects the overall regulatory environment as of early 2026. States can move between categories as new laws take effect.

Permissive States

These states have lighter regulatory frameworks for peptide therapy. Clinics operate more openly, enforcement against gray-market peptides is less aggressive, and prescribers generally face less scrutiny from medical boards for peptide prescribing.

Florida

Peptide clinic environment: Florida has one of the highest concentrations of peptide therapy clinics in the country. The state's warm climate, large retiree population, and business-friendly regulatory environment have made it a hub for anti-aging and regenerative medicine.
Pharmacy regulation: Florida mandates registration for drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors handling peptides. The state pharmacy board enforces federal compounding rules but has not imposed additional peptide-specific restrictions beyond the federal framework.
Telemedicine: Florida allows broad telemedicine prescribing for non-controlled substances. GLP-1 peptides (non-controlled) can be prescribed via telehealth with appropriate documentation.
Enforcement trend: Moderate. Florida has not been among the states leading enforcement actions against peptide sellers, but the state attorney general's office participated in the multi-state letter to the FDA.

Texas

Peptide clinic environment: Similar to Florida, Texas has a large and active peptide therapy market. Multiple clinics in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio offer peptide prescribing.
Pharmacy regulation: The Texas State Board of Pharmacy regulates compounding pharmacies. Texas follows federal Category designations without additional state-level peptide restrictions.
Medical board: The Texas Medical Board has not issued specific guidance restricting peptide prescribing, though prescribers are expected to follow standard-of-care requirements including informed consent and documentation.
Research chemicals: Texas has not enacted specific legislation targeting the sale of research peptides to consumers.
Enforcement trend: Low to moderate.

Nevada

Peptide clinic environment: Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, has a growing anti-aging and wellness industry that includes peptide therapy.
Pharmacy regulation: Nevada follows federal compounding rules. The state has not enacted additional peptide-specific restrictions.
Enforcement trend: Low. Nevada has not been prominent in peptide enforcement actions.

Arizona

Peptide clinic environment: Phoenix and Scottsdale have significant numbers of peptide therapy and regenerative medicine clinics.
Medical board: Arizona has not issued specific restrictions on peptide prescribing. The state's health freedom laws provide somewhat more latitude for alternative therapies.
Enforcement trend: Low.

Moderate States

These states follow federal rules without significant additional restrictions but have more active enforcement, medical board oversight, or pending legislation.

Illinois

Pharmacy regulation: Illinois follows federal compounding guidelines. The state pharmacy board enforces Category designations.
Medical board: Active oversight. Providers prescribing off-label or compounded peptides should document clinical rationale thoroughly.
Enforcement trend: Moderate. Illinois has participated in multi-state enforcement coordination.

Colorado

Peptide clinic environment: Denver and Boulder have active wellness communities with peptide therapy clinics.
Pharmacy regulation: Follows federal framework. Colorado has not enacted peptide-specific legislation.
Medical board: Colorado has been generally accepting of integrative medicine practices, but documentation requirements are enforced.
Enforcement trend: Moderate.

Ohio

Pharmacy regulation: Ohio follows federal compounding rules. The state has specific requirements for pharmacy compounding inspections.
Medical board: Has investigated practitioners for substandard peptide prescribing practices in individual cases but has not issued blanket restrictions.
Enforcement trend: Moderate.

Pennsylvania

Pharmacy regulation: Follows federal framework with state-level compounding pharmacy licensing requirements.
Enforcement trend: Moderate, with some activity from the PA attorney general on health product marketing claims.

Georgia

Peptide clinic environment: Atlanta has a growing peptide therapy market.
Pharmacy regulation: Follows federal Category designations. Georgia has enacted legislation requiring additional oversight of compounding pharmacies in the wake of the NECC tragedy (several Georgia patients were affected).
Enforcement trend: Moderate.

Restrictive States

These states impose additional restrictions beyond federal requirements, have more aggressive enforcement, or have specific legislation targeting peptide-adjacent products.

New York

Pharmacy regulation: New York requires facility inspection and compliance documentation for peptide production and labeling. The state imposes additional quality control requirements on compounding pharmacies beyond federal standards.
Medical board: The New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) actively investigates physicians prescribing unapproved substances. Documentation, informed consent, and evidence-based rationale are held to high standards.
Telemedicine: In May 2025, the New York State Department of Health finalized rules governing prescription of controlled substances through telemedicine. While most peptides are not controlled, the rules signal increasing oversight of remote prescribing.
Minor access restrictions: As of April 2025, New York law prohibits the sale of products marketed for muscle building or weight loss to individuals under 18. This potentially affects peptide sellers targeting younger demographics.
Enforcement trend: High. New York has been among the more active states in peptide-related enforcement.

California

Pharmacy regulation: The California Board of Pharmacy imposes strict compounding standards. California has historically been among the most aggressive states in regulating compounding pharmacies.
Medical board: The Medical Board of California has investigated practitioners for prescribing unapproved peptides, particularly when safety concerns or complaints arise.
PDMP requirements: All providers prescribing controlled substances must consult California's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (CURES) database. While most peptides are not controlled, the infrastructure signals a culture of prescription oversight.
Minor access legislation: California has introduced legislation targeting underage access to performance-enhancing supplements, which could affect peptide products marketed for muscle building or athletic performance.
Enforcement trend: High. California consumer protection laws are among the strongest in the country, and the state attorney general has broad enforcement authority.

Massachusetts

Sharps disposal: Massachusetts has some of the strictest sharps disposal rules -- sharps cannot be placed in household trash. This is relevant for injectable peptide users. See our peptide disposal guide.
Pharmacy regulation: Massachusetts pharmacy regulations are among the most restrictive, with additional requirements for sterile compounding in the wake of the NECC tragedy (NECC was based in Massachusetts).
Enforcement trend: High.

Connecticut

Enforcement action: In 2025, the Connecticut Attorney General required a peptide seller to cease operations in the state and accept a monetary judgment. Connecticut has been one of the most active states in peptide enforcement.
May 2025 notice: The AG issued a statewide notice to weight-loss clinics and medspas emphasizing that compounding of semaglutide and tirzepatide is no longer permitted.
Enforcement trend: Very high.

Alabama

Enforcement action: Alabama's Attorney General obtained a temporary restraining order in November 2025 against a company selling unapproved peptide products.
Enforcement trend: High, particularly regarding online peptide sellers.

Louisiana

Pharmacy regulation: Louisiana imposes additional restrictions on compounding pharmacies, including stricter inspection and documentation requirements.
Enforcement trend: Moderate to high. Louisiana is considered among the more restrictive states for supplement and peptide sales.

State Attorney General Enforcement Actions

The most significant enforcement development of 2025-2026 has been the entry of state attorneys general into peptide regulation. Previously, enforcement was primarily an FDA function. Now, AGs are using consumer protection tools independently.

Multi-State Coordination

More than 40 state attorneys general sent a formal multi-state letter to the FDA in 2025 describing:

Products containing unknown contaminants or incorrect dosages
Online sales of GLP-1 active ingredients labeled "research use only" but marketed to consumers without prescriptions
Public health risks from unsanitary compounding

Individual State Actions

State	Action	Date
Connecticut	Forced peptide seller to cease operations; monetary judgment	2025
Alabama	Temporary restraining order against unapproved peptide seller	November 2025
Connecticut	Statewide notice to clinics on GLP-1 compounding	May 2025
Multiple states	Medical board audits of peptide therapy clinics	Throughout 2025

What This Means

"Research use only" labels do not provide legal protection when the product is clearly marketed for human consumption. State AGs are using consumer protection law, unfair trade practice statutes, and public health authority to go after sellers that the FDA might not prioritize.

If you are buying "research peptides" online and the seller's website shows before-and-after photos, discusses dosing protocols for humans, or sells the peptides alongside syringes and bacteriostatic water, that seller is a target for enforcement. And in some states, the purchaser may face scrutiny as well.

Telemedicine and Peptide Prescribing

Telemedicine has become a major channel for peptide prescribing. Here is where things stand:

Federal Telemedicine Rules

In January 2026, HHS and the DEA jointly extended telemedicine flexibilities for controlled substance prescribing through December 31, 2026. Under this extension, DEA-registered practitioners can prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances via live audio-video telemedicine without a prior in-person exam.

However, most peptides are not controlled substances. For non-controlled peptides, telemedicine prescribing is governed by state medical practice acts rather than DEA rules.

State Telemedicine Requirements for Peptides

The key question is whether a state requires an in-person visit before a physician can prescribe a non-controlled injectable medication.

Most states allow non-controlled substance prescriptions via telemedicine as long as the provider establishes a legitimate patient-provider relationship (which can be done remotely in most jurisdictions).
Some states (including New York, as of May 2025) have specific rules about telehealth prescribing that may require additional documentation or follow-up in-person visits.
The standard-of-care requirement applies everywhere: even via telemedicine, the provider must perform an adequate assessment, make an appropriate diagnosis, and document their clinical reasoning.

Enforcement Against Telehealth Peptide Mills

The FDA's September 2025 enforcement initiative specifically targeted telehealth companies promoting compounded GLP-1 products. Warning letters went to providers making claims about "generic" or "clinically proven" compounded versions of FDA-approved drugs.

State medical boards have also begun scrutinizing telehealth peptide prescribing, particularly "peptide mills" where providers prescribe peptides with minimal assessment. If you are obtaining peptides via telemedicine, ensure your provider conducts a thorough consultation, reviews your medical history, and documents clinical rationale.

Peptides and Anti-Doping: WADA and Sports Rules

For athletes, peptide legality has an additional layer: anti-doping rules.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits many peptides regardless of their legal status:

Peptide Category	WADA Status	Examples
Growth hormone secretagogues	Prohibited	CJC-1295, ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, MK-677
GLP-1 agonists	Generally not prohibited	Semaglutide, tirzepatide (check current list)
Thymosin beta-4 / TB-500	Prohibited	TB-500
BPC-157	Status varies by sport	Check specific federation rules
EPO-mimetic peptides	Prohibited	Peginesatide
SARMs	Prohibited (not peptides, but often sold alongside)

NCAA, IOC, and professional sports leagues have their own rules that may differ from WADA. Athletes in any organized sport should check their specific federation's prohibited list before using any peptide. See our peptides for athletes guide for more detail.

Dietary Supplements and the DSHEA Question

Can a peptide be sold as a dietary supplement? Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), a substance can be marketed as a dietary supplement if it is:

A vitamin, mineral, herb, or botanical
An amino acid
A dietary substance to supplement the diet
A concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of the above

Where Peptides Fit

Collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen): These are derived from food sources (animal bone, skin, and connective tissue). They have a long history of use in food and are generally recognized as safe. They can legally be sold as dietary supplements.
Individual amino acids (L-glutamine, L-arginine, etc.): Legal as dietary supplements.
Synthetic peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, etc.): These are not "dietary substances" under DSHEA. They are synthetic compounds that do not occur naturally in foods and have no history of food use. The FDA considers them unapproved drugs when marketed for human consumption, not dietary supplements.
Bioactive peptides from food (casein-derived peptides, whey peptides): These are in a gray area. If derived from food sources and marketed without specific drug claims, they may qualify as supplements. But claims about treating, curing, or preventing disease would make them drugs under the FDCA.

The bottom line: most of the peptides that people in the biohacking and anti-aging communities are interested in cannot legally be sold as dietary supplements. Companies that do so are operating in violation of federal law, though enforcement has been inconsistent.

Selling Peptides: Business Licensing Requirements

If you are (or are considering) selling peptides, the licensing requirements are significant and vary by state:

Federal Requirements

FDA registration is required for any entity manufacturing, processing, packing, or distributing drugs in the United States.
DEA registration is required if any products are controlled substances (most peptides are not).
API sourcing must be from FDA-registered suppliers. Peptide APIs labeled "research use only" cannot be used in products intended for human use.

State Requirements

Drug manufacturer licensing: Most states require separate state-level licensing for drug manufacturers, even if federally registered.
Wholesale drug distributor licensing: Required in most states for distributing pharmaceutical products.
Pharmacy licensing: If you are compounding peptides, you need a state pharmacy license.
Specific state requirements vary: Florida mandates registration for drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors handling peptides. New York requires facility inspection and compliance documentation. Other states have their own requirements.

The LegitScript Factor

Payment processors increasingly use LegitScript certification to vet merchants selling health products online. LegitScript has published guidance specifically addressing peptides, classifying many research peptides as "not eligible for certification" when marketed for human use. This means many peptide sellers lose access to credit card processing, which is a significant practical enforcement mechanism independent of FDA or state action.

Practical Guidance

For Patients

FDA-approved peptide drugs are the safest legal route. If an FDA-approved alternative exists for your condition, start there. See our complete list of FDA-approved peptides.
Compounded peptides from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription are legal for Category 1 substances. How to find a compounding pharmacy and how to choose a peptide therapy clinic are relevant guides.
"Research" peptides purchased online for personal use carry legal, quality, and medical risks. If you choose this route, understand that:
- You are in a legal gray area that is subject to increasing enforcement
- Product quality varies dramatically and third-party testing is not guaranteed to be accurate
- You bear full responsibility for any adverse effects without medical oversight
- Your state may be more or less aggressive about enforcement
Know your state's rules. If you live in New York, California, Connecticut, Alabama, or Massachusetts, be aware that enforcement is more active than in Florida, Texas, or Nevada.
Document everything. If you are using peptides under medical supervision, ensure your physician documents the clinical rationale, informed consent, and monitoring plan.

For Providers

Prescribe within the current framework. FDA-approved peptides and Category 1 compounded peptides are the safest legal ground.
Document aggressively. Medical board audits of peptide-prescribing practices are increasing. For every peptide prescription, document: medical necessity, informed consent (including that the substance may be off-label or compounded), monitoring plan, and the source pharmacy.
Know your state medical board's position. Some boards have published guidance on peptide therapy; others have not. Contact your board if uncertain.
Be cautious with telemedicine. Telehealth peptide prescribing is legal in most states but is under increasing scrutiny. Ensure thorough consultations and proper documentation.
Do not facilitate access to Category 2 substances. Prescribing or directing patients to obtain substances that cannot be legally compounded exposes you to medical board disciplinary action and potential civil liability.

For Businesses

Consult a healthcare attorney before selling any peptide product. Firms like Frier Levitt and Holt Law specialize in this area.
State licensing is mandatory. If you sell across state lines, you may need licenses in every state where you have customers.
"Research use only" labels do not provide legal immunity if your marketing targets human consumers.
Payment processing may be your biggest practical challenge. LegitScript and major payment processors are increasingly restricting merchants who sell peptides intended for human use.

FAQ

Are peptides legal to buy?

It depends on the peptide and the context. FDA-approved peptides with a valid prescription: yes. Compounded Category 1 peptides with a prescription: yes. Research peptides purchased for actual laboratory research: yes. Research peptides purchased for personal self-administration: gray area with increasing enforcement risk.

Can I get in trouble for buying research peptides online?

Enforcement to date has focused on sellers rather than individual purchasers. However, state attorneys general have signaled that they view the entire supply chain -- from manufacturers to sellers to marketers -- as potential enforcement targets. Individual purchasers face theoretical legal exposure, though prosecution of individual buyers is rare.

Are peptides banned in my state?

No state has "banned peptides" as a category. The restrictions come from the federal framework (Category 2 designations, compounding limits) and state enforcement of existing consumer protection, pharmacy, and medical practice laws. Some states enforce more aggressively than others.

Can my doctor prescribe any peptide they want?

Physicians have broad prescribing authority, but it is not unlimited. They can prescribe FDA-approved drugs for any indication (off-label). They can prescribe compounded medications that meet 503A/503B requirements. They cannot prescribe substances that cannot be legally compounded (Category 2/3) through a compounding pharmacy. If they direct patients to obtain such substances through other channels, they face medical board and liability risks.

Are cosmetic peptide products (serums, creams) legal?

Yes. Topical peptide skincare products are regulated as cosmetics, not drugs, as long as they do not make drug claims (treating disease, altering the structure or function of the body beyond cosmetic effects). Products containing matrixyl, argireline, copper peptides, and similar cosmetic peptides are sold freely. Read our peptide skincare guide and how to read peptide skincare labels.

What about collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides derived from food sources are legal dietary supplements. They are not subject to the FDA compounding restrictions because they are food-derived, have a history of dietary use, and are not being used as drugs.

Is it legal to import peptides from other countries?

Generally no. Importing unapproved drugs into the United States violates the FDCA. The FDA exercises enforcement discretion for small quantities of personal-use imports in some cases, but this is not a legal right. Customs can and does seize imported peptide shipments.

Will the laws change?

Almost certainly. The SAFE Drugs Act (H.R. 6509) would tighten federal compounding rules if passed. Multiple states have pending legislation. PCAC reviews could add peptides to Category 1. Court rulings in ongoing litigation could affect enforcement timelines. The direction of travel is toward more restriction, not less.

The Bottom Line

Peptide legality in 2026 comes down to three questions:

Is the peptide FDA-approved? If yes, it is legal with a prescription. Full stop.
Is the peptide on the Category 1 compounding list? If yes, a licensed pharmacy can compound it with a valid prescription.
Is the peptide Category 2, Category 3, or not on any list? Then it cannot be legally compounded. It can be sold for research, but using it for personal health sits in a gray area that is shrinking.

Where you live matters. Florida and Texas offer a more permissive environment for peptide therapy. New York, California, and Connecticut have more aggressive enforcement and stricter rules. But the federal framework applies everywhere, and the trend is clearly toward tighter regulation at all levels.

The safest legal approach is straightforward: work with a licensed physician who understands the current regulatory framework, use FDA-approved peptides where they exist, use legally compounded peptides through licensed pharmacies when appropriate, and talk to your doctor about alternatives when the peptide you want is no longer available through legal channels.

References

Florida Healthcare Law Firm. "Are Peptides Legal in the U.S.? Complete 2025 Legal Guide." https://floridahealthcarelawfirm.com/are-peptides-legal/
Frier Levitt. "Regulatory Status of Peptide Compounding in 2025." https://www.frierlevitt.com/articles/regulatory-status-of-peptide-compounding-in-2025/
Holt Law. "Deep Dive: Regulatory Status of Popular Compounded Peptides." https://djholtlaw.com/deep-dive-regulatory-status-of-popular-compounded-peptides/
Holt Law. "The Unregulated World of Peptides: A Legal Minefield for Providers." https://djholtlaw.com/the-unregulated-world-of-peptides-a-legal-minefield-for-providers/
LumaLex Law. "Do You Need a License to Sell Peptides in 2025." https://www.lumalexlaw.com/2025/11/26/do-you-need-a-license-to-sell-peptides-understanding-legal-requirements-in-2025/
LumaLex Law. "Are Peptides Legal? What Businesses Need to Know." https://www.lumalexlaw.com/2025/08/14/are-peptides-legal-what-businesses-need-to-know/
Med Bio Institute. "Peptides in Limbo: The Legal and Ethical Crossroads of America's Booming Bioregulator Market." https://www.medbioinstitute.com/resources/topics/peptides-in-limbo-the-legal-and-ethical-crossroads-of-americas-booming-bioregulator-market
Stevens & Lee. "GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Enforcement in 2025: State Attorneys General Step into a Growing Regulatory Gap." https://www.stevenslee.com/health-law-observer-blog/glp-1-weight-loss-drug-enforcement-in-2025-state-attorneys-general-step-into-a-growing-regulatory-gap/
HHS. "HHS & DEA Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescribing Controlled Medications Through 2026." https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html
Empire On-Demand. "Peptide Therapies in 2025: What's Legal, What's Experimental, and What the Science Says." https://empireondemand.com/blogs/posts/peptide-therapies-in-2025-whats-legal-whats-experimental-and-what-the-science-says
Congress.gov. "H.R.6509 - SAFE Drugs Act of 2025." https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6509/text
Frier Levitt. "State and Federal Legislative Developments Affecting Drug Compounding." 2026. https://www.frierlevitt.com/articles/state-federal-legislative-developments-drug-compounding-2026/
LegitScript. "Understanding Peptides: A Q&A Guide for Payment Processors." https://www.legitscript.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Peptides-for-Payment-Processors-Guide.pdf
Skadden. "State Compounding Legislation: Federal Preemption, State Limits and Patient Impact." 2026. https://www.skadden.com/insights/publications/2026/02/state-compounding-legislation