Peptides & Legal Risks—Your Top Questions Answered

Last night, Jay and I hosted an eye-opening Q&A with Jeff Cohen, a leading healthcare attorney specializing in peptides and regulatory compliance.

We tackled all the pressing questions about the current peptide landscape, GLP-1 compounding controversies, and what clinicians, trainers, and everyday users need to know to stay protected legally.

Here’s the recording if you want to watch or re-watch:

And if you’re busy (like most of us!), I’ve distilled the best questions into a clear, readable Q&A format below:

Q&A with Attorney Jeff Cohen

Q1: How did you get into health optimization law?

A: Jeff got into health optimization law through personal experience—overcoming lifelong asthma and health issues. His curiosity led him into working with clinicians focused on wellness, peptides, regenerative medicine, and beyond.

Q2: What’s actually happening right now with GLP-1 compounding pharmacies and the FDA?

A: Mass confusion. The FDA announced the shortage is over, yet big pharma companies (Novo and Eli Lilly) are actively suing compounding pharmacies. There’s no clear consensus yet, leading many compounders to continue despite regulatory uncertainty.

Q3: Will compounding pharmacies really stop offering compounded GLP-1 peptides?

A: Unlikely. The demand remains enormous. Most pharmacies will continue supplying it, anticipating ongoing legal battles.

Q4: If a compounder stops offering GLP-1, should a patient or clinician just find another pharmacy?

A: Yes. Patients still have options, as many compounders plan to keep supplying due to continued high demand.

Q5: As a healthcare provider, can you legally protect yourself when patients choose research peptides on their own?

A: Provide thorough informed consent, clearly document risks, and maintain detailed patient records. A clear patient-provider relationship (diagnose, prescribe, treat, document) is key to liability protection.

Q6: Can patient handouts stating “research-only” limit your liability as a clinician?

A: No. You need actual informed consent through discussion, Q&A, documentation, and ensuring patients fully understand the risks.

Q7: As a personal trainer or health coach, what’s the best way to talk to clients about peptides without risking liability?

A: Stick strictly to general suggestions. Say: “Do your own research—this could be interesting to explore.” Avoid prescribing dosages or giving direct medical advice.

Q8: Do individual consumers face legal risks buying peptides for personal use?

A: Enforcement usually targets providers or businesses selling peptides—not individual end-users. Still, buyers should verify the quality for their own safety.

Q9: Is it legally safer to have a licensed doctor or medical professional handling peptide recommendations in your wellness practice?

A: Absolutely. Licensed healthcare providers who diagnose, prescribe, and document clearly reduce your liability exposure.

Q10: Should clinicians exhaust traditional medical treatments first before considering peptide therapies?

A: Not necessarily. Many physicians combine traditional (allopathic) care and functional medicine right from the start. Integrative approaches often yield the best results.

Q11: Do you see peptides becoming more accessible through clinicians, or will they mostly remain in the research-only realm?

A: Peptides are far more likely to expand clinically, driven by patient demand and physician adoption. Research peptides will remain fringe but influential in sparking broader clinical use.

Q12: Could RFK Jr.’s potential presidency impact FDA regulations and peptide availability?

A: Possibly. RFK Jr. advocates strongly for alternative health solutions and reforming FDA processes. He could drive significant changes toward broader accessibility.

Q13: Is the current FDA approval process too slow for innovative medical advancements, and is it harming innovation?

A: Definitely. The FDA system is outdated, slow, expensive, and heavily influenced by deep-pocketed pharma companies, stifling smaller innovators.

Q14: Will we ever see peptides available over the counter in pharmacies?

A: Possibly in the long term—especially as peptides become available in nasal sprays or oral forms. Injectable forms are unlikely to become OTC soon due to regulatory definitions.

Q15: What should peptide companies selling research chemicals do to protect themselves legally?

A: Labeling peptides as “for research only” is not enough. Companies should genuinely collect data and show evidence of research usage. Data analytics and documentation can significantly reduce legal risk.

📩 Need Jeff Cohen’s Expert Advice?

Jeff Cohen is one of the top regulatory attorneys in the peptide space. If you’re navigating legal hurdles in health and wellness, reach out directly:

📧 [email protected]

This wellness and peptide world is a rapidly evolving space.

If you are a licensed health care professional, health coach, or wellness entrepreneur, there are TONS of opportunities to make a difference helping other people heal.

I look forward to continuing to build out this entire ecosystem alongside each and every one of you!

Best,

Hunter

****This email is NOT legal or medical advice. Always consult directly with legal and medical professionals for personalized guidance.***

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