Because she was underage at the time the photos were taken, the September 1984 issue—specifically the Lords pictorial—is legally considered contraband in many jurisdictions. Possession of the magazine with the Lords pages intact can be a criminal offense, and many collectors or sellers remove those specific pages to trade the rest of the issue legally.

By understanding the context of Traci Lords' appearance in Penthouse 1984, individuals can gain valuable insights into the adult entertainment industry and the importance of strategic career planning.

The scandal also had far-reaching consequences for the adult entertainment industry as a whole. The incident highlighted the need for stricter regulations and age verification processes within the industry, leading to increased scrutiny and oversight.