Pepper Spray and the Law
Pepper spray is a personal protection tool, many people refer to it as a defense spray or mace. While it is something that can come in very handy when you are in a position where you feel threatened or you feel that your life is in danger, there are some laws and regulations that are associated with pepper spray that you should be aware of before you buy or use it. The laws will different from one area to another, so you really need to be aware of what the laws and regulations may be in the area in which you live or where you might carry it.
The first thing you should know is that it is legal in all 50 states. This needs to be set apart from mace and tear gas as these tools are not necessarily legal in all 50 states. The reason why the law is involved in pepper spray is because it does have some immediate reactions that could be potentially serious and some states just like to govern it more than others. An individual who is squirted with it will experience coughing, inflammation of the mucous membranes, headache, dizziness, tight feeling in the chest, temporary blindness and even excessive salvation. These symptoms will last up to 45 minutes and these symptoms are painful and uncomfortable, which is why some regulation is required in certain areas.
Luckily, there are only four states that have regulations where pepper spray is involved. Knowing this will help those who live in those states adhere to the laws or regulations and will let everyone else know they can use the it without worrying about regulations.
Please note: Even if your state is listed below, you can still purchase animal repellents. See our dog mace and dog chaser or our bear maces if you are not allowed to purchase normal pepper spray within your state. Also, you could make your own homemade pepper spray.
New York. In New York animal repellants such as dog and bear pepper spray can be sold and shipped legally through online retailers. Traditional pepper products are sold in pharmacies as well as through licensed firearms dealers within the state. 
Massachusetts. Here animal repellant sprays are legal and can be purchased and shipped within the state. Traditional pepper products are only available through licensed firearms dealers and cannot be purchased online.
Michigan. Michigan allows for residents to purchase animal pepper sprays online. Other pepper models are required to be less than 11% of OC concentration and no UV dyes are allowed.
Wisconsin. Normal Pepper spray is allowed but it cannot be stronger than 10% OC and safety features are required. Weights allowed range from 15 to 60 grams.
These laws and regulations can be changed at anytime. Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing and being in possession of pepper spray you might want to check with local law enforcement before you buy it so you can be sure that you are not breaking the law and that if you do purchase it, that it is within the restrictions that could be set forth by your local area.
State regulations for our pepper spray products in chart form:
| State | Consumer Use (18 years old+)
| Restriction(s) | | Alabama | Legal | n/a
| | Alaska | Legal | n/a | | Arizona | Legal | n/a | | Arkansas | Legal | n/a | | California | Legal | n/a | | Colorado | Legal | n/a | | Connecticut | Legal | n/a | | Delaware | Legal | n/a | District of Columbia
| Legal | n/a | | Florida | Legal | n/a | | Georgia | Legal | n/a | | Hawaii | Legal | n/a | | Idaho | Legal | n/a | | Illinois | Legal | n/a | | Indiana | Legal | n/a | | Iowa | Legal | n/a | | Kansas | Legal | n/a | | Kentucky | Legal | n/a | | Louisiana | Legal | n/a | | Maine | Legal | n/a | | Maryland | Legal | n/a | | Massachusetts | Restricted | Human sprays can only be purchased from Firearm Dealers
Residents may only order dog and bear sprays online. | | Michigan | Restricted | Human Spray less than 11% OC is allowed.
Residents may order any dog and bear sprays online. | | Minnesota | Legal | n/a | | Mississippi | Legal | n/a | | Missouri | Legal | n/a | | Montana | Legal | n/a | | Nebraska | Legal | n/a | | Nevada | Legal | n/a | New Hampshire
| Legal | n/a | New Jersey
| Legal | n/a | New Mexico
| Legal | n/a | New York
| Restricted | Human sprays can only be purchased from Firearm Dealers
Residents may only order dog and bear sprays online.
| North Carolina
| Legal | n/a | North Dakota
| Legal | n/a | | Ohio | Legal | n/a | | Oklahoma | Legal | n/a | | Oregon | Legal | n/a | | Pennsylvania | Legal | n/a | Rhode Island
| Legal | n/a | South Dakota
| Legal | n/a | | Tennessee | Legal | n/a | | Texas | Legal | n/a | | Utah | Legal | n/a | | Vermont | Legal | n/a | | Virginia | Legal | n/a | | Washington | Legal | n/a | West Virginia
| Legal | n/a | | Wisconsin | Restricted | No Tear Gas permitted.
Human Spray no more than 10% OC
Safety feature on product is mandatory.
Residents may order any dog and bear sprays online.
| | Wyoming | Legal | n/a |
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