Mace Spray Laws
- Mace can cause inflammation of the throat and suffocation.spray with a cap image by Yasen Pramatarov from Fotolia.com
Mace, or aerosolized phenacyl chloride, is sometimes used as a self-defense device, delivering a painful, burning sensation when sprayed into a perpetrator's face. It is effectively a tear gas, often mixed with pepper compounds. It is legal in the United States, though restrictions on form, use and sales apply on a state-by-state basis, and may be banned outright in some circumstances. Use of Mace has become uncommon, and the originating company often sells pepper spray in lieu of CN gas canisters. - Federal law applies to all U.S. states.america image by NataV from Fotolia.com
As with firearms, ownership of Mace sprays is restricted to individual 18 years of age or older. Mace is legal within the U.S.--however, restrictions apply on a state-by-state basis. Hunters are allowed to use pepper sprays as defense against bears and wildlife. Tear gas, however, cannot be utilized for such means. - New YorkNew York state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
Residents may purchase Mace in the state of New York from licensed firearms dealers and pharmacists within the state. Online purchases are illegal. - MassachusettsMassachusetts state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
As with New York, Massachusetts residents may only purchase Mace from licensed firearms dealers within the state. - Michiganwashington state image by Dawngo from Fotolia.com
Michigan law limits ownership of self-defense sprays to OC pepper sprays of 2 percent concentration or less, and CS gas of 35 grams per can or less. CN gas, the variant most commonly referred to as "Mace," is illegal. - WisconsinWisconsin state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
Tear gas is not permissible within the borders of Wisconsin. Pepper sprays of concentrations up to 10 percent are authorized, with minimum/maximum range restrictions of 6 and 20 feet respectively. Such sprays also cannot be camouflaged and must come with a safety device to prevent accidental discharge.
