Editing Pepper spray (section)

===North America===

====Canada====
Pepper spray designed to be used against people is considered a prohibited weapon in Canada. The definition under regulation states "any device designed to be used for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person by the discharge therefrom of (a) tear gas, Mace or other gas, or (b) any liquid, spray, powder or other substance that is capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person" is a prohibited weapon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR%2D98%2D462/ |title=Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted (SOR/98-462) |access-date=2012-08-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204205408/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR%2D98%2D462/ |archive-date=2012-12-04 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Only [[law enforcement officer]]s may legally carry or possess pepper spray labeled for use on persons. Any similar canister with the labels reading "dog spray" or "bear spray" is regulated under the ''Pest Control Products Act''—while legal to be carried by anyone, it is against the law if its use causes "a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person" or harming the environment and carries a penalty up to a fine of $500,000 and jail time of maximum 3 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-9.01/page-26.html#h-37|title=Pest Control Products Act|website=laws-lois.justice.gc.ca|access-date=2015-10-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803092439/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/p%2D9.01/page-26.html#h-37|archive-date=2015-08-03|url-status=live}}</ref> Carrying bear spray in public, without justification, may also lead to charges under the [[Criminal Code (Canada)|Criminal Code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/403640/vancouver-police-warn-of-criminal-charges-for-carrying-bear-spray-in-the-city/|title=Vancouver police warn of criminal charges for carrying bear spray in the city|first=Tiffany|last=Crawford|access-date=2020-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223022225/https://globalnews.ca/news/403640/vancouver-police-warn-of-criminal-charges-for-carrying-bear-spray-in-the-city/|archive-date=2020-02-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

====United States====
It is a federal offense to carry/ship pepper spray on a commercial airliner or possess it in the secure area of an airport. State law and local ordinances regarding possession and use vary across the country. Pepper spray up to 4 oz. is permitted in checked baggage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/pepper-spray|title=Pepper Spray {{pipe}} Transportation Security Administration}}</ref>

When pepper spray is used in the workplace, [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration|OSHA]] requires a pepper spray [[Safety data sheet|Safety Data Sheet]] (SDS) be available to all employees.<ref name=MSDS>{{cite web|url=http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html|title=Hazard Communication|access-date=13 December 2012|publisher=US Department of Labor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218111146/http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html|archive-date=18 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pepper spray can be legally purchased and carried in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mace, Pepper Spray, Self-Defense Sprays and Stun Guns {{!}} mpdc|url=https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/mace-pepper-spray-self-defense-sprays-and-stun-guns|access-date=2022-02-19|website=mpdc.dc.gov}}</ref> Some states regulate the maximum allowed strength of the pepper spray, age restriction, content and use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ebay.com.au/gds/States-With-Pepper-Spray-Restrictions-/10000000032578507/g.html|title=States With Pepper Spray Restrictions {{!}} eBay|website=www.ebay.com.au|language=en|access-date=2018-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214073417/http://www.ebay.com.au/gds/States-With-Pepper-Spray-Restrictions-/10000000032578507/g.html|archive-date=2018-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[California]]: As of January 1, 1996 and as a result of Assembly Bill 830 (Speier), the pepper spray and Mace programs are now deregulated. Consumers will no longer be required to have the training, and a certificate is not required to purchase or possess these items. Pepper spray and Mace are available through gun shops, sporting goods stores, and other business outlets. California Penal Code Section 12400–12460 govern pepper spray use in California.<ref name="consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov">{{Cite web|url=http://consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov/wiki/index.php/Pepper_Spray_(Mace/Tear_Gas)|title=Pepper Spray (Mace/Tear Gas) - Consumer Wiki|website=consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040954/http://consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov/wiki/index.php/Pepper_Spray_(Mace/Tear_Gas)|archive-date=2017-11-14|url-status=live}}</ref> Container holding the defense spray must contain no more than {{convert|2.5|oz}} net weight of aerosol spray.<ref>[[California Penal Code]], Section 12403.7</ref>
** Certain individuals are still prohibited from possessing pepper spray, including minors under the age of 16, convicted felons, individuals convicted of certain drug offenses, individuals convicted of assault, and individuals convicted of misusing pepper spray.<ref name="consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov"/>
* [[Massachusetts]]: Before July 1, 2014, residents may purchase defense sprays only from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state, and must hold a valid Firearms Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry Firearms (LTC) to purchase or to possess outside of one's own private property.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section131 |title=M.G.L - Chapter 140, Section 131 |publisher=Mass.gov |date=2008-10-29 |access-date=2011-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810212659/http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section131 |archive-date=2011-08-10 |url-status=live }}.</ref> New legislations allow residents to purchase pepper spray without a Firearms Identification Card starting July 1.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/05/22/mass-senate-backs-purchase-pepper-spray-without/1Pwxve7UQxod7mEGg6OStM/story.html |title=Mass. Senate Backs Purchase of Pepper Spray Without ID - Massachusetts news - Boston.com |access-date=2014-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524073124/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/05/22/mass-senate-backs-purchase-pepper-spray-without/1Pwxve7UQxod7mEGg6OStM/story.html |archive-date=2014-05-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Florida]]: Any pepper spray containing no more than {{convert|2|oz|g}} of chemical can be carried in public openly or concealed without a permit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/790.01|title=Florida Statues 790.01 Unlicensed carrying of concealed weapons or concealed firearms|access-date=2018-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214073455/https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/790.01|archive-date=2018-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/790.053|title=Florida Statues 790.053 Open carrying of weapons|access-date=2018-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214073418/https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/790.053|archive-date=2018-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, any such pepper spray is classified as "self-defense chemical spray" and therefore not considered a weapon under Florida law.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/790.001|title=Florida Statues 790.001 Definitions|access-date=2018-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214073420/https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/790.001|archive-date=2018-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Michigan]]: Allows "reasonable use" of spray containing not more than 18% oleoresin capsicum to protect "a person or property under circumstances that would justify the person's use of physical force".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28s0ibjknfwzu4vafeiwjznyuu%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-750-224d|title= Michigan Penal Code 750.224d Self-defense spray or foam device|publisher= Legislature.mi.gov|access-date= 2011-12-02|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120117131455/http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(4ydb4efkz13o24vi4lp2bvyj))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectname=mcl-750-224d|archive-date= 2012-01-17|url-status= live}}</ref> It is illegal to distribute a "self-defense spray" to a person under 18 years of age.
*{{Anchor|New Jersey}} [[New Jersey]]: Non-felons over the age of 18 can possess a small amount of pepper spray, with no more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance.
* [[New York (state)|New York]]: Can be legally possessed by any person age 18 or over. Restricted to no more than 0.67% [[capsaicin]] content.
** It must be purchased in person (i.e., cannot be purchased by mail-order or internet sale) either at a pharmacy or from a licensed firearm retailer ([[NY Penal Law]] 265.20 14) and the seller must keep a record of purchases. 
*** The use of pepper spray to prevent a public official from performing his/her official duties is a class-E [[felony]].
*[[Texas]] law makes it legal for an individual to possess a small, commercially sold container of pepper spray for personal self-defense. However, Texas law otherwise makes it illegal to carry a "Chemical dispensing device".<ref>Texas Penal Code 46.05(a)(1)(4) and Texas Penal Code 46.01(14)</ref>
* [[Virginia]]: Code of Virginia § 18.2-312. Illegal use of tear gas, phosgene, and other gases.  "If any person maliciously releases or cause or procure to be released in any private home, place of business or place of public gathering any tear gas, mustard gas, phosgene gas or other noxious or nauseating gases or mixtures of chemicals designed to, and capable of, producing vile or injurious or nauseating odors or gases, and bodily injury results to any person from such gas or odor, the offending person shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.  If such act be done unlawfully, but not maliciously, the offending person shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.  Nothing herein contained shall prevent the use of tear gas or other gases by police officers or other peace officers in the proper performance of their duties, or by any person or persons in the protection of the person, life or property."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-312/|title=§ 18.2-312. Illegal use of tear gas, phosgene and other gases|website=law.lis.virginia.gov|access-date=2018-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629155209/https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-312/|archive-date=2018-06-29|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Washington (state)|Washington]]: Persons over 18 may carry personal-protection spray devices. 
** Persons over age 14 may carry personal-protection spray devices with their legal guardian's consent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.91.160|title=RCW 9.91.160: Personal protection spray devices|publisher=Apps.leg.wa.gov|access-date=2010-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822042208/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.91.160|archive-date=2009-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Wisconsin]]: Tear gas is not permissible. 
** By regulation, OC products with a maximum OC concentration of 10% and weight range of oleoresin of capsicum and inert ingredients of {{convert|15|-|60|g|oz}} are authorized. Further, the product cannot be camouflaged and must have a safety feature designed to prevent accidental discharge. The units may not have an effective range of over {{convert|20|ft|m}} and must have an effective range of {{convert|6|ft|m|spell=in}}. 
*** In addition, there are certain labeling and packaging requirements: it must not be sold to anyone under 18, and the phone number of the manufacturer has to be on the label. The units must also be sold in sealed tamper-proof packages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legis.wisconsin.gov/rsb/code/jus/jus014.pdf|title=Sale and Distribution of OC Products to Private Citizens|access-date=2011-09-23|archive-date=2021-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228151236/https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/941/III/26 |title=Wisconsin State Legal Statutes 941.26 |access-date=2011-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322094400/https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/941/III/26 |archive-date=2012-03-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Manifestação (34484239140).jpg|thumb|203x203px|Police in Brazil using pepper spray]]