Pepper spray can be a useful self-defense weapon and a lot of individuals opt to purchase it in case of any potential risks. There are several controversies surrounding the use of pepper spray and for this reason, its legality varies from state to state. You must ask yourself is pepper spray illegal in Massachusetts if you intend to buy this product.
The laws surrounding pepper spray are different depending on the state you are in. In some, purchase and use of pepper spray is legal while pepper spray mailing and online shopping is illegal. For some, pepper spray is completely illegal while some states have no restrictions to anything concerning pepper spray.
Generally, the citizens of Massachusetts are allowed to carry and use pepper spray in the event of self-defense. However, in case pepper spray is involved in the commission or perpetration of a crime, it’s considered a crime.
Pepper Spray in Massachusetts
Pepper spray also referred to as OC spray is a chemical that causes distress, pain, and discomfort when it comes in contact with a human’s or an animal’s face and skin. Its inflammatory tendencies lead to closing of the eyes and temporary blindness. It also causes irritation to the nose, a burning sensation in the throat and mouth, and scalding of the skin.
If you intend to buy pepper spray in Massachusetts or are traveling to the state you must ask yourself is pepper spray legal in ma? Pepper spray is legal to purchase, carry, and use in Massachusetts. To purchase, people who are 18 or older do not require an FID card. The Massachusetts state legislature voted out the FID card requirement for citizens over the age of 18 in 2014.
Massachusetts is one of the few states that do not allow the shipping of human pepper spray directly to the consumer. However, animal pepper sprays can be shipped, carried, and used. You also need to have a clear criminal record and no history of mental illness in order to buy and carry pepper spray.
Shipping and selling of pepper spray in Massachusetts is only allowed in licensed firearm dealers and any other authorized dealer. No one else can receive these products via the postal service.
Using Pepper Spray for Self-Defense in MA
Once you’ve bought your pepper spray there are other rules that you must keep in mind. One of them is that the use of pepper spray is only acceptable in ma for the purpose of self-defense. It’s illegal to use pepper spray on a harmless person or animal.
Self-defense is applicable if you are in potential danger from an aggressive animal or an assailant. Other than that, the law of Massachusetts considers any other use of pepper spray as a crime. In case you misread a situation and consider it an attack leading to you using your pepper spray, you may be in a lot of legal trouble. It’s critical to know when and how to use pepper spray to ensure you don’t find yourself in such a situation.
When buying pepper spray, licensed retailers under the Commonwealth’s ammunition sale laws ensure you go through an application process. This process also entails explaining how and when to use this product.
Are Pepper Spray Legal in Massachusetts?
If you are a resident or are planning to travel to Massachusetts you may be wondering why is pepper spray legal in Massachusetts? Pepper spray is in fact legal in this state. You are allowed to purchase, carry, and use pepper spray in ma as long as you adhere to some rules set by the state.
You have to be 18 years or older to purchase as well as have no criminal record and no history of mental illness. The state overruled the law that required you to possess an FID card to purchase pepper spray. However, there is an application process you must complete before you can legally carry this weapon.
Mailing of pepper spray to personal postal services is illegal. Only licensed dealers are allowed to receive pepper spray products as well as sell them to civilians. To ensure that you are well within the law you must use this product for self-defense only. Failure to that will lead to serious legal consequences.
Written by: Georgina Njoki
Freelance Copywriter and Travel Enthusiast.
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