State Laws and Restrictions States Where Pepper Sprays are Restricted:

New York: New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state. We cannot ship to New York

Massachusetts: Massachusetts residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state. We cannot ship to Massachusetts.

States Where Pepper Sprays Have Some Restrictions

Michigan: OC Pepper spray can be no stronger then a 2% concentrate (Different companies can sell different concentrations.) CS is the only Tear Gas accepted and can be no larger then 35 grams per can. No combination spray allowed. We can only ship Michigan Approved Pepper Spray to Michigan. For Michigan Approved Pepper Spray Click Here.

Wisconsin: Pepper only. No Tear gas, UV Dye or combination sprays. OC can be no stronger then a 10% solution. Can must be between 15-60 grams only. Must have safety feature.

We can only ship Wisconsin approved Pepper Spray to Wisconsin.

Pepper Spray can only ship via ground. It cannot be sent by Air. No Shipping of Pepper Spray outside the Continental United States (Lower 48) or by Second or Next Day Air.

Laws on Pepper Spray can vary from state to state and can even vary from city to county. It is wise to contact your local law enforcement agency for the current laws in your area. We assume no liability for products misused or purchased from our website. It is the buyer’s responsibility to abide by all laws and regulations. You must also be at least 18 years of age to purchase Pepper Spray from our website.

WHAT IS PEPPER SPRAY MADE OF? Pepper spray is a derivative of Cayenne pepper. The oils are extracted from the pepper using a high-pressure process. This process leaves you with the active ingredient in pepper spray known as OC or OleoResin Capsicum. The pure pepper extract is then diluted with an inert ingredient that reduces the SHU or Scoville Heat Unit to get it down to a useable SHU for pepper spray. SHU is a unit of measurement that determines how hot something is the rating goes from 1 million SHU up to 5 million SHU. 1 million SHU is detectable on the palette in concentrations as little as 1 part per million or 1 drop of OC in 1 million drops of water. HOW DOES PEPPER SPRAY WORK? Pepper spray's active ingredient is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The OC is derived from Cayenne peppers, which are some of the hottest peppers in the world. Unlike MACE or tear gas, which are irritants, pepper spray OC is an inflammatory agent. Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs) causes immediate dilation of the capillaries. This can result in temporary blindness and instant inflammation of the breathing tube tissues and systematically cuts of all but life support breathing. OC also will create an intense burning sensation on the surface of the skin. However, OC will cause no lasting after effects. The effects last from 15 to 60 minutes. Because OC is an inflammatory agent and not an irritant it is effective on those who feel no pain such as psychotics and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

HOW DO YOU USE PEPPER SPRAY? If you have to use your pepper spray make sure you have distance between you and the attacker if at all possible. Aim the spray at the eyes and facial region of the attacker then release a 1 to 2 second burst of spray. After you have done this, move out of the way but keep your eyes on the attacker. Pepper spray can take a couple of moments to cause a reaction and by watching the reactions of the attacker you will be able to determine if you will require another shot of pepper spray. Once the attacker is incapacitated, seek help and call the police.

IS PEPPER SPRAY LEGAL? In most states pepper spray is legal to possess and carry. You should check with your local law enforcement agency for restrictions that pertain to your area. There are states where pepper spray is legal but there may be size, age or OC concentration restrictions. You should check on these restrictions as well.

IS THERE ANYPLACE WHERE I CAN'T CARRY MY PEPPER SPRAY? Yes. You cannot carry pepper spray on board commercial aircraft. This is a Federal crime that can carry up to a $25,000 dollar fine. It is ok to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage although it is highly advisable that you notify the ticketing agent when you check your baggage. Also since 9/11/01 you may have issues when carrying pepper spray into secured locations such as a Federal building, State buildings or anyplace where you pass through a security checkpoint. Although there are no laws that we are aware of you should use your common sense here.

WILL MY PEPPER SPRAY EXPIRE? Yes. The normal shelf life for pepper spray is usually about 2 years from the date of purchase. Although the spray life is indefinite it does start to lose potency over time. Any use of the spray beyond the expiration date is HIGHLY unadvisable. We strongly advise you to replace your pepper spray every year! That way you are always assured of the potency of the spray.

HOW CAN I BE ASSURED MY PEPPER SPRAY WILL WORK WHEN I NEED IT? You should get in the habit of testing your pepper spray every 90 days. To do this first go outside and determine which direction the wind is blowing. Remember to always stand upwind from the direction you are spraying. Depress the firing mechanism for ½ second. This test should be performed upon purchase and every 90 days after that. Be aware that every time you test your spray you reduce the contents of the canister. If you are using a key chain model and you test regularly you will need to replace the unit every 9 to 12 months if you follow the recommended testing procedure above.

I OWN A STUN GUN. DO I NEED PEPPER SPRAY? We recommend that you carry both since each has its advantages and disadvantages. A stun gun is designed to be used where you can touch the attacker with it. Pepper spray can be used at a greater distance (usually 5-10 ft. depending on product). A stun gun will work anywhere on the body, while pepper spray must be sprayed in the face. Pepper spray may be affected by the wind or rain, where the results of the stun gun may be affected by how long you touch your attacker. Do not depend on just one form of defense. We recommend that you carry a stun gun and pepper spray.