Michigan State Pepper Spray Laws
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Video Explanation of MI State Laws
In Plain English:
Michigan state laws for pepper spray & self defense products
The Basics:
- Pepper spray is LEGAL to buy/use/carry/ship to Michigan.
- Up to 18% OC or 1.4% MC in strength is allowed (as of 2018).
- Canister must be less than 35 grams (approx 1.2 ounces).
- User must at least 18 years old.
- User cannot have any felonies on record.
- Pepper spray must only be used in self defense.
UPDATE TO MI PEPPER SPRAY LAW (2018): As of 2018, MI state now allows pepper spray products up to 18% OC or 1.4% MC (previously allowed 10% OC).
UPDATE TO MI PEPPER SPRAY LAW (2010): As of December 2010, MI state now allows pepper spray products up to 10% OC or 1.2% MC (previously only allowed 2%).
PREVIOUS LAW (BEFORE 2010): In Michigan, the only defense spray that is legal is a type of tear gas known as CS, so pepper spray itself is illegal. Canisters of CS may not contain anything above 35 grams of the spray, and they are not allowed to be made up of more than 2% of the active ingredient Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). This law is in place to ensure that people do not take advantage of their self defense weapon and use it for any other purpose than their own protection.
The Mace company produces several different types of of CS sprays that are approved for use in the state of Michigan. These products comply with all the regulations established by MI law, and people who are wondering where to buy them will be able to find safety devices at various retail locations within most any MI city, or purchase them online. Neighboring states do not have the same rules and allow for every legal type of pepper or other self defense spray to be purchased.Michigan features an expansive wilderness that is home to hundreds of animals. Sometimes man and beast do not mix well in the great outdoors, and a human may find themselves under attack. When this happens, the safest and most humane approach is to use an animal defense spray. These sprays are more powerful than the ones that are designed for humans, and will temporarily incapacitate even the largest creature. Animal sprays are legal in Michigan, but they must be properly labeled to indicate that purpose.
In Legal Jargon:
What the official Michigan state law says
Sec. 224d.
"(1) As used in this section and section 224, "self-defense spray or foam device" means a device to which all of the following apply:
(a) The device is capable of carrying, and ejects, releases, or emits 1 of the following:
(i) Not more than 35 grams of any combination of orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile and inert ingredients.
(ii) A solution containing not more than 18% oleoresin capsicum.
(iii) A solution containing an ultraviolet dye and not more than 18% oleoresin capsicum...."
"...(b) The reasonable use of either of the following by a person in the protection of a person or property under circumstances that would justify the person's use of physical force:(i) A self-defense spray or foam device containing not more than 18% oleoresin capsicum.
(ii) A self-defense spray or foam device containing an ultraviolet dye and not more than 18% oleoresin capsicum...."
Please note: We guarantee that as long as you are over 18 and have not been convicted of a felony or assault, any pepper spray product purchased from our listing of "MI legal products" is allowed to ship and process in the state of Michigan. Our guarantee applies to legality at the state level. Please check with your local city or county for any additional possible restrictions.