Almost three years ago, we published an article on Michigan Pepper Spray laws. Recently we have received more current information that clarifies information in that article. Michigan is one state that has very specific laws regarding civilian use of pepper spray. According to the State of Michigan website, carrying pepper spray is legal as long as the pepper spray solution contains no more than 10% oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray) and is used only to protect yourself or your property in a situation that would justify using physical force.
A common misconception, according to the Michigan State Police and legislature, is that the clause indicating that the 35 gram/1.2 oz canister limit applies to pepper spray. The 35 gram/1.2 canister limit concentration applies only to orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile, which is tear gas.
Michigan imposes three other important restrictions:
In Michigan, according the Attorney General, it is illegal for civilians to carry tear gas and mace (CN gas).- Mixtures of CN and CS gases are illegal, but tear gasses that contain only CS gas are permitted.
- Although pepper spray can be purchased online, it is illegal to sell pepper spray to a minor.
If you live in Michigan, Safety Girl offers some great Mace Pepper Sprays. At under $15, the Mace Pen adheres to the 10% OC rule while flying under the radar. Another pepper spray at this price point is the Pepper Mace Defense Spray in leather pouch – adheres to laws in all 50 states. Mace’s Pepper Foam is also sold in 10% concentration. For ultimate protection, Mace’s 10% home gun and maritime gun both contain a gel formula that sprays further, burns hotter, and dyes the attacker for potential identification later. Although these pepper sprays are not as strong as some other pepper spray formulas, they are still effective when defending yourself against an attacker. The biggest difference between pepper spray that users will notice, is that the pepper spray effects wear off slightly sooner.
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