Here’s a state-by-state look at those with specific regulations regarding the sale and carry of pepper spray and gel (states are listed in alphabetical order):
| State | Legal Status | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Legal with restrictions | Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors or online. |
| Arkansas | Legal with restrictions | Pepper spray and gel canisters may not exceed 10 oz (300 mL). |
| California | Legal with restrictions | No purchase/possession/use by minors, felons, or addicts; pepper sprays and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 2.5 oz. |
| Delaware | Legal with restrictions | Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold, given, or transferred to minors without the permission of a legal guardian. |
| Florida | Legal with restrictions | Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed 2 oz. |
| Hawaii | Legal with restrictions | No online sales and canisters cannot exceed ≤ 0.5 oz. |
| Illinois | Legal with restrictions | No sales to minors. |
| Maryland | Legal with restrictions | No sales to minors. |
| Massachusetts | Licensed sale/carry | License required to sell or carry pepper sprays and gels; only licensed firearms dealers may sell; ages 15–18 must obtain a firearms ID to purchase; pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold online. |
| Michigan | Legal with product limits | Only SABRE RED formula permitted; SABRE 3-in-1 not currently legal. |
| Minnesota | Legal with restrictions | No possession by minors under 16 without written permission of legal guardian. |
| New Jersey | Legal with restrictions | No possession by minors or felons; pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 0.75 oz. |
| Nevada | Legal with restrictions | No sales to minors; pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 2 oz; SABRE 3-in-1 over 2 oz not currently legal. |
| New York | Legal with strict sales limits | Pepper spray or gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 0.75 oz; strength ≤ 0.7% major capsaicinoids; can only be sold by licensed firearms dealers or licensed pharmacists; Illegal to ship pepper sprays and gels to New York; must purchase in person; max two sprays per purchase. |
| North Carolina | Legal with restrictions | Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 5.29 oz; no possession by felons. |
| Rhode Island | Legal with restrictions | No sales to minors. |
| South Carolina | Legal with restrictions | Pepper spray and gel canisters cannot exceed ≤ 1.69 oz. |
| Washington | Legal with restrictions | No sales to minors or must have parental consent for ages 14-17. Canister cannot be larger than 2oz for minors. |
| Wisconsin | Legal with product limits | No possession by minors or felons; SABRE 3-in-1 formula not currently legal. |