Pepper Spray Laws
Is Pepper Spray Legal In MISSISSIPPI?
Pepper spray in MS is Legal.
Legal No Mississippi statute specifically regulates the purchase, possession, or carry of pepper spray (OC / oleoresin capsicum spray) by civilians for self-defense. Mississippi's weapons law, Miss. Code Ann. Section 97-37-1 (concealed deadly weapons), lists prohibited concealed weapons as: "any bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack, slingshot, pistol, revolver, or any rifle with a barrel of less than sixteen (16) inches ... or any shotgun with a barrel of less than eighteen (18) inches." Tear gas, pepper spray, OC, mace, or other chemical self-defense sprays do not appear in this list. Age minimum: No statutory minimum age specific to pepper spray purchase or possession was found in Chapter 37 (Weapons and Explosives). Size/concentration limit: No statutory size, volume, or OC-concentration limit specific to pepper spray was found. Carry restrictions: Because pepper spray is not classified as a "deadly weapon" or listed concealed weapon under Section 97-37-1, the general concealed-weapon carry restrictions of that chapter do not apply to it. No pepper-spray-specific carry restriction (schools, courthouses, government buildings) was located in Chapter 37. Primary sources reviewed: Miss. Code Ann. Section 97-37-1, https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-97/chapter-37/general-provisions/section-97-37-1/ ; and Section 97-37-13. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. Confirm current requirements with Mississippi authorities or your own counsel before purchasing or carrying.