One thing that we have never been able to understand, is why a lethal force self-defense handgun can be legal when a less than lethal pepper spray, stun gun or taser is not legal. Why are nonlethal self-defense products so difficult to get in some states when getting a handgun, by comparison, is relatively simple to do.
Pepper sprays are the most popular self-defense product of a nonlethal nature in the world with stun devices coming in a close second. Their popularity has been fueled by notoriety, led by the tasers - a type of stun device. And, defensive sprays which seem to be in the news on a regular basis, and advances in technology and price competition which has made them more effective and cheaper.
A good example is Massachusetts. Stun devices are illegal in Massachusetts and that includes tasers, but you can get a lethal handgun. Pepper sprays are legal in Massachusetts, but their Application Process to get one is so cumbersome as to discourage women and men, who need them for their self-defense, from getting one.
In an article that we read recently from a CBS affiliate in Boston, they explained that anyone who wanted a pepper spray needed to get a firearms identification card from the local police department. The story went on to say that the process can take as long as six months and costs as much as $100.00-talk about difficult! What a hassle to get a $5 pepper spray.
“Massachusetts is the only state in the country that requires a firearms identification card in order to purchase mace or pepper spray for self-defense.”
Now, to be fair, some brilliant lawmakers in Massachusetts are actually trying to change that ridiculous requirement.
“It’s an unnecessary impediment to public safety on behalf of people, particularly women, who need it for self-defense,” said a Clinton Democrat and chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
And Massachusetts isn’t the only state that restricts pepper sprays. As recently as four years ago Michigan limited the amount of oleoresin capsicum, the main ingredient in all pepper sprays, to 2%. In December 2010 the law was changed to allow up to 10% concentration. Several pepper sprays have 15-18% concentration.
In Wisconsin, lawmakers are struggling with the same issue. Currently, there are a number of laws imposed by their Department of Justice that restrict pepper sprays. For example, canisters cannot be larger than 60 grams and must spray at least 6 feet but no more than 20 feet and have no more than a 10% concentration of the oleoresin capsicum. Those are the only two states that regulate the percentage of pepper spray concentration. In New York, residents can only purchase defensive sprays from licensed firearms dealers or licensed pharmacists in that state. Pharmacists?
When it comes to stunning devices several states including Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin have completely outlawed stun guns including tasers. Several cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore and the District of Columbia have outlawed them as well.
In a legal update by the Michigan State police in June 2012 regarding Stun Gun Legality, it was noted by the Supreme Court in Michigan that it was unconstitutional to have a complete ban on stun guns and tasers and was a violation of the Second Amendment.
We like to point out that several of these cities and states have extremely high crime rates which include assaults against women. Why is it that you can get a lethal handgun but not a less than lethal stun device or pepper spray?
This is the source for the biggest selection of Self-Defense Items such as stun guns and defensive sprays on the Internet.
When will lawmakers wake up and start thinking about their constituents?
Feedback on these posts is appreciated. Have you ever used a non-lethal self-defense product? Please share your experience. We want to hear your thoughts.