People want to buy pepper spray when they are reminded of some dangers they can encounter in the world: random attacks by an aggressive dog or not so random assault by a human. Very few put "buy pepper spray" on the laundry list of things to do annually. Our Fire Departments did a great job drilling into our minds the notion of changing batteries in our smoke alarms on the regular basis. It would be much easier if we thought about pepper spray the same way as we do about AA batteries. Sad... but safer.

Is the idea of defending yourself under attack somewhat unacceptable? Or is there some fear of legal complications if you carry or use pepper spray? Does pepper spray seem like a weapon sometimes? We've been there, we understand, so fear not!

Nothing can be further from the truth. Pepper Sprays are very easy to use, their effects on the aggressor, whether animal or human, are temporary, and they are made to interrupt the act of aggression. Defense spray gives you a chance to leave the danger zone by distracting your attacker with excruciating pain.

Your decision to buy pepper spray and carry it on yourself for protection is common and natural. Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states of the nation. Yes, pepper spray is legal, however few states have it regulated.

For example, if you live in Massachusetts which has the strictest regulations, in order to buy pepper spray, one has to have a Firearm ID of special class "Chemical Defensive Spray". Your local Police Department will likely issue it for you after a 2 hour class. This ID will allow you to buy pepper spray in a gun store within the state and carry the spray around. Internet or Mail order catalogs will not ship pepper sprays to Massachusetts residents.

If you live in New York state, you fare slightly better than your Massachusetts neighbor. You need no ID but you have to go to a licensed dealer in the NY state in order to buy pepper spray. A hunting, fishing, outdoors store can be such a dealer, or even your friendly small shop pharmacists on the corner cn be the dealer. You will have to pass a background check, and assuming your past is spotless, you’ll be granted privilege to buy a can of pepper spray.

Once again, mail order or web retailers will not ship pepper sprays to NY state addresses.

All of us living outside of NY and MA can easily buy pepper spray through a mail order or web catalog and get it shipped to their home or business address. It’s that easy. Keep in mind that state of Michigan has regulated the pepper spray formula itself. Never mind the details: just ask anyone in the store or the internet site "what kind of sprays are allowed in Michigan?" and they will gladly show to you the proper models.

Remember, if you want to buy pepper spray -- it is legal in the United States and after you follow the proper procedure in some states mentioned above you can get it and have efficient means of protecting yourself.