Pepper Spray In Canada

Pepper spray is a non-lethal self defense product. It is legal in almost all the states of US with some restrictions in the way it is used. However, Pepper spray in Canada is regarded as a “restricted weapon”. Canadian law has some specifications related to the use of pepper spray.
Pepper spray consists of OC or Oleoresin Capsicum, which is the main agent of the spray. Oleoresin Capsicum is derived from chili pepper that causes irritation of the skin. Pepper spray acts by creating inflammation of eyes, nose, and ears. It also causes temporary blindness to the assailant. The assailant suffers chocking, nausea and coughing. The effect of pepper spray takes 40-45 minutes in order to subside. Although pepper spray is not fatal, it can cause pulmonary toxicity, neurotoxicity, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects.
The law in Canada regarding the use of pepper spray is not very friendly for common people. As mentioned earlier Canadian government regards pepper spray as a “restricted weapon”. Any product that has pepper spray marked in its description is not to be used by general public. However, such products can be used by law enforcement agencies or corporations with special permission from the Government of Canada. Individuals can also use pepper spray if they obtain special permission from the Government. Government permits individuals to use pepper sprays only in special cases for example, if a person is a constable, peace officer, bylaw officer, animal control officer and so on.
The general public can use pepper spray if it is sold as an animal repellent. For example, there is no restriction on the sale and purchase of bear repellent. North American countries are much affected by wild bear attacks. Thus, bear repellent can be used by hikers and hunters to protect themselves from bear attacks. However, if hikers from US come to Canada with bear sprays they cannot leave it back or resell it in the country.
Pepper spray in Canada is also used in the form of dog repellent. Dog repellent is used by joggers, postal workers and walkers for defending themselves against dog attacks.
The Canadian law specifies that dog repellent or bear repellent can be purchased from Government licensed shops and those that have products approved by Health Canada. The seller has to maintain the record of sales for the spray. And if, anyone uses dog repellent and pepper spray on human beings then the court of law will decide whether it was a justified action or not.
No one is permitted to travel to Canada with pepper spray bought from another state.
Some of the trusted names in the field of pepper sprays/bear sprays in Canada are:
Brandon Industries Canada Inc.
Guard Alaska Bear Spray – This is approved by US EPA and is the only brand of spray that can be carried to Canada from other country.
Sabre Dog Repellent Pepper Spray.
The Canadian Government not only restricts the use of pepper spray, but also restricts the usage of similar self defense products like mace and tear gas. Pepper spray in Canada is prohibited but the Government is considerate enough to let the public use pepper spray as a dog repellent and a bear spray.