Mass. Gen. Laws » Part I Title XX Chapter 140
Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 122C (2026)

Illegal sale or possession of self-defense spray; penalty for violation

✓ current as of July 2026
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Section 122C. (a) Whoever, not being licensed as provided in section 122, sells self-defense spray shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 2 years.

(b) Whoever licensed under section 122 sells self-defense spray to a person younger than 18 years of age, if the person younger than 18 years of age does not have a self-defense spray permit, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300.

(c) A person under 18 years of age who possesses self-defense spray and who does not have a self-defense spray permit shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1 case, 2018–2018 · leading case: Ramirez v. Commonwealth, 94 N.E.3d 809 (Mass. 2018).
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Ramirez v. Commonwealth, 94 N.E.3d 809 (Mass. 2018). · cites it 2× “140, § 122D, prohibits various categories of persons from purchasing or possessing "self-defense spray," which is defined in G. L. c. 140, § 122C ( a ), to mean "chemical mace, pepper spray or any device or instrument which contains, propels or emits a liquid, gas, powder or…”
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