Okay, I usually walk wherever I go, to work, to the bus stop, and back. I'm pretty small and I can't really defend myself should someone decide to jump out of the bushes and kill me or something. I'm 105 lbs and I'm 19 (female) almost 20.

Does anyone know what the laws are regarding pepper spray in Minnesota, specifically Dakota County? I want to be protected, but I want to make sure that I'm following the rules regarding this precaution. Any specific information would be helpful! Thanks!

I will address a few other issues

1. unless you have it in your hand read to use, having it in a pocket or purse does you no good, the bad guy will have you before you even thing about getting it out

2. in a wind, it can blow back at you not the bad guy.

3. there are many people, from drug addicts to some just regular people it will not have any effect on.

Being small does not mean you can't defend yourself, learn self defense

As the actual laws, best bet, contact the local sheriff offcie, and the local pawn shop or police supply that sells it, will also know the rules for it

The mace is less effective, pepper spray is an inflamitory which works much better.

Pepper spray - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pepper spray is an inflammatory. It causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing [2]. The duration of its effects depend on the strength of the spray but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with diminished effects lasting for hours.

But those are legitimate concerns and I appreciate your input. I was thinking I'd walk with it in hand or clipped to the outside of my purse or in my pocket where I could reach it easily. And I've thought about wind, I really don't want to incapacitate myself when someone is trying to attack me, which is why I want to learn how to use it properly as well. Calling the sheriff's office is a great idea, I didn't think of that. Thank you. :)

Chuck you are a genius! I called the Sheriff's office and I was told that it was definitley legal to carry. I was even told that it would be a good idea because I do a lot of walking alone, so thank you very much for your wonderful idea. :)

I have used both mace and pepper spray on many people, ( rough church **LOL)

But I have seen a few ( not many that took pepper spray and sprayed it like a mouth spray and while a few effects.

Even myself, while it effected me, I learned to keep doing my job even with its effects.

But then I have had a couple who just looked at me after use of a stun gun also.

While many of the items are better than no items, watching your souroundings, staying in a group when possible and knowing that no one thing always works.

Well, that's true. It would be nice to have just in case, but I'm counting on the fact that it hasn't happened yet, although it's still possible, I'm hoping I never have to use it. And if I ever do, hopefully it works, if not, I'll have to try to get my thumbs in they eyes or something.