Also known as OC spray, OC gas, capsicum spray, or oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper Spray is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness, used in riot control, crowd control, and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears.
"Any liquid, spray, powder or other substance that is capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person" was declared to be a prohibited weapon under Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 1, Consolidated Regulations of Canada 1978, chapter 433 (available in Vancouver and regional courthouse libraries, Prince Rupert and Terrace).
Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 1 was repealed by regulation # SOR/98-463 and replaced by regulation SOR/98-462 (Schedule, Part 3). The text remained the same. Proposed amendments regarding pepper spray that were not included are discussed in Part 3 of the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement as published in the Canada Gazette Part II, (1998) vol.132, no.20, p. 2718 (available in Vancouver and regional courthouse libraries, Prince Rupert and Terrace).