A prosecutor must prove the following to convict you under this statute: you bought, possessed, or used tear gas or a tear gas weapon, and you did so for a purpose other than self-defense. These laws also make it illegal to use or possess tear gas if you: were previously convicted of a felony or crime involving assault, are a narcotic addict, and are a minor (under the age of 18). This prohibition stands even if the gas is used for self-defense. Note also that these laws make it a crime to sell or give tear gas to a minor. A tear gas weapon is any cartridge or bomb, that upon explosion, releases tear gas.