Is it legal to own a flamethrower for personal use?

The legality of owning a flamethrower for personal use varies significantly by country and within countries by state or region. In the United States, there are no federal laws specifically prohibiting the ownership of flamethrowers. However, state laws can vary; for example, California requires a permit to possess certain types of flamethrowers, while in states like Maryland and Michigan, flamethrowers are banned or heavily regulated. It’s essential to check local statutes and regulations to determine the legality in your specific area.

Trivia: Despite their dangerous nature, flamethrowers are used in agricultural settings for tasks like clearing heavy snow, weed control, and controlled burn forestry.