No, nunchucks are classified as dangerous weapons under Maine’s 1981 Dangerous Weapons Statute (17-A M.R.S. § 2(4)), making their possession, sale, or use illegal without a valid permit. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Maine State Police, enforce these restrictions, with recent 2026 compliance directives emphasizing stricter penalties for concealed carry violations.
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in Maine
- Statutory Ban: 17-A M.R.S. § 1052 criminalizes the manufacture, sale, or possession of nunchucks, classifying them as “dangerous weapons” alongside brass knuckles and switchblades.
- Permit Exceptions: Only individuals with a concealed carry permit issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety may possess nunchucks, provided they meet firearm eligibility criteria (e.g., no felony convictions).
- Local Enforcement: Municipal police departments, such as Portland PD and Bangor PD, conduct periodic inspections of martial arts supply stores to prevent illegal sales, per 2026 Maine Attorney General guidance.