Engel introduced virtually the exact same legislation back in January 2016, only to see the bill smothered to death in committee. But the bureau told NBC News that it doesn’t regulate flamethrowers.On a purely legislative level, Vasquez is absolutely right: Rep. Musk claimed in a tweet that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was “A-ok,” because it doesn’t light more than 10-feet-long. “Whether it meets the definition of prohibited weapon is made on a case-by-case basis by a technical expert, most commonly by Customs officials upon the importation into Canada,” a government spokesperson wrote. In a separate statement, the Department of Justice Canada added that each case involving a flamethrower is subject to different treatment. “In most instances, these tools are generally used by various commercial industry for agriculture (controlled burns), roofing companies (for heating tar), snow removal, insect removal (caterpillar tents).” Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There are no import restrictions on flamethrowers that are classified as non-military and do not meet the definition of a prohibited weapon," the email read. WATCH: Elon Musk tweet leads Flat Earth Society to claim Mars is a sphere “Whenever there is ambiguity in the law like this, where people don’t know, sometimes you see cases where people get charged.” “It’s such a unique thing, and on its appearance, it would appear quite scary,” Mansour said.
The lawyer explains that police officers may not be aware that flamethrowers are legal, which can lead to arrest or charges, although they would eventually be cleared. Mansour added that while possessing flamethrowers is not a crime, it can be used as a weapon and lead to illegal activity.īut there are some nuances. READ MORE: Elon Musk could earn $55.8 billion in a decade - if Tesla hits its targets “This has a barrel but does not have a projectile, it doesn’t have a bullet of any sort that actually comes out of the barrel.”
“You’re prohibited from possessing certain class of firearms, and firearms are defined in the Criminal Code and other places as something that has a barrel and discharges a projectile,” he explained. WATCH: Are we there yet? Elon Musk wants to fly you across Earth in less than an hour For example, it can be used to melt ice or snow. The incendiary device can be used as a firearm and cause serious damage and have been used during wars.ĭifferent versions of the products can also be used for agricultural purposes and controlled burning. READ MORE: Elon Musk sells 10,000 flamethrowers in just 2 days What is a flamethrower?Ī flamethrower is a weapon that sprays fire. While the product is for sale internationally, the rules surrounding its use are somewhat ambiguous in Canada. But the popular product is stirring up legal concerns.