No, nunchucks are classified as “prohibited weapons” under Mississippi Code § 97-37-1(2)(a), rendering them illegal to possess, manufacture, transport, or sell statewide without a valid permit. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Jackson Police Department, actively enforce these statutes, particularly in high-density urban areas. Recent 2026 legislative proposals to reclassify certain martial arts tools under the Department of Public Safety’s regulatory purview have stalled, leaving the ban intact.
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in Mississippi
- Statutory Prohibition: Miss. Code § 97-37-1 explicitly lists nunchucks as “deadly weapons,” subject to felony penalties under § 97-37-5 for unlawful possession.
- Permit Exemptions: No state-issued permits exist for nunchuck ownership; even licensed martial arts instructors may face prosecution for possession without prior written authorization from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
- Local Enforcement Variations: While state law governs, municipal ordinances (e.g., Biloxi’s Public Safety Code § 12-45) may impose additional fines or confiscation protocols, particularly in public spaces or during heightened security alerts.