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Eagle Co. DA On Making Hash Oil: 'Don't Try This At Home'

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Authorities are urging people to not make hash oil at home but to buy it in a store, legally. This comes after the dangerous problem of explosions, caused by people making hash oil, that's becoming more common in Colorado.

"What you start out with in order to cook your marijuana into a hash oil product, requires butane. Butane is a highly flammable liquid," said Eagle County District Attorney Bruce Brown.

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A demonstration of a hash oil explosion (credit: CBS)

On April 29, a hash oil cooking operation at an Eagle-Vail condominium complex led to an explosion and fire that injured Ryne Wilhelm, 25. First responders said they arrived to find Wilhelm rolling around on the ground near a tree shortly after the explosion.

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A hash oil explosion in Eagle-Vail (credit: Eagle Co Sheriff)

"You can probably recall that people were making methamphetamine in residences and causing explosions. Now they've moved on to marijuana. The distinguishing feature here is that there are lawful ways to get your hash oil," said Brown. "Go to a store, a retail outlet, and purchase it there. Don't try to do this at home."

Currently, Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-18-406 (2) (a), criminalizes the processing and manufacturing of marijuana concentrate, a Class 3 felony.

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