Growing Butane Hash Oil danger in Santa Cruz County

A medical marijuana product, hash oil, is often made at home with canisters of butane. A small amount of butane hash oil reportedly produces a quick and powerful high. The unregulated underground hash oil industry frequently operates out of garages, basements and kitchens. Butane hash oil is highly flammable and just a spark can set off an explosion.
On Wednesday, December 16, in the 100 Block of Lindberg Street in Santa Cruz, there was an explosion caused by butane hash oil. The first responders on the scene were the Santa Cruz Police Department and Santa Cruz Fire personnel. The responders found significant damage to a ground level garage at an apartment complex.
While officers evacuated several people in nearby apartments, the firemen at the scene discovered that the explosion and fire was the result of someone in the garage trying to produce concentrated cannabis in a process known as “BHO” or Butane Hash Oil.
The explosion sent an adult male, age 48, to a Bay Area medical center burn unit for treatment of multiple burns. The person’s name is being withheld pending the conclusion of the investigation.
After the explosion, the suspect reportedly ran upstairs to his family residence. During the search of the residence and garage, the officers located several items used in the manufacturing of concentrated cannabis.
According to Joyce Blaschke of the Santa Cruz Police Department, “This type of operation is commonly referred to as a “Honey Oil” or BHO lab. Butane Hash Oil labs are becoming a major public safety concern in our communities.” She reported that “Butane gas, which is highly flammable, is used in the hash oil extraction process. Santa Cruz has experienced a number of such explosions causing major injury and exposing neighborhoods to a serious safety threat.”
The Santa Cruz Police Department encourages the people in our communities to use extreme caution if they suspect this type of operation. If anyone sees something suspicious, please report it to the authorities. If anyone has any information regarding this case (Number 15S-10719), please call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit at 420-5820.
For additional information, contact: Joyce Blaschke at 420-5844. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through their Tip Line 420-5995, or on their website: www.santacruzpolice.com.