Stricter Colorado law for home hash oil extraction goes into effect July 1

People who make marijuana hash oil with hazardous materials at home will face felony charges in Colorado under new state laws taking effect Wednesday.

Licensed manufacturers of pot concentrates won’t be affected by the new law, but amateur cooks will be charged if they use materials like a flammable liquid chemical or compressed gas, both of which have been linked to explosions. More than 30 butane explosions were connected to hash production in 2014.

One of the sponsors of the law, Rep. Yeulin Willett, R-Delta, said that one benefit of the legislation is that it will allow law enforcement to make arrests before there’s an explosion, rather than prosecuting cases after the fact. “Many jurisdictions felt that their hands were tied, and they could only respond after an accident,” he said.

It’s unknown how many of the explosions from last year resulted in prosecution on charges such as arson or criminal mischief. Amateur manufacturers of marijuana concentrates will now also face a Class 2 drug felony.

Concentrates 101

Part 1: What’s on the market? Info about kief, BHO, water hash and others
Part 2: How should I smoke this shatter? Ways to consume concentrates
Part 3: Are concentrates right for me? On potency, expected effects and more