Colorado advances penalties for homemade hash oil

Colorado lawmakers advanced a measure that would make it a felony to use explosive gases to make hash oil at home.

The proposal is a response to explosions and injuries resulting from amateur hash oil production. At least 30 people were injured last year in 32 butane explosions involving hash oil, according to the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, a state-federal enforcement program.

The state House on Monday gave initial approval on a voice vote to the proposal aimed at curbing homemade hash oil. One more vote sends the measure to the Senate.

Some marijuana activists have argued that making hash with butane or propane is safe when done outside. They want increased public education, not limiting the process to only commercial growers.