Anyone with information regarding the unauthorized possession or use of dangerous chemicals, or the manufacturing, distribution or possession of hash oil or other illegal substances is encouraged to contact the UC Santa Cruz Police Department immediately at 831-459-2231 or by dialing 911.
The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is warning the community of the growing dangers of manufacturing hash oil using butane.
The process of extracting hash oil from marijuana plants appears to be an explosive trend that is posing a threat to residents as "do-it-yourself" methods gain popularity in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. In the past month, two hash oil explosions were reported in Santa Cruz, resulting in severe burns to four individuals.
The drug-making process is extremely dangerous due to the use of highly combustible butane. The process also uses isopropyl or anhydrous alcohol, both flammable; extraction vessels; glass dishes; ether and coffee filters. The resulting substance is a thick yellow-orange oil called hash oil, honey oil, Butane Honey Oil (BHO) or dabs. The manufacturing, distribution or possession of hash oil is illegal in California.
Recently, butane and hash oil recipes have been found in the residential areas. In addition to the criminal prosecutions associated with the manufacturing, distribution or possession of hash oil and other drugs, there may be prosecutions against individuals for the possession of dangerous chemicals.
The University may take sanctions against individuals as well. The University is very concerned about laboratory and residential safety and prohibits the unauthorized possession of dangerous chemicals, including butane or other highly combustible materials on campus. As with drug manufacturing, distribution or possession, unauthorized possession or use of dangerous chemicals may result in suspension or dismissal from the University, as indicated in the Terms and Conditions of Housing (Housing Contract) and the appropriate Codes of Conduct.
Tips may also be made ANONYMOUSLY to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department by calling 831–459–3TIP (459–3847) or online at http://police.ucsc.edu.
Safety Tips:
• Butane is extremely flammable; Its use is prohibited on the campus without proper authorization.
• If butane is (inadvertently) released during use, avoid breathing the gas.
• Report the manufacturing, distribution or possession of illegal drugs or chemicals immediately.
• Report any suspicious behavior or persons to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department immediately by calling 911.
• Report any smoke or fires immediately by calling 911. Don’t assume someone else will call it in.
Thank you.
Nader Oweis, Chief of Police
University of California, Santa Cruz
This Bulletin is in Compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act” (“Clery Act”), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
