Pubdate: Wed, 31 Mar 2004
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Mike D'Amour

WEED OIL CHEF BOTCHED BREW

An explosion in a Killarney home initially thought to contain a 
methamphetamine lab was instead set ablaze by a careless chef trying to 
cook up a batch of potent weed oil. The smell of smoke mixed with the aroma 
of marijuana still wafted through the southwest Calgary neighbourhood 
yesterday, hours after the $250,000 fire at the home at 2616 24 St.

Neighbours were startled by a loud noise about 9:20 p.m. Monday.

"It was a very loud boom -- it sounded like something fell from the sky and 
hit the roof," said Connie Loveday, who lives with a roommate next door to 
the dope house.

At least one man had been inside the three-bedroom bungalow trying to cook 
the pot to condense the THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, from the weed.

"What the (drug cookers) do is soak the (marijuana) leaf and buds in 
isolpropyl alcohol to leech the THC out of the plant," said Sgt. Roger 
Morrison of the drug unit.

The tricky part is when the weed is taken out of the mix, the alcohol must 
also be removed and the quickest way to do that is to heat the mixture.

The ensuing vapours are so strong, a spark can cause an explosion, and 
that's what police believe happened.