Pubdate: Thu, 23 Jun 2016
Source: Chico News & Review, The (CA)
Copyright: 2016 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact: https://www.newsreview.com/chico/contactLetter2editor
Website: http://www.newsreview.com/chico/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/559

TOUGH ON HASH

City Council Passes Law to Combat Rise of Butane Honey Oil Labs

In an effort to combat a growing problem with concentrated cannabis 
oil, the Chico City Council voted unanimously to restrict the sale 
and possession of butane during its meeting on Tuesday (June 21).

Chico Police Chief Mike O'Brien (pictured) explained that local 
production of so-called butane honey oil (BHO), a super-potent form 
of hash, is on the rise, and the process produces a potentially 
explosive vapor.

"The gas is heavier than air and pools in low-lying areas near 
possible ignition sources," O'Brien said. Last year, there were 
explosions at three BHO labs in Chico-two in apartments and one in a trailer.

And the number of BHO lab seizures in Butte County has nearly doubled 
each of the last three years. There were 16 seizures in 2013; 31 in 
2014; and 56 in 2015, O'Brien said. He added that, last year, Butte 
County was second only to Los Angeles County in the total number of 
BHO lab seizures in California.

Once on the books, the law will limit businesses from selling more 
than 600 mL of butane per transaction; limit customers to purchasing 
no more than 600 mL per 30-day period; and ban anyone other than 
commercial sellers from possessing more than that amount. Further, 
sellers must keep records of sales for two years. Violations will be 
considered misdemeanors punishable by a $1,000 fine or six months in 
county jail.

The ordinance will come back for a second reading after 30 days, at 
which point Chico likely will become the first municipality in the 
county to restrict butane.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom