WASHINGTON — The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning people about a dangerous drug appearing all over the country.
It is a form of marijuana extract known as butane hash oil, also called "wax.".
Experts say it is illegal, dangerous and highly explosive. It’s made similar to meth.
The DEA says it received more than 300 reported wax explosions nationwide over the last year, with many in California and Colorado.
“You’re using many different solvents. They are highly flammable and potentially dangerous,” said DEA Special Agent John Scherbenske.”It’s very dangerous not only for the people doing this but for their neighbors.”
Dozens of videos posted online show what can happen when the making of the drug goes bad.
The hash is burned down to create an oil. It often smoked by using an electronic cigarette. It's easy to conceal, often in a lip balm container. The high is similar to that of smoking marijuana, but its effects are far more potent.
"We are seeing potency in the range of 50 percent for the butane hash oil, and it's has gone as high as 80 percent," said Scherbenske.
Law enforcement is having a tough time keeping ahead of the manufacture of the drug, acknowledging that the homemade labs are often found when it’s too late.
“A lot of them we don't know about until there is a tragedy or an explosion,” said Scherbenske.