Ryan Bassham, 35, owner of Solos Extracts in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, turned himself in to authorities last weekend on two counts of first-degree murder following an explosion at his cannabis extraction facility that killed two employees.
The blast occurred Thursday at the extraction operation, according to the Tulsa County District Attorney's office. Bassham surrendered to law enforcement days after prosecutors filed charges in connection with the deaths of the two workers.
Adam Jones, a spokesman for the Tulsa County district attorney, confirmed the charges but did not immediately provide details about what specific safety violations or negligence allegations led prosecutors to pursue murder charges rather than lesser counts.
The Risks of Cannabis Extraction
Cannabis extraction facilities use volatile solvents like butane and propane to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. The process creates concentrated products like shatter, wax, and vape cartridges that command premium prices in dispensaries.
But the chemicals involved are highly flammable. Butane has an explosive limit that starts at just 1.8% concentration in air. Without proper ventilation, closed-loop systems, and explosion-proof equipment, extraction labs can become death traps.
Oklahoma's medical cannabis program, launched in 2018, grew rapidly with relatively light regulations compared to other states. The state has seen several extraction-related incidents over the past few years as operators rushed to meet demand for concentrates.
Safety Standards Under Scrutiny
The murder charges signal prosecutors believe Bassham's alleged negligence rose to the level of criminal recklessness causing death. First-degree murder charges in workplace fatality cases are unusual and typically require evidence of extreme disregard for human life.
Oklahoma's medical marijuana regulations require extraction facilities to follow specific safety protocols, including closed-loop systems for hydrocarbon extraction and proper ventilation. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority can inspect facilities and revoke licenses for safety violations.
The state does not publish comprehensive data on extraction facility inspections or safety violations, making it difficult to assess how common compliance problems are across the industry.
What's Next
Bassham remains in custody pending arraignment. If convicted on both murder counts, he faces life in prison. The case will likely draw attention from safety advocates and regulators across the cannabis industry.
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has not publicly commented on whether Solos Extracts held current licenses or had prior violations on record. The facility's operational status is unclear.
Industry groups have pushed for stronger safety standards and better training for extraction workers, but implementation varies widely by state. Some operators use certified chemists and follow pharmaceutical-grade protocols. Others cut corners to save money.
The names of the two employees killed in the blast have not been released pending family notification.
This article is based on original reporting by ganjapreneur.com.
