In the months following the state's legalization of marijuana, Colorado has seen a rise in explosions as people try to extract hash oil from the drug at home, according to The Associated Press.
Because of the oil's high amount of THC -- a potent chemical in marijuana that offers a stronger high -- several pot users are hurting themselves by trying to obtain it from their own stash.
However, hospital officials in the state say the amount of victims suffering burns and other injuries from the extraction process is growing.
Since pot became legal in January, there have already been 31 reported explosions. In 2013, there were 11 total and in 2012 there was only one.
Additionally, Colorado's single adult burn center has treated 10 patients for second- and third-degree burns.
"These today are the meth labs of the '90s. We have to change our thinking and what we're looking for," Sgt. Pat Long in Thornton told The AP.
Kevin Wong, an analyst for the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, believes the true number of explosions is probably higher.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg," Wong said.
The newly formed agency began training police officers and firefighters on how to spot a hash oil explosion.
Wayne Winkler, a Colorado resident, recalled how he almost lost his life trying to obtain his own oil.
"It was the worst pain of my life," said Winkler. "It wasn't worth the risk."
