Chemical/solvent extraction of a controlled substance is illegal in CA without proper licensing. So using butane, propane, co2 etc are illegal. Highly flammable/explosive solvents such as butane are further illegal under a section of the Health and Safety code meant to protect from explosions and fires.
While I have not heard of any such charges ever being used, technically under the one law using dry ice, alcohol, or even water for extraction could in theory be charged.
Knowing supplying to an extract operation can also bring charges- a large supplier of Butane was successfully prosecuted (in San Diego I think) several years back.
Furthermore- under the current legal status you must be 21 to possess cannabis in any form, and are limited to I believe a maximum of 8 grams of any form of concentrated cannabis. And any indication of intent to sell is obviously a crime, which can be as simple as the things we all have lying around- a scale and baggies.
Causing a fire or explosion processing cannabis extracts generally seems to bring a 4-9 yr sentence and a fine of $20-50K. Causing a death can certainly bring more. Civil suits for damages to property and persons are likely as well.
Side note: the licensing for BHO production is an expensive nightmare. Think an explosion proof room and every piece of gear needing to meet cal-osha requirements.
