A late-night blast at an Oklahoma cannabis facility claimed two lives, and thankfully it wasn’t worse than that. Had the major explosion ripped through the industrial complex during daylight operations far more workers and neighbours could have suffered severe injuries or worse. The early-morning hour meant fewer people were present when the force tore roofs, crumpled walls and twisted metal beams across the site.
Prosecutors have now charged the facility’s owner, Ryan Bassham, with two counts of first-degree murder. They argue his negligence created the lethal conditions. Bassham, 35, owned Solos Extracts in Sand Springs, near Tulsa. The blast struck around 1:14 a.m. on Aug. 27. Employees Stephen Scott, 28, and Michael Newman, 41, died. Scott lost his life at the scene and Newman later passed in hospital. The explosion damaged at least 25 neighbouring businesses, which will not be re-opening anytime soon.
One of the most critical details emerged from Newman. On the way to hospital he told a paramedic the area lacked proper ventilation and that the blast followed after he unplugged something. Court records further show Sand Springs Fire Marshal Mike Nobles had ordered the business to cease operations the previous week after a failed inspection. Investigators found large quantities of liquid propane and other hazardous materials that had not been present during a January check when an outdated fire-suppression system was already noted.
Prosecutors say Bassham ran the operation illegally. He had acquired Solos Extracts earlier in the year but lacked a valid Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority processor licence and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics registration in his own name while seeking updates. Authorities believe staff were unlawfully manufacturing hazardous chemicals.
Bassham turned himself in on Aug. 30, posted a US$2 million bond and walked free. However, the next day Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents arrested him again on separate charges of aggravated trafficking and manufacturing of a controlled substance plus possession of a firearm during a felony. These were linked to an unlicensed cultivation and processing site he ran near the small town of Kellyville. Bassham remains in custody.
Speculation about the precise trigger centres on solvent-based extraction methods common in the industry. Processors often employ flammable hydrocarbons such as butane or propane to produce THC concentrates. Faulty equipment, inadequate closed-loop systems or poor ventilation can allow vapours to ignite, a risk regulators across many states try to control through specialised hazardous-processor licences and strict fire code rules.
Oklahoma legalised medical cannabis in 2018 and initially saw rapid growth under relatively light rules. An oversupply later prompted a halt on new grower, processor and dispensary licences, which has been extended into 2028. Despite the boom and subsequent pause, the industry remains substantial with thousands of licensed businesses still operating under the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
This is likely a butane explosion as that is about the only thing THIS explosive in cannabis extraction. In the OK regs butane is suppose to be in a contained and explosion proof room. Deaths in the cannabis industry are VERY rare. This one will be studies extensively.… https://t.co/NvBhwPY5jC
— Chip Paul (@ChipPaul60) August 28, 2026
Read more: From east to west: cannabis becomes a staple at American state fairs
Follow Rowan Dunne on LinkedIn
rowan@mugglehead.com
