DA blasts state for failing to inspect Astoria marijuana business that exploded

(OregonLive) Police and fire investigators in Astoria continued Friday to comb through the wreckage of an explosion likely caused by a legal butane hash oil enterprise amid questions about whether the state did anything to ensure the business met health and safety regulations. The blast at Higher Level Concentrates – the first involving a legal cannabis enterprise in Oregon – sent two men to a Portland burn unit Wednesday, officials said. Both are in serious condition, according to a representative of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. The business this year submitted a registration application to the Oregon Health Authority but didn't follow through on requirements to complete the registration process. Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis rebuked the health authority for allowing the business to operate without ever confirming it was meeting the agency's own rules for marijuana processors. The health authority didn't inspect Higher Level Concentrates, one of 127 processors on its list of businesses that have turned in registration applications.