Hillsborough firefighter used 'Magical Butter' machine to make cannabis oil in a fire station, deputies say

The Magical Butter Botanical Extractor is a mechanical device which looks similar to a coffee thermos and is marketed as a tool to infuse food with your favorite herbs.

Sheriff's officials say a Hillsborough County firefighter used one to create homemade cannabis oil.

Deputies were called Monday afternoon to Hillsborough Fire Station 26, a small public safety house at 5302 Thonotosassa Road, after someone found a Magical Butter machine in the workout room with marijuana in it.

The device was powered on and plugged into a wall outlet, according to a report. When deputies opened it, they found a yellow liquid that appeared to be cannabis oil. Two pieces of marijuana were in bottom.

Tavoris A. Allen, 36, a lieutenant with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, admitted the device belonged to him, sheriff's officials said. Allen, who has worked for the fire department since 2003, has an active medical marijuana use registry card, according to an arrest report. But, the report stated, Allen is not authorized to make such products himself, nor is he permitted to possess marijuana plant material.

He was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance and released from jail early Tuesday on $2,000 bail.

County officials said Tuesday that Allen was on paid administrative leave pending a review of the incident.