I did this recently as well (though for a different purpose, chemical testing). it's even more difficult than the journalist describes. No refinery wants to stop processing or halt flow in their pipelines, and so getting WTI or Bakken oil is immensely difficult when you're not at the source. There are small mom & pop ~2-3bbl/day producers who are willing to sell their oil at a premium, however.

Ventilation is a huge problem - H2S emits a very foul smell. Quickly open and close a small bottle of crude in a room, and the scent lingers for a few minutes or more.