If you’ve smoked weed for more than a week, chances are you’ve owned a Bic. They’re cheap, disposable, and everywhere — but when it comes to getting a smooth, even burn, they just don’t cut it.
Whether you’re tired of burning your fingertips, uneven charring, or losing terpenes to open flames, switching to a better lighter is a small upgrade that dramatically changes your experience.
This guide breaks down the best lighters and torches for cannabis — from jet flames and plasma arcs to old-school hemp wicks. We’ll explain what sets them apart, who they’re best for, and which Amazon-approved options are worth your cash.
Why the Right Lighter Actually Matters
Cannabis is a complex plant. It contains delicate compounds like THC, CBD, and terpenes that affect your high, your flavor, and even your mood.
Using the wrong lighter can:
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Burn off terpenes too quickly (especially with overly hot flames)
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Create uneven burns in joints or bowls
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Introduce harmful chemicals (like butane or flint debris)
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Waste flower with poor combustion
A good flame isn’t just about fire. It’s about control, purity, and consistency.
What to Look for in a Weed Lighter or Torch
Here’s what makes a great cannabis lighter:
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Consistent flame: Avoid flickering or misfires
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Clean burn: Minimal contaminants (plasma and hemp wick excel here)
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Flame strength: Jet flames and torches give more control outdoors or with dense nugs
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Angle flexibility: Lighters that work upside-down or at a tilt are ideal for bowls
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Style & portability: Pocket-friendly is key, unless you’re dabbing at home
1. Vertigo Cyclone Triple Torch Lighter
Best For: Bowl Smokers Who Want Power and Precision
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Type: Jet Flame (Triple Torch)
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Features: Wind-resistant, refillable, clear fuel tank, adjustable flame
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Why It’s Great: The triple jet ensures a fast, even light every time — perfect for packed bowls or fat joints
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Downside: Too intense for ultra-thin papers; may scorch if held too close
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)
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2. Ronxs Dual Arc Plasma Lighter
Best For: Flavor Preservation and Eco-Friendly Smokers
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Type: Plasma Arc
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Features: USB rechargeable, windproof, flameless, safety shut-off
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Why It’s Great: No butane = no chemical taste. Perfect for lighting joints or hemp wicks. Very sleek and windproof.
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Downside: Not great for bowls or bongs — arc is narrow
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6 stars)
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3. Beeline Hemp Wick – 100% Organic Hemp & Beeswax
Best For: Pure Flavor and Terpene Preservation
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Type: Hemp Wick (requires lighter to ignite)
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Features: Organic hemp and beeswax, low-temp burn, no butane
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Why It’s Great: Doesn’t destroy terpenes, great for low-temp bowl hits or joints. Ideal for daily smokers who care about taste.
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Downside: Slight learning curve; needs a lighter to start
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7 stars)
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4. Scorch Torch Dominator
Best For: Torch Power with Style
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Type: Single Jet Torch
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Features: Butane refillable, angled flame, sturdy design
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Why It’s Great: Great for bongs, dab rigs, and outdoor sessions. Flame angle makes it easy to light deep bowls.
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Downside: A bit bulky for daily carry
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4 stars)
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5. Toker Poker + Bic + Hemp Wick Combo
Best For: All-in-One Simplicity
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Type: Combo Tool
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Features: Lighter sleeve, built-in poker, tamper, and hemp wick holder
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Why It’s Great: Combines the familiar Bic with essential smoker tools. Perfect for bowls and traveling.
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Downside: Bic still produces butane flame unless used with hemp wick
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8 stars)
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6. Blazer Big Shot Torch
Best For: Dabbers and Power Users
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Type: High-Performance Butane Torch
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Features: Anti-flare, brass nozzle, precise flame, tabletop friendly
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Why It’s Great: Industry standard for dabs. Powerful, safe, and built to last.
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Downside: Overkill for joint smokers; not pocket-sized
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7 stars)
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7. Tesla Coil Lighter – Rechargeable Windproof Arc
Best For: Stylish, Eco-Friendly Pocket Sessions
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Type: Plasma Arc
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Features: USB rechargeable, safety lid, futuristic look
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Why It’s Great: Sleek, battery-powered, chemical-free. Great conversation piece and functional.
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Downside: Narrow arc can struggle with large joints or packed bowls
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)
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8. Zippo Lighter + Butane Insert
Best For: Retro Vibe with Modern Upgrade
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Type: Butane Jet (via Zippo insert)
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Features: Customizable case, refillable insert with torch flame
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Why It’s Great: Combines Zippo style with torch performance. Insert gives clean, windproof burn.
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Downside: Insert sold separately; not ideal for terpenes
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6 stars)
Check it on Amazon
9. DISSIM Inverted Lighter
Best For: Bowl Smokers Who Burn from Below
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Type: Soft Flame or Torch (depending on model)
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Features: Designed to be used upside-down, refillable, sleek
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Why It’s Great: No finger burns! Perfect angle for lighting pipes and bowls safely.
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Downside: Pricier than disposable options
Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)
Check it on Amazon
Flame Comparison Chart
| Lighter | Flame Type | Best For | Windproof? | Terpene Safe? | Refillable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertigo Cyclone | Triple Jet | Bowls, joints | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ronxs Plasma | Plasma Arc | Joints, flavor | ✅ | ✅ | USB |
| Beeline Hemp Wick | Hemp | Taste, bowls | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Scorch Torch | Jet | Bongs, travel | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Toker Poker | Bic + Wick | Everyday use | ⚠️ | ✅ (with wick) | ✅ |
| Blazer Big Shot | Torch | Dabs, power | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Tesla Coil | Plasma Arc | Travel, eco | ✅ | ✅ | USB |
| Zippo + Insert | Butane Torch | Style, performance | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| DISSIM | Jet or Soft | Pipes, bowls | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Why Butane Isn’t Ideal (and What to Use Instead)
While butane lighters are everywhere, they can add a chemical taste to your hit — especially when lighting directly on flower. That’s why many flavor-chasers and medical users switch to:
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Hemp wicks (low-temp burn, zero additives)
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Plasma arc lighters (no combustion at all)
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Filtered butane (higher-end lighters use cleaner fuel)
Jet Torch vs. Soft Flame vs. Plasma Arc: What’s the Difference?
Jet Torch (aka Turbo Flame)
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Hot, focused, windproof
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✅ Best for bongs, pipes, dabs
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❌ Can burn terpenes if held too close
Soft Flame (Classic Bic Style)
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Gentle, inconsistent outdoors
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✅ Works for joints, quick lights
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❌ Less precise, more waste
Plasma Arc
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⚡ Flameless, clean, USB
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✅ Great for joints, indoor use
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❌ Not suited for bowls or large hits
Real Smoker Tips for a Better Burn
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Hold the flame slightly above your bowl — not on it.
This avoids scorching and helps preserve terpenes. -
Use hemp wick for flower, torch for dabs.
Match your flame type to the task for better taste. -
Refill with high-quality butane.
Cheap fuel can clog torches or affect taste. -
Keep your gear clean.
Resin buildup on your lighter or wick = dirty hits.
What Not to Use
Grill lighters – awkward and overkill
Candles – full of soot and chemicals
Gas station freebies – unreliable, harsh flame
When to Upgrade Your Lighter
If your lighter:
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Burns unevenly
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Goes out in wind
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Leaves a taste behind
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Can’t light a bowl without risking your eyebrows
…it’s time for an upgrade. A better lighter doesn’t just spark your weed — it elevates your entire session.
Final Thoughts: Light Up, But Do It Right
Whether you’re sparking a bowl, rolling a fat blunt, or heating a dab nail, the right flame makes all the difference. You don’t have to drop a fortune to ditch your gas station Bic — but choosing the right lighter means better burns, better taste, and a better high.
From clean plasma arcs to flavorful hemp wicks and windproof jet torches, there’s a flame out there that matches your smoking style. Trust your taste buds — and your lungs — and pick the tool that actually respects your weed.
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