Sure, cannabis is no tobacco–but smoking anything can negatively impact lung and heart health. That is especially true for people sucking butane lighters or phosphorus and sulfur-fueled matches through a bong to hit bowls, but not the hemp wick crowd.
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While the most effective way to avoid health issues would be to switch from combusting to vaping, taking small steps to a healthier hit is possible. The first move should likely be changing from lighters to hitting a bowl with this simple tool.
What is hemp wick?
Hemp wick is a special string used to light cannabis. It is a viable flame alternative since it takes fuel out of the equation. Pack the bowl, light the wick, and bring the flame to the flower. This will light the herb and cherry the bowl so that it can be hit to completion. Changing from bringing a lighter directly to the bowl to using a hemp wick could have multiple benefits, including less pulmonary stress and better flavor.
This nifty weed accessory is made with natural hemp fibers and beeswax. The fibers are coated in beeswax, which holds the flame long enough to make it to the bowl and light the flower. This organic method makes for delicious hits and potentially reduces the cough factor.
Benefits of hemp wick
Lighting weed with a direct flame is common, but it might also burn off a lot of the cannabinoids. This would potentially reduce how high a person might get from their weed. Firing herb up with butane in a pipe, bong, or bubbler can also alter the strain’s flavor.
Hemp wick burns at a lower temperature than a direct flame, which could preserve more terpenes and cannabinoids compared to other lighting options. As for health, the traditional method of lighting bowls with butane lighters or matches can lead to trace amounts of chemicals leaching into the kind herb. Nobody wants that.
Butane is used to light a wick inside of lighters, which creates a flame. This is handy for smoking, but inhaling butane is dangerous. It is toxic for the brain and predisposes someone to tachycardia. Matches might leave behind phosphorus or sulfur, which also poses a health risk. Both cause irritation and coughing, even escalating to dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
Switching from applying chemical flames to a bowl and opting to light a wick instead could reduce the impact that smoking weed has on the body. Making the switch also opens the weed setup to a very classy accessory: the table lighter.
Refillable lighters are more sustainable than plastic, one-time-use options, adding a stylish touch to the interior. These major draws are not the only benefits of trading the torch for the wick–flavor is another factor. Health, sustainability, flavor, and style all side with hemp wick.
How to shop hemp wick
Once the decision to use hemp wick is made, it is time to buy some. Shopping the category requires knowing the product components and identifying the best available option. First, always shop for organic wicks. This reduces the probability that the industrial hemp twine and beeswax are free of pesticides and other things nobody wants to heat and inhale.
Hemp wick is inexpensive and easy to find at most dispensaries or smoke shops. Some brands sell lighters wrapped in the stuff. There are also various sizes. Shop around for the best option, and sit back to enjoy the benefits.
Making hemp wick at home
Those who prefer that DIY life may opt to make hemp wick at home. It is a simple job and does not cost much to pull off.
Gear
- Glass jar
- Thin spoon or tool to remove waxy items
- Drop cloth or parchment
Ingredients
- Organic hemp twine
- Organic beeswax
Directions
- Measure the hemp cord to the desired length. Five to nine feet works well when wrapping around a lighter.
- Break beeswax into the clean jar and microwave for two minutes. If not yet melted, microwave one minute at a time.
- Dip the wick into the liquid wax, and use the tool to fully submerge the cord into the liquid.
- Drop the wick onto the parchment paper or drop cloth until it dries.
- Wrap it around a lighter or wick holder to be used when necessary.
Making this weed accessory is simple, but it is also readily available at craft stores and herb shops. The most important thing is that people find the perfect consumption method for them, and with these benefits and ease of use, hemp wick just makes sense.
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Hemp wick FAQ
This all-natural option is still not the most common way to light a bowl despite the many benefits. Let’s shed light on this weed tool and answer the most frequently answered questions about hemp wick.
Does hemp wick expire?
Hemp wick does not seem to expire. Both beeswax and twine have a long shelf life.
Can hemp wick get wet?
Yes, these wax-coated wicks can get wet. It is completely waterproof due to the beeswax.
Does hemp wick make a difference?
Hemp wick burns at a lower temperature, which may improve weed flavor and effects. It may also reduce the amount of chemicals leaching into a hit, which may have health benefits.
Will hemp wick get you higher?
Hemp wick does not have THC or other psychoactive cannabinoids. However, since the cord burns at lower temperatures, it could burn off fewer cannabinoids compared to a direct flame. Because of this, using a wick may potentially get a person higher than a lighter or other direct flame.
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Best accessory for a full-on lifestyle change
Lighters are cool and all. There are even some amazing novelty ones. But lately, it is all about hemp wick. Whether it comes down to health, flavor, or getting the most possible cannabinoids, hemp wick is the answer.
