Lighters

Most reach for an ordinary butane lighter, but the category splits into two flame types that do different jobs. A soft flame is the standard disposable or refillable lighter: a low, wide flame that bends in wind and burns relatively cool. A torch flame forces butane through a jet, producing a narrow blue flame that runs much hotter and stays lit outdoors, which is why torches get paired with glass and with concentrate setups. Beyond those two, the shelf usually holds refillable metal lighters with adjustable flame height, electric arc and plasma lighters that recharge over USB, long-neck utility lighters, and hemp wick, a length of twine coated in beeswax used as a lower-heat alternative. Refillable models ship with little or no fuel in them, so cans of butane are usually stocked right alongside.

Heat and control. A soft flame draws air passively and burns cooler, which suits paper and a standard bowl but fails in any breeze. A torch pushes butane under pressure into a jet flame hot enough for quartz and titanium, and it keeps working upside down and outdoors. Torches want clean, refined fuel (five times filtered or better) or the jet clogs. Hemp wick sits at the low end of the heat range.

Sometimes. Lighters are stocked at smoke shops, dispensaries, and general retail, though butane fuel itself is often restricted from shipping. Check delivery options near you, or use Leafly to find local dispensaries that carry accessories.