Editor's note: This article has been reviewed and updated for accuracy in 2026. Are you still sparking your bowl, joint, or bong with a butane lighter or matches? If so, there’s a better way to light up that you should seriously consider trying. What is it? A hemp wick! When you hear “hemp wick”, macramé jewelry that you made when you were a kid probably comes to mind; however, while there’s no doubt that those necklaces, bracelets, and anklets you made were totally cool, hemp wick can also be used as an alternative to traditional butane lighters and matches and is a way to ignite your favorite smoking apparatus. Not only is hemp wick healthier, but it also offers a nicer, smoother burn. What is hemp wick, anyway? So, what exactly is hemp wick? Basically, it’s a piece of twine made of hemp (just like the stuff you used when you were a kid or teen to make natural jewelry and accessories) that is coated in a layer of beeswax. It’s just like the wick of a candle in that when it’s lit, it burns slowly. You can purchase pre-made hemp wick. There are several different online retailers and brick-and-mortar shops (check out your local head shop, dispensary, or vape store, for example), and there’s no doubt you’ll find hemp wick. Looking to test