Are Electric Lighters Safe? Using An Electric Lighter For Weed

Electric lighters will make you ditch your old BIC lighter faster than you can light up.

From the ancient days of sparking up a campfire to the click of a matchstick, the tools we use to light up have come a long way.

We’ve swapped out flint for fluid and embraced the convenience of butane lighters, making the ritual of a smoke session quicker and easier.

But as technology continues to evolve, so too do our smoking gadgets.

The electric lighter is a sleek, modern twist on an age-old necessity. No flames, just a little zap of electricity to get your joint or blunt going.

Beyond their convenience and contemporary styles, are electric lighters safe to use?

How To Use An Electric Lighter

Electric lighters are about the same size as traditional lighters and tend to have a Zippo-style flip-lid or removable lid. They work like this; you hold down a button which causes an electric current to flow between nodes. This current is drastically hotter than an open flame which means it lights more efficiently than a traditional lighter. Electric lighters can light virtually anything that will fit between in the space between the nodes – which is pretty convenient when it comes to lighting a joint or bowl. 

Electric Lighters Vs Regular Ones

Electric lighters are a safer bet than traditional lighters because they are actually flameless and contain zero butane. The current that runs between the nodes is what lights your weed as opposed to an open butane flame. This means you have less chance of accidentally catching anything on fire that is not supposed to be on fire – from your hair to the tip of your nose when lighting a joint (c’mon, we’ve all worried about this).

It’s also a safer option to keep your lungs healthy. While the toxicity of butane is low, it’s a gas that isn’t great to purposefully inhale on a regular basis. A 2012 study from the Advisory Committee for Acute Exposure for Hazardous Substances concluded that extended and deliberate inhaling of butane, called butane abuse, has detrimental effects on the brain and heart. Burning a butane lighter produces nitrogen dioxide which can actually cause asphyxiation when in a confined area. Using a butane lighter is not considered butane abuse, but why not avoid it if it’s possible to do so.

It should also be noted that many electric lighters are equipped with a child-safety lock to prevent any accidents by curious kiddies, making them even safer for everyone.

Are Electric Lighters Safe To Smoke With In General

Besides being a better alternative to butane lighters, electric lighters have their own set of potential dangers.

Some of the key concerns include:

Electric Shock

These kinds of lighters generate a very high voltage electric arc, which means there’s a small risk of electric shock if the lighter ends up damaged, malfunctions, or is used incorrectly. Most lighters do come equipped with safety features to minimize this risk.

Burns

That electric arc the lighter produces is extremely hot. It’s easy to burn yourself if you come into contact with it. Avoid touching the arc directly.

Flammable Materials

While eclectic lighters don’t use a flame, the high temperature of the electric arc can still cause other flammable materials around to catch fire.

Keep your electric lighters away from highly flammable items like gasoline or aerosol sprays.

Battery Hazards

Rechargeable batteries often charge electric lighters, which can pose a risk if they overheat, leak, or become damaged. Wrongly charging your lighter can also increase the risk of battery-related accidents. Always follow the charging instructions that come with your electric lighter.

Pros Of Using An Electric Lighter For Weed

Wind Is No Issue

On top of a mountain after a long hike on a breezy day? No problem. Wind-storm on your walk from work to the gym? Again, no problem.

Electric lighters are completely windproof since they are flameless. The electrical current running from node to node is powered from the battery source. So, as long as your electric lighter is charged, the current will work in any windy environment.

The windproof factor of electric lighters takes smoking on the go to a whole new level. It guarantees a certain kind of discretion because it relieves the stress of drawing a lot of attention to yourself when trying to light up in public. 

Long-lasting Battery Life

The days of being without a lighter are long gone thanks to the electric lighter. Electric lighters are rechargeable via any standard USB cord. Just plug it in, let it charge for an hour or so, and then you’re good to go. Depending on the lighter, this full charge can last for anywhere from 100 to 900 lights. That’s a lot of smoke-seshes. This longevity essentially means you’ll never have to buy another lighter again – just keep this one charged and you’ll be all set. This leads us to our next point.

Better For Environment

Last but certainly not least, electric lighters help you go green, and we’re not just talking about that sticky bud. Using a rechargeable electric lighter means you don’t have to keep chucking plastic butane lighters after they run out of juice. Thousands of wildlife creatures die every year after eating plastic lighters that have been discarded, and millions of lighters end up in dumps.

Recharging your electric lighter is a way better option than buying a new butane lighter every time you lose yours. Hopefully, you’ll keep a better on eye on this one, after all, they tend to be a little pricier than the lighter you’d buy at the gas station down the street. Electric lighters are perfect for the environmentally conscious herbivore – and if you’re not an environmentally conscious herbivore, you should be.