Choosing the right nicotine strength is crucial when switching from smoking to vaping. With numerous e-liquid options available, finding the right nicotine level can be overwhelming. Dr. Vapes is here to help you determine your ideal nicotine strength and explain why it matters.
Read our guide below to find the perfect nicotine level for your needs
E-liquids are made from two main bases: VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol). VG is thick and sweet, creating dense vapor clouds, while PG is thinner, less sweet, and enhances flavor. E-liquids blend VG and PG in various ratios for different vaping styles and can include nicotine if desired.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine, a natural substance in tobacco plants, provides the pleasurable effects smokers seek. In vaping, nicotine is optional and usually dissolved in e-liquids to be vaporized. This allows vapers to get their nicotine fix similar to smoking. E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths to help manage cravings. Some, like shortfill bottles, contain 0mg nicotine and are meant to be mixed with nicotine-containing e-liquids like nic shots to achieve your desired strength
What does nicotine strength mean?
Nicotine strength indicates the milligrams of nicotine per milliliter in an e-liquid. Due to TPD regulations, nicotine-containing e-liquids can’t be sold in bottles larger than 10ml, with strengths ranging from 0mg to 20mg. Understanding these numbers is crucial for a good vaping experience, as the wrong strength can cause dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
Nicotine strengths are usually shown in mg/ml or as a percentage. For example, 2% nicotine in a disposable vape equals 20mg/ml. Similarly, 1.8% nicotine equals 18mg/ml. Knowing this helps you choose the right strength to avoid side effects and improve your vaping experience.
Nic salt vs freebase nicotine
E-cigarettes use two main types of nicotine: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts, each with unique pros and cons.
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form, extracted from tobacco leaves and treated with ammonia. It absorbs slower and provides a harsher throat hit, especially at higher strengths. Some vapers prefer this intensity, but others may find it too harsh.
Vaping technique and nicotine levels
The vaping technique you choose greatly affects the nicotine level you need. One style is more tolerant of high nicotine strengths than the other. Here’s why:
Mouth-to-lung
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping uses coils above 1.0 ohms. In MTL vaping, you draw vapor into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs, mimicking the sensation of smoking cigarettes. This style is ideal for new vapers and those transitioning from smoking.
MTL vaping allows for higher nicotine levels, making it suitable for those needing more nicotine. Nic salts, with a 50/50 PG/VG ratio and high nicotine strengths, are commonly used with MTL vapes and pod kits.
For MTL vaping with sub-ohm coils (e.g., 0.8 ohms), use nicotine strengths between 6-12mg. This setup provides more vapor while delivering a satisfactory nicotine hit.
Direct-to-lung
Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, or sub-ohm vaping, produces large clouds due to high-powered devices vaporizing e-liquid at high temperatures. This style requires lower-nicotine levels to avoid excessive nicotine intake per inhale. Nic salts aren’t recommended due to their high nicotine content
So Dr. Vapes, what nicotine strength is right for me?
To determine your nicotine needs in vape juice, consider your smoking habits before vaping. Heavy smokers typically need higher nicotine levels initially to manage cravings effectively.
0mg
This nicotine level is ideal for new vapers who haven’t smoked cigarettes and vape casually. It’s also suitable for vapers transitioning from 3mg nicotine to nicotine-free options while continuing to vape.
3mg - 6mg
For light smokers or those nearing quitting, e-liquids with 3mg nicotine are suitable. If you smoke closer to 10 cigarettes daily, consider 6mg nicotine to manage cravings effectively.
12mg
This amount is best to use in your e-cigarette if you smoke around 15-20 cigarettes a day. It is quite a jump from 6mg, and so it is best to use this amount if you’re a moderate smoker
18mg - 20mg
For heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes a day), consider starting with 18mg nicotine in your e-liquid to curb cravings. If needed, try 20mg in your next bottle. New vapers can also try disposables, often available in 20mg, to gauge nicotine satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right nicotine strength is crucial for a positive vaping experience. Using too high a strength, especially if you’re not a heavy smoker, can be overwhelming. Conversely, too low a strength may not satisfy cravings, leading you back to cigarettes. It’s worth experimenting to find the perfect balance. For more tips on transitioning to e-cigarettes, check out our blog.
To browse through our instagram , click here
