Choosing the right level of nicotine is important as it may assist in helping you find a good alternative to smoking, however if you do not choose the appropriate amount of nicotine you could experience several different outcomes such as developing a cough and/or experiencing cravings to go back to cigarettes.
I've personally experienced both outcomes. At first, when I bought my very first vape pen I was instructed to try using an 18mg (1.8%) freebase e-liquid. One hit and I felt a "kick" in my chest, which wasn't good. I was coughing uncontrollably for 5 minutes after I took that hit; I thought I'd made a huge mistake by switching to vaping. It wasn't until I'd researched the chemistry of vaping and the differences in nicotine that I began to understand what worked best for me. Here's how we can learn about that together.
The Basics: Understanding the Numbers
Let’s start decoding the labeling on your e-liquid. E-liquid nicotine levels are measured using two methods; milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) and percentage.
- mg/mL: 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, etc.
- Percentage: .03%, .06%, .12%, etc.
As you can see, the higher the number associated with mg/mL or % — the stronger the nicotine level, and the bigger the “hit” when you inhale your e-liquid.
The Two Main Types of Nicotine: A Game-Changer
This is probably the biggest breakthrough in vaping in recent history. The form of nicotine in your e-liquid has the largest impact on how enjoyable your vaping experience will be.
1. Freebase Nicotine (Traditional Pure Nicotine)
Freebase nicotine has been the original form of nicotine. Because it provides a sharp, distinct “throat hit,” many ex-heavy smokers desire the initial throat hit of a cigarette because it simulates the throat hit they were accustomed to.
I have already explained why I would never go back to 18mg freebase again. That throat hit was just too harsh for my new lungs. However, I do believe freebase is better suited for:
- Direct-to-Lung (DTL) devices/sub-ohm tanks: Since DTL devices create large volumes of vapor, users should opt for lower concentrations of nicotine (.03mg/.06mg). In addition, the large volume of vapor created will provide adequate amounts of nicotine.
- Those that place importance on throat hit over smoothness.
2. Nicotine Salts (Modern Breakthrough)
Nicotine salts are chemically different than freebase nicotine. Nicotine salts utilize benzoic acid to reduce the pH of the nicotine, making it easier to inhale at higher strengths.
Using nicotine salts was my “Aha!” moment. I could use 25mg or 50mg of nic salt in a small, discreet device and receive a very fast, satisfying nicotine fix without the coughing fit. The speed and satisfaction of nicotine salts was identical to the fast rush I got from cigarettes. Nicotine salts are ideal for:
- Pod systems/Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) devices: MTL devices and pod systems replicate the pull of a cigarette.
- Heavy smokers looking for a quality substitute for smoking.
- Anyone who finds freebase nicotine too rough.
The Golden Rule: Matching Strength to Your Smoking Habit
Here is a practical guide, combining common industry advice with the reality I and many other vapers have experienced.
| If You Smoked... | Recommended Freebase Nicotine | Recommended Nicotine Salt |
|---|---|---|
| A few "social" cigarettes | 3mg | 10mg-20mg |
| Up to half a pack a day (Light Smoker) | 6mg - 12mg | 20mg - 30mg |
| Around a pack a day (Average/Heavy) | Not Recommended | 30mg - 50mg |
| More than a pack a day (Very Heavy) | Not Recommended | 50mg |
Once you've identified your optimal nicotinic strength, the real challenge begins. Gradually stepping down your nicotine levels is a key component of transitioning from smoking to vaping.
Listening to Your Body: The Final Judge
The chart serves as guidance – not as a prediction of your future. Your body is going to send you a message, if you pay attention.
Too High in Nicotine:
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Racing heart beat.
- Insomnia (If vaping at bedtime).
I experienced this personally, when I attempted to vape 50 mg nic salts, while I was already a daily vaper. Ten minutes after vaping I got a severe headache and felt jittery, which told me I needed to lower it.
Too Low in Nicotine:
- Constantly wanting a cigarette.
- Vape continuously, yet never satisfied with the vapor.
- Irritable/Anxious feelings; Similar to those associated with nicotine withdrawl.
When I made the mistake of dropping from 25 mg to 10 mg nic salts too quickly, I would continue to chain vape my pod until it ran out of liquid without ever getting that satisfaction. I was unconsciously trying to make up for the lack of nic salts by just vaping more.
The Journey Forward: Stepping Down
One of the biggest goals for many vapers is to break their nicotine habit. Vaping has a beauty to it, and one of its most beautiful aspects is the level of control it offers. After you have been able to eliminate or significantly cut back on cigarettes, you will be ready to start reducing the amount of nicotine in your vapor through a gradual "step down" process.
Take your time. Stay at an e-liquid strength until you feel like the nicotine is a little too strong, then take another step down. For example, go from 50mg of nicotine to 35mg of nicotine. Another example would be to go from 12mg of free base to 6mg of free base. The gradual, patient approach to quitting nicotine is much better than going cold turkey.
Final Perspective:
Deciding upon your preferred e-liquid nicotine strength is not a singular event, but rather, it is the first step in a personal journey. It is the bridge that gets you to stop smoking. Don't be fearful to try different e-liquids that meet the established guidelines. Also, remember that you must be truthful with yourself about your vaping habits, and also listen to your body. Your ideal e-liquid is not just based upon the most enjoyable flavor, but based upon finding the nicotine strength that satisfies you without causing you discomfort, allowing you to quit smoking forever.