The world of vaping can seem pretty complicated to a newcomer. From choosing the right type of vape to browsing the endless flavors of e-liquid, it can seem like you've got so many choices to make.
To be honest, that's one of the great things about vaping. Your vaping experience is endlessly customizable. But when you're just starting out, it's most helpful to start with the basics.
It's important to understand the different vape nicotine levels before you buy e-liquid. Finding the right level will ensure you feel completely satisfied each time you vape. Read on to learn more about the levels of nicotine in e-liquid and how to figure out how much nicotine is right for you.
Why It's Important Know About Vape Nicotine Levels
Once you've found the right type of vape for you, it's time to find the right e-juice. Having the right amount of nicotine in your e-liquid will determine your overall experience. You should feel satisfied and calm after vaping.
If you choose a liquid that's too weak, you won't be satisfied. You'll end up needing to vape more often to compensate. Or if you've switched to vaping to try to quit smoking, weak e-liquid could cause you to return to cigarettes.
If your e-liquid nicotine strength is too high, the experience will be too intense. You may end up having negative side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, shakiness, or a racing heart.
The Basics of Nicotine Levels in E-Juice
Most vape shops list the amount of nicotine in e-liquid in milligrams per milliliter. Below is a breakdown of the most common nicotine levels.
0 mg/ml
This means that there is no nicotine at all. Zero percent nicotine e-liquids are a good choice for vapers who have never smoked before, or for former smokers who have weaned completely off nicotine.
3 mg/ml
This is the lowest level of nicotine. It has a very mellow taste and effect.
6 mg/ml
This is still considered a low level. However, it contains enough nicotine to provide a full taste. This is a good starting level for someone who is an infrequent smoker.
12 mg/ml
This is a good starting amount for lighter smokers. This nicotine level is the equivalent of about one pack a day.
18 mg/ml
This amount is suited for people who smoke more than a pack a day.
24 mg/ml
This is a fairly high nicotine level. This could be a good starting point for people who smoke more than 2 packs a day.
36 mg/ml
This is the highest nicotine concentration. This amount is often used to add to other e-liquids with a low level of nicotine.
At some stores, you might see nicotine levels listed in percentages. In order to convert from mg/ml to percentage, just divide by ten.
For example, 3 mg/ml equals 0.3 percent. This is handy to know when shopping for e-liquid online.
Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts are an alternative to the nicotine in traditional e-liquid. Some people prefer nicotine salts because they are able to deliver high levels of nicotine smoothly.
Nicotine salts are a common choice for heavy smokers. Nicotine salts usually contain a high level of nicotine, ranging anywhere from 25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml. Nicotine salts are used in Juul e-cigarettes and other pod systems.
If You're Trying to Quit Smoking
Vaping is a popular way for people to try to quit smoking cigarettes. An e-cigarette can provide as much nicotine as a traditional cigarette but without all the added dangerous chemicals and tar of cigarettes.
To give yourself the greatest chance of success, you should start at the same nicotine level you were getting with cigarettes. Then, you can gradually decrease your nicotine level over time. Trying to cut down too quickly can cause frustration and possibly tempt you to return to cigarettes to get your usual nicotine fix.
If You're Not a Smoker
Even if you've never smoked in your life and have no plans to, you can still enjoy vaping. There are plenty of zero percent e-juice varieties out there in all kinds of cool flavors.
There are plenty of reasons to vape without nicotine. For one, it's healthier and completely drug-free. It's also one of the best varieties of e-liquid for doing tricks and blowing huge clouds.
Some Other Considerations
When choosing your best nicotine level, there are other considerations besides your history of nicotine use. You should also think about your preferred taste and frequency of use.
Taste
Higher nicotine levels will have a harsher taste. Many people looking for an authentic smoking experience like higher nicotine levels for this reason.
The throat hit is the feeling you get when inhaling on a vape. Higher nicotine levels will produce a stronger throat hit, which is more like a regular cigarette.
However, higher nicotine levels can be more irritating to the throat. If you prefer a smoother taste and finish, look for e-liquid with lower nicotine content. This will allow you to enjoy the flavor of your e-liquid without any extra harshness.
How Often You Vape
If you plan to vape away morning, noon, and night, you might want to start with a lower level of nicotine. If you'll only use it a few times a day, you could be fine at a higher level. How often and how fully you inhale when vaping will also affect how much nicotine your body absorbs.
Getting Your Perfect Setup
When trying to find the right vape nicotine levels for you, don't be afraid to do a little trial and error. The above breakdown will give you a good starting point, but everyone's body is different.
Vaping is all about finding the best-customized experience, so try different types of vapes, e-liquids, and flavors. And when in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts with questions.
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