Finding The Right Nicotine Strength For You

One of the main reasons for the development of e cigarettes was as a smoking cessation tool. But how do you know how much is too much nicotine?

Vaping is probably the most effective smoking cessation tool on the market today. In part because of its likeness to smoking without the harmful chemicals, and in part because of the social and hobby-like nature of the community surrounding the devices, vaping has quickly become one of the most widespread and talked about phenomenon of the past decade. One question surrounding these nifty devices and the premium e liquid which comes with them is how much nicotine is right for the user.

All too often, you’ll find those who are new to vaping coughing and spluttering on their first inhale, due to a concentration of nicotine which they aren’t used to. Equally, you’ll find other first-timers become increasingly frustrated that they are not getting their required nicotine intake. It’s a tricky balancing act, especially when you take into account how nicotine tolerance varies from case to case.

What are the strengths of nicotine in vape juice?

There are many strengths of nicotine in e liquid. These are measured in milligrams per 10 ml and range from 3 mg to 20 mg in pre-filled bottles. The reason why you can’t find higher dosages in pre-filled bottles is because the Tobacco Products Directive has limited the maximum to 20 mg in pre-filled vape juices. The concentrations in pre-filled vape juice are currently 3 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg, 16 mg, 18 mg and 20 mg.

What strength is right for you?

As mentioned above, everyone has different needs and tastes from their vape juice. Most vapers begin vaping at 16 mg cigalike devices which run on easy to replace cartridges. This gives around as much nicotine per hit as a normal cigarette, hence why it is often popular with ex-smokers. Most will go on to lower dosages, 3 mg usually catering to ex-light smokers of under 5 a day. 20 mg vape juice is usually reserved for pack a day ex-smokers.

What are the effects of a nicotine overdose?

Using vape juice with a stronger concentration than you are used to can have a range of adverse effects. Not only can it increase your dependence on nicotine, but it can cause nausea and temporarily higher blood pressure through a process called vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction occurs when the blood vessels temporarily constrict due to the use of nicotine. Other side effects of too much nicotine are headaches and dry mouth. Of course, getting the right concentration in your e liquid will require some trial and error, but to ensure your enjoyment, find a concentration and stick to it.

Can I vape without nicotine?

You certainly can! To bypass a separate TPD law which requires pre-filled vape juices to be sold in 10 ml maximum bottles, there are now nicotine free vape juices sold in up to 120 ml bottles. These often come with nicotine shots so that you can have more control over your intake, or if you’re trying to give up nicotine completely, can be vaped without adding anything