What is Nicotine?
Nicotine is a chemical compound that is found in tobacco plants. It is a stimulant drug that speeds up the messages traveling between the brain and body. Nicotine is the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products, and it can have both short-term and long-term effects on the body. In the short term, nicotine can increase heart rate, increase blood pressure and cause a feeling of relaxation or alertness. However, it can also cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
Long-term use of nicotine can lead to addiction and can increase the risk of developing health problems such heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and cancer. Nicotine is also associated with a number of other health effects, including reduced fertility, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and negative effects on the immune system.
What is E-Liquid Nicotine?
E-liquid nicotine refers to the amount of nicotine present in the e-liquid used in electronic cigarettes or vape devices. E-liquids typically come in a range of nicotine strengths, usually from 0mg/ml (0%) to 18mg/ml (1.8%) or higher dependant on the type of nicotine used. It’s important to note that the nicotine strength you choose may depend on factors such as your smoking history, the type of device you use, and personal preference. Nicotine strength is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml) and typically ranges from 0mg/ml (0%) to 50mg/ml (5%).
What are the different types of Nicotine found in E-liquid?
E-liquids, also known as e-juice or vape juice, contain a variety of ingredients that can include nicotine. The nicotine in e-liquids comes in different types and strengths. Here are some common types of e-liquid nicotine:
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Freebase Nicotine: This is the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquids. It is extracted from tobacco plants using a process called “freebasing.” This process removes the natural salts and other impurities found in tobacco, leaving behind pure nicotine in its freebase form… It provides a strong throat hit and is available in various strengths, typically ranging from 0mg to 24mg per millilitre (mg/ml) with common options being 3mg (0.3%), 6mg (0.6%), 12mg (1.2%), and 18mg (1.8%). This allows users to choose a nicotine strength that suits their needs and preferences.
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Nicotine Salts: This type of nicotine is a more recent innovation. It’s made by combining freebase nicotine with an acid, usually benzoic acid. Nicotine salts are smoother on the throat and can be used at higher concentrations, typically ranging from 5mg (0.5%) to 60mg (6%) per millilitre. Nicotine salts are popular among people who are trying to quit smoking because they provide a more satisfying nicotine hit and can help to reduce cravings.
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Synthetic Nicotine: This is a lab-created form of nicotine that is not derived from tobacco. It’s often used in nicotine salts and can provide a similar experience to nicotine salts derived from tobacco.
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Zero Nicotine: Some e-liquids contain no nicotine at all, providing the flavours and vapor production without the addictive substance.
When choosing an e-liquid, it’s important to consider the type and strength of nicotine that best fits your needs and preferences.
Which nicotine type is right for me?
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right nicotine type for vaping:
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Your smoking habits: If you are a heavy smoker, you may want to start with nicotine salts, which provide a higher concentration of nicotine and a smoother throat hit. If you are a light smoker or are trying to quit smoking, freebase nicotine may be a better choice.
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Your vaping device: If you are using a high-wattage device or a sub-ohm tank, freebase nicotine may be a better choice, as it produces more vapor and a stronger throat hit. If you are using a low-wattage device or a pod system, nicotine salts may be a better choice, as they provide a smoother throat hit and can be used at higher concentrations.
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Your personal preference: Some people prefer the stronger throat hit and larger vapor production of freebase nicotine, while others prefer the smoother throat hit and higher nicotine concentrations of nicotine salts.
Ultimately, the right nicotine type for you depends on your personal preferences and smoking habits. It may be helpful to try both types of nicotine to see which one you prefer.
How do I choose which Nicotine strength I need?
Choosing the right nicotine strength for your e-liquid is crucial for a satisfying vaping experience. Choosing a nicotine strength that is too low may leave you unsatisfied and craving more. Choosing a nicotine strength that is too high can lead to unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
Freebase Nicotine
If you choose freebase nicotine here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right nicotine strength:
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0mg/ml (0%): No nicotine, only flavour. This is suitable for those who have quit smoking but still enjoy vaping, or for those who are trying to quit smoking and want to gradually reduce their nicotine intake.
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3mg/ml (0.3%): Low nicotine strength. This is suitable for beginners or those looking to reduce their nicotine intake. It provides a mild nicotine hit and is often used by occasional vapers.
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6mg/ml (0.6%): Medium nicotine strength. This is suitable for those who are used to smoking light cigarettes or are gradually reducing their nicotine intake. It provides a moderate nicotine hit and is often used by occasional vapers.
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12mg/ml (1.2%): High nicotine strength. This is suitable for those who are used to smoking regular cigarettes or have a strong nicotine addiction. It provides a strong nicotine hit and is often used by heavy smokers.
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18mg/ml (1.8%): Extra high nicotine strength. This is suitable for heavy smokers or those with very strong nicotine addictions. It provides a very strong nicotine hit and is often used by those who are trying to quit smoking.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the right nicotine strength for you will depend on your individual smoking habits, vaping frequency, and personal preference. It’s also a good idea to start with a lower nicotine strength and gradually increase it if needed to prevent nicotine dependence and reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Nicotine Salt
If you choose to use nicotine salt here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right nicotine salt strength:
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0mg/ml (0%): No nicotine, only flavour. This is suitable for those who have quit smoking but still enjoy vaping, or for those who are trying to quit smoking and want to gradually reduce their nicotine intake.
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5mg/ml (0.5%): This is a relatively low nicotine strength, suitable for those who are trying to quit smoking or who are transitioning from smoking to vaping.
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10mg/ml (1%): This is a medium nicotine strength that is great for when you want to start reducing your nicotine intake.
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20mg/ml (2%): This is a common nicotine salt strength that is suitable for most people. It provides a satisfying nicotine hit and is often used by people who are trying to quit smoking.
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30mg/ml (3%): This is a higher nicotine salt strength that is suitable for people who are used to smoking a lot of cigarettes or have a strong nicotine addiction. It provides a very strong nicotine hit and is often used by people who are trying to quit smoking.
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50mg/ml (5%): This is the highest nicotine salt strength that is commonly available. It provides an extremely strong nicotine hit and is only suitable for people who are very heavy smokers or have a very strong nicotine addiction.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the right nicotine salt strength for you will depend on your individual smoking habits, vaping frequency, and personal preference. It’s also a good idea to start with a lower nicotine salt strength and gradually increase it if needed to prevent nicotine dependence and reduce the risk of adverse effects.
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