What Nicotine Strength Should I Vape?

Understanding nicotine Strengths

Picking out your first e-liquid can be daunting at first, here’s where we can help make the process a little bit easier.
 
Nicotine strength is important to get right, too little and you will not be satisfied often leading to going back to cigarettes, too much and it can burn your throat, make you feel sick, light headed and overall it’s just not a very nice experience.
 
One of the complexities of transitioning to vaping lies in understanding the nicotine concentration in e-liquids, which is quantified in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). This measurement doesn't correspond straightforwardly to the nicotine yield of a conventional cigarette. Consequently, new vapers often face the challenge of selecting an e-liquid strength that doesn't match their former smoking habits, potentially leading to a less satisfying vaping experience.
 
Finding a balance is important; transitioning to vaping isn't solely about replicating the physical act of smoking; it's also crucial to address the psychological satisfaction derived from nicotine. Selecting the appropriate nicotine strength in e-liquids is pivotal in this regard. The ideal nicotine level should strike a delicate balance, providing sufficient strength to curb cravings without being overpowering. Achieving this equilibrium is fundamental to emulating the gratification typically associated with smoking, a vital factor for a seamless and enjoyable shift to vaping.
 
Here’s a table to break down the difference at a glance:
 

Cigarette equivalent (Per Day)

Strength of Nicotine (mg/ml)

Type of device

More than a Pack

Heavy Smokers

18 to 20

Mouth to Lung

15-20

Habitual Smokers

12

Mouth to Lung

10-15

Regular Smokers

10

Mouth to lung

Restrictive Direct Lung

5-10

Light Smokers

6

Mouth to Lung

Restrictive Direct Lung

 

5 Or less

Casual Smokers

5 to 3

Mouth to Lung

Restrictive Direct Lung

Direct to Lung

For those who want to go cold turkey, or have already quit smoking but need help with the habit

0

Mouth to Lung

Restrictive Direct Lung

Direct to Lung

 

A more detailed breakdown of strengths

Heavy Smokers (More than 20 Cigarettes a Day)
18-20mg: Ideal for those used to consuming a substantial amount of nicotine, typically from smoking over a pack a day. These high concentrations offer the significant nicotine kick familiar to heavy smokers. Caution is advised for individuals not accustomed to high nicotine levels. Only recommended for long-term, heavy smokers seeking an alternative closer to their regular smoking habit.
 
Habitual Smokers (15-20 Cigarettes a Day)
12mg: This level is well-suited for moderate smokers. It delivers sufficient nicotine to quell cravings while avoiding the intensity of higher concentrations. For those habituated to smoking about a pack or slightly less daily, this strength provides a comfortable compromise, effectively managing cravings and minimizing the harsh throat hit of stronger options.
 
Regular Smokers (10-15 Cigarettes a Day)
10mg: Appropriate for regular smokers, this medium strength aligns well with smoking around half to a full pack a day. They are popular for offering a balanced experience, delivering enough nicotine to satisfy cravings without causing discomfort or excessive throat harshness.
 
Light Smokers (Up to 10 Cigarettes a Day)
6mg: These lower concentrations are excellent for light smokers, providing a milder introduction to vaping. They supply sufficient nicotine to meet occasional cravings, making them ideal for those starting to reduce their nicotine intake or who smoke lighter cigarettes.
 
Casual Smokers (Less than Half a Pack a Day)
5mg to 3mg: Designed for casual or social smokers, these levels offer a minimal throat hit and lower nicotine content, suitable for infrequent smokers or those more interested in the experience of vaping than nicotine satisfaction.
 
No Nicotine
0mg:  Catering to individuals nearing the end of their smoking cessation journey or preferring no nicotine in their vaping. Perfect for very light smokers or those who have successfully reduced their nicotine dependence.
 
It's important to remember that these are starting guidelines. We suggest experimenting with various strengths to find the most suitable option, as personal preference and individual body chemistry significantly influence the vaping experience. You can never go wrong starting out with less nicotine than you think you need and working your way up if needed.