One of the first decisions adult smokers face when switching to vaping is choosing a nicotine strength. The right level can make the experience more satisfying and comfortable, while the wrong level may feel too harsh, too weak, or simply unfamiliar.
This guide breaks down what nicotine strength means, how it feels, and how adult users (19+) can make informed decisions based on their experience and preferences — without making medical claims or promising outcomes.
🟩 What Does Nicotine Strength Mean?
Nicotine strength is usually measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL) or as a percentage (%).
Examples:
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20 mg (2%)
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18 mg (1.8%)
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12 mg (1.2%)
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5 mg (0.5%)
In Canada, most sealed pod systems and disposables are available up to 20 mg due to regulatory limits.
🟦 How Nicotine Strength Affects the Vaping Experience
1. Throat Hit
Higher nicotine = stronger throat sensation
Lower nicotine = smoother, softer inhale
This is often one of the biggest factors adult smokers consider.
2. Satisfaction Level
Nicotine strength influences how quickly and comfortably adult vapers feel content during use.
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Higher levels may feel more intense
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Lower levels may feel lighter
Everyone’s experience is different.
3. Frequency of Use
With a lower nicotine level, some adult users may take more puffs to feel satisfied.
With a higher nicotine level, they may take fewer puffs.
This is about comfort — not about “better” or “worse”.
🟧 Freebase Nicotine vs Nicotine Salt
Choosing a nicotine type is just as important as choosing a strength.
Freebase Nicotine
✔ Stronger throat hit
✔ Sharper sensation
✔ Often used in higher-power devices
Best suited for adults who prefer a more traditional, cigarette-like sensation.
Nicotine Salt (Nic Salts)
✔ Smoother inhale
✔ Less irritation
✔ Designed for low-power pod systems
Many adult vapers prefer this for daily use due to its gentler feel.
🟨 How Adult Smokers Typically Choose Nicotine Strength
While experience varies, here are general patterns among adult users:
✔ If you prefer a stronger sensation:
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Try 18–20 mg
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Consider freebase if you want sharper throat hit
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Use tighter airflow or MTL (mouth-to-lung) devices
✔ If you prefer a smoother experience:
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Try 10–15 mg
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Nicotine salts offer a softer inhale
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Slightly open airflow can reduce intensity
✔ If you're sensitive to throat hit:
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Try 5–10 mg
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Use nic salts for smoothness
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Select higher-VG blends when possible
🟩 Signs You May Want to Adjust Nicotine Strength
These are comfort indicators, not health claims:
If nicotine feels too strong
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Harsh throat hit
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Light discomfort
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Short puffs feel intense
Try:
➡ lowering the nicotine strength
➡ switching from freebase to nic salts
If nicotine feels too weak
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Frequent puffing
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Feels “unsatisfying”
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Very smooth but lacking sensation
Try:
➡ slightly higher nicotine strength
➡ switching to freebase for more throat hit
🟫 Device Type Also Matters
Nicotine strength behaves differently in different devices:
Pod Systems (Low Power)
Common with 18–20 mg salts
Smooth and consistent
Canadian adult vapers use these widely
Sub-Ohm Devices (High Power)
Use lower nicotine (3–6 mg freebase)
Much stronger vapor production
Not ideal for high-nicotine pods
Disposable Vapes
Usually 20 mg in Canada
Smooth nicotine salt formulation
Convenient and consistent
🟥 There Is No “One Strength Fits All”
The ideal nicotine strength depends on:
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personal preference
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comfort level
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device type
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airflow
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nicotine type (salt vs freebase)
Adult vapers often experiment until they find the balance that feels most natural for their routine.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right nicotine strength is about comfort, preference, and experience — not rules or obligations. Whether you prefer a strong throat hit or a smooth, gentle inhale, today’s vape products offer a wide range of options for adult smokers (19+) to explore safely and responsibly.
🚫 Adult Safety Disclaimer
For adult smokers (19+) only. Nicotine products contain risks. Not for youth or non-smokers.