Choosing the right nicotine strength is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a vaper. Too high and the experience can be harsh and unpleasant. Too low and you might not feel satisfied, leading you to vape more or worse — go back to cigarettes. This guide walks you through the factors that determine your ideal nicotine level.
Understanding Nicotine Measurements
Nicotine strength in e-liquid is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml), often shortened to just "mg." A 20mg e-liquid contains 20 milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid. In Canada, the most common strengths you'll encounter are 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
It's important to note that the same nicotine number feels very different depending on your device. Vaping 6mg in a high-powered sub-ohm tank delivers far more nicotine per puff than 6mg in a small pod system, because the sub-ohm device vapourises much more liquid with each draw.
Nicotine Strength by Device Type
Disposable Vapes
Most disposable vapes in Canada come with 20mg nicotine salt. This is a standard strength that works well for the low-wattage, mouth-to-lung draw style that disposables use. Some brands offer 0mg options for vapers who enjoy the flavour and habit without nicotine. If you're comfortable with your disposable vape's nicotine delivery, 20mg salt nic in a pod system will feel very similar.
Pod Systems (Closed and Open)
For closed pod systems like STLTH, pre-filled pods typically come in 20mg salt nic, matching the disposable experience. For open pod systems where you fill your own juice, you have more flexibility. Most pod system users choose between 10mg and 20mg salt nic. Start with 20mg if you're a current smoker or switching from disposables, and consider 10mg if you find 20mg too strong or want to gradually reduce.
Sub-Ohm Tanks and Mods
Sub-ohm devices produce significantly more vapour per puff, which means you need a much lower nicotine concentration. The most popular strengths for sub-ohm vaping are 3mg and 6mg freebase nicotine. Former heavy smokers often start at 6mg and work down to 3mg over time. Using high-strength salt nic in a sub-ohm device is not recommended — the nicotine delivery would be overwhelmingly strong.
Matching Nicotine Strength to Your Smoking Habits
If you're transitioning from cigarettes, your smoking habits are a useful starting point for choosing a nicotine strength:
Heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes per day): Start with 20mg salt nic in a pod system or disposable. The higher concentration and efficient delivery of salt nic will help satisfy your cravings.
Moderate smoker (10–20 cigarettes per day): 20mg salt nic in a pod system works well, or you might be comfortable with 10mg if you vape frequently throughout the day. For sub-ohm, try 6mg freebase.
Light smoker (fewer than 10 cigarettes per day): 10mg salt nic in a pod system, or 3mg freebase in a sub-ohm device. You may find 20mg too strong and may experience light-headedness.
Social or occasional smoker: Start with 10mg salt nic or even 0mg if you're primarily interested in the flavour experience rather than nicotine delivery.
Signs Your Nicotine Strength Is Wrong
Too high: You feel dizzy or light-headed after a few puffs, the throat hit feels harsh or burning, you get headaches, or you feel nauseous. If this happens, switch to a lower strength immediately.
Too low: You don't feel satisfied after vaping, you find yourself chain-vaping constantly, you still crave cigarettes despite vaping regularly, or you go through e-liquid unusually quickly. Try moving up one strength level.
Reducing Nicotine Over Time
Many vapers gradually reduce their nicotine strength over months or years. A common path is 20mg to 10mg to 3mg to 0mg, with each step lasting as long as you need to feel comfortable. There's no rush — the goal is to find a level that keeps you satisfied and away from cigarettes.
Find Your Ideal Strength at NYX Vape
NYX Vape carries e-liquids and devices across every nicotine strength available in Canada. Browse our e-liquid collection to explore your options, or check out our devices to find the right hardware for your preferred vaping style. Free Canada-wide shipping on orders over $75.
