E-Liquid Nicotine Levels

[cmbenavides]

Hey guys I have an important question.

I just recently bought a kr8 kit and got 24 mg strength cartos and eliquid with it. My question is: how does the nicotine dosage level work?

From my understanding, a 16 mg strength eliquid equates to a cigarette but how much of the eliquid is that exactly. Does one drop or one ml of eliquid have 16 mg? how many drops makes 1 ml? and would 24 mg be too much for someone who considers themselves a social smoker? Other stuff along those lines?

If anybody can offer a good explanation (don't be afraid to go into too much detail) I will be ETERNALLY grateful. Its something thats really plaguing my mind, and although PVs are still healthier than regular cigarettes, the nicotine dosage is still a health issue.

 

[Kent C]

cmbenavides:

From my understanding, a 16 mg strength eliquid equates to a cigarette but how much of the eliquid is that exactly.

These type of comparisons are not exact. So much depends on the cigarette first of all - non-filter, king, light, ultra light - nic levels vary greatly. And the amount of absorption could really only be tested with blood test comparisons. Basically you find the nic level that satisfies you.

Does one drop or one ml of eliquid have 16 mg?

Nic levels are stated in these terms X mg per mil liter - mg/ml.

how many drops makes 1 ml?

20 drops per ml.

and would 24 mg be too much for someone who considers themselves a social smoker? Other stuff along those lines?

This is a "ymmv" type of thing. I smoked 3 packs of ultra lights a day. I've settled into 12mg nicotine level. I started at 18-24mg. Someone who smoked a pack of Camels a day might need 36mg.

If anybody can offer a good explanation (don't be afraid to go into too much detail) I will be ETERNALLY grateful. Its something thats really plaguing my mind, and although PVs are still healthier than regular cigarettes, the nicotine dosage is still a health issue.

Nicotine is anti-inflammatory, a vasoconstrictor but addictive. The primary health issues of smoking are more related to tobacco combustion - the tar affecting respiratory issues and the carbon monoxide affecting respiratory to an extent but mainly vascular/heart issues.

If you have an further health concerns you should really consult a physician. We are just 'vets' of the ecig forum and while we have gathered some info with regard to health, nothing said here should be taken seriously - ie decisions shouldn't be made on them - but might be a direction for your further study. It's your body and you deserve truly expert advice - not someone's opinions or second hand data.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

I want to emphasize Kent's YMMV comment. My guess is that 24mg would be too strong for a "social smoker." 12mg might be better for you. But you need to experiment, e.g., 11-12mg, 16-18mg, 24mg.

A significant factor is how much you vape. If only occasionally, you might want 18mg. I vape a lot and am comfortable with 12mg. [Like Kent, I was an UltraLight smoker, although at a pack a day level.]

 

[rolygate]

In 'experiments' with smokers and ex-smokers I've introduced to ecigs, there was little correlation between the nicotine strength needed and the amount the person smoked (ie 1 pack a day, 2 PAD etc) - or even if the person had quit smoking entirely by cold turkey some time previously but now wanted to go back to it but with the ecig alternative. Their preferred nic strength after one month of use varied, and in no logical manner.

However there definitely was a correlation between the nic strength required and the strength of the cigarette brand used, even for infrequent smokers. With a sample of two persons only (not many but the results were the same), who smoked high-strength cigs though infrequently, both needed high nic strength of 30 or 36mg.

There is also another important factor: new users have poor technique, therefore the 'equivalent strength' between a new user and an experienced user might be: new user's 36mg = experienced user's 18mg. A new user doesn't get the full value.

All this goes to show YMMV and you need to test & trial. Also try VG-based as opposed to PG-based liquids as there are some differences. A 510 cart has a different result from an 801 so it's worth trying different systems as well.