Smokefree, now tobacco free?

[Slaskio]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for quite some time, finally going head first into these new waters.

My first cigarette was at the age of 12 sadly, and from 14 on I was at a pack a day. After much struggle, I've been smoke free for about 2 years now thanks to snus. But I'm a nicotine fiend and I'll accept that as fact, since I'm up to a full can of snus a day. At 4.36 a can, it's definitely cheaper than cigarettes but not cheap enough. This is one of the reasons I decided I'll try vaping. The other reason, snus is definitely harm reduction but there is still a considerable amount of "risk" involved.

So I did some research, and decided on getting a basic variable voltage kit, and a few (7) fruity flavored e liquids from TVC. I chose 18mg/ml to start, though I won't be sure if I made the right choice there till the mailman arrives (waits patiently with boxcutter in hand).

I was just wanting to say hi, and wondered what experiences other people had with reducing their nicotine intake by gradually using weaker strengths e liquids.

 

[wv2win]

18mg - 24mg is a good starting point. Many people never lower their nic levels and others do it gradually to a lower level, like 12mg and some go all the way to 0 and then quit vaping. Everyone is different.

However, the nicotine provides 90+% of the the throat hit in vaping. PG allows more of it to come through and VG mutes it to a degree. But as you reduce the nic, you will reduce the throat hit that simulates the feel of the real thing. This is the biggest issue that many have in reducing the nic levels. At some point it becomes like vaping flavored air with not much feel.

And regardless of what anyone states, additives like pepper, vodka, PGA do not duplicate the TH that comes from nicotine. Additives do provide a burning, irritating feeling but not the TH provided by nicotine. For some, this substitute is enough to keep lowering the nic. Everyone is different and has different needs from their vaping.

Good Luck

 

[Simply Red]

Welcome to the forum! I just made a conscious decision to step down from 26 to 18 and now down to 12.

Good luck and Happy Vaping!!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Free6413]

Before worrying about decreasing nicotine find a level that works to stop your cravings. If you do some research, you will find that nicotine within the body is no more detrimental than caffeine. They effect the body almost identically. Nobody worries about switching from regular coffee to decaf unless it bears ill effects in their bodies. The stigmatism associated with nicotine is the delivery system by smoking. The most harmful carcinogens created by cig smoke and smokeless tobacco are not by nicotine but the other ingredients and byproducts of the burning tobacco or the mucus membrane contact. If your intent is to cut nicotine out of your intake altogether then first find a level that helps you stop the cravings and then set a goal for decreasing and stick to it. This should be a personal decision and a personal goal for you. There are no two people alike and therefore there will be no plan that is particular to your needs. I wish you well and hope that you reach your personal goals!

 

[Konrow]

Honestly compared to what's in cigarettes and the other tobacco products, the nic is the least of your worries. I started at 18 myself although I was a third a pack day smoker or so and now I'm down to 12 and 6 juices, but that was originally just to see the difference myself, then I just got used to the lower levels.

 

[revco]

I don't think any of us know what your nic levels should be. I started at 18mg and had to knock it down to 12mg immediately due to some really bad insomnia. You'll know if it's too high, usually, the symptoms are fairly obvious. You'll also know if it's not high enough, you'll get cravings even after you've vaped a fair bit. Regardless, I would advise you to hold off on purchasing any more samples until you have this part figured out, though.

Oh, and I'd disagree with Free6413...nicotine is not similar in danger to caffeine. Nicotine has fairly well known links to heart disease and other coronary issues, whereas caffeine does not share those same links as clearly. Not to mention, there is very limited data on what vaporizing the flavors in e-juice, PG or VG for long periods of time. The point is that we believe this to be reduced harm from their tobacco counterparts, but it should by no means be viewed as "no harm." I just don't like people running around saying, "It's safe, it's safe" when no very little data actually exists to support that position. (Or the opposite position, that it's harmful, either.)

Congrats on your decision to switch and welcome to ECF! Enjoy your journey!

 

[Bolivar]

My starting level was 18 mg, determined from what I had read and the amount I smoked. It took me 2 days to realize it was too high-headache & insomnia. I dropped to 12, headache went away but insomnia remained. I stayed at 12 during the day and dropped to 6 in the evening...that worked. I have since dropped to 6 as my regular strength for all liquids.

I think every individual has different needs, and they are the only ones that can determine them. Don't chase the number, just determine where you are comfortable and go from there.



Sent from the north 40 via messenger cow.

 

[HoseGarden]

ive been a half pack smoker (marlboro reds) for many years

i started with a 12mg and then bought a 10mg and now im using 18mg. i havent noticed much difference between the 3 levels. in fact, if the bottles didnt have the nicotine content printed on the label, i wouldnt even know they were different

all that being said, my nicotine craving has been satisfied across the board. i may try a 24mg in the future

 

[bruiser]

I don't think any of us know what your nic levels should be. I started at 18mg and had to knock it down to 12mg immediately due to some really bad insomnia. You'll know if it's too high, usually, the symptoms are fairly obvious. You'll also know if it's not high enough, you'll get cravings even after you've vaped a fair bit. Regardless, I would advise you to hold off on purchasing any more samples until you have this part figured out, though.

Oh, and I'd disagree with Free6413...nicotine is not similar in danger to caffeine. Nicotine has fairly well known links to heart disease and other coronary issues, whereas caffeine does not share those same links as clearly. Not to mention, there is very limited data on what vaporizing the flavors in e-juice, PG or VG for long periods of time. The point is that we believe this to be reduced harm from their tobacco counterparts, but it should by no means be viewed as "no harm." I just don't like people running around saying, "It's safe, it's safe" when no very little data actually exists to support that position. (Or the opposite position, that it's harmful, either.)

Congrats on your decision to switch and welcome to ECF! Enjoy your journey!

Read some of these. There is some info on nicotine and the cardiac system.

The Ultimate List of E-Cig Studies: Are E-Cigs Actually Safe? *Updated 2/16/14 » onVaping

 

[crylater]

My starting level was 18 mg, determined from what I had read and the amount I smoked. It took me 2 days to realize it was too high-headache & insomnia. I dropped to 12, headache went away but insomnia remained. I stayed at 12 during the day and dropped to 6 in the evening...that worked. I have since dropped to 6 as my regular strength for all liquids.

I think every individual has different needs, and they are the only ones that can determine them. Don't chase the number, just determine where you are comfortable and go from there.

Same thing happened to me regarding insomnia, I won't vape for several hours before I need to hit the sack.

 

[Hayes]

I don't think any of us know what your nic levels should be. I started at 18mg and had to knock it down to 12mg immediately due to some really bad insomnia. You'll know if it's too high, usually, the symptoms are fairly obvious. You'll also know if it's not high enough, you'll get cravings even after you've vaped a fair bit. Regardless, I would advise you to hold off on purchasing any more samples until you have this part figured out, though.

Oh, and I'd disagree with Free6413...nicotine is not similar in danger to caffeine. Nicotine has fairly well known links to heart disease and other coronary issues, whereas caffeine does not share those same links as clearly. Not to mention, there is very limited data on what vaporizing the flavors in e-juice, PG or VG for long periods of time. The point is that we believe this to be reduced harm from their tobacco counterparts, but it should by no means be viewed as "no harm." I just don't like people running around saying, "It's safe, it's safe" when no very little data actually exists to support that position. (Or the opposite position, that it's harmful, either.)

Congrats on your decision to switch and welcome to ECF! Enjoy your journey!

I agree with this. I am hoping more research is done on vaping, it helped me drop a 1 1/2 pack a day habit, and I'll be cutting back on the nicotine level when I feel comfortable with it. At 24mg for now.

 

[Stubby]

Oh, and I'd disagree with Free6413...nicotine is not similar in danger to caffeine. Nicotine has fairly well known links to heart disease and other coronary issues, whereas caffeine does not share those same links as clearly. Not to mention, there is very limited data on what vaporizing the flavors in e-juice, PG or VG for long periods of time. The point is that we believe this to be reduced harm from their tobacco counterparts, but it should by no means be viewed as "no harm." I just don't like people running around saying, "It's safe, it's safe" when no very little data actually exists to support that position. (Or the opposite position, that it's harmful, either.)

Congrats on your decision to switch and welcome to ECF! Enjoy your journey!

Actually we have a lot of information of the danger of nicotine and the risk for heart disease is very minor at worst. We know this because of the decades of studies on smokeless tobacco which show no real increase in heart disease. Nicotine is not at all a well known link to coronary issues.

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for quite some time, finally going head first into these new waters.

My first cigarette was at the age of 12 sadly, and from 14 on I was at a pack a day. After much struggle, I've been smoke free for about 2 years now thanks to snus. But I'm a nicotine fiend and I'll accept that as fact, since I'm up to a full can of snus a day. At 4.36 a can, it's definitely cheaper than cigarettes but not cheap enough. This is one of the reasons I decided I'll try vaping. The other reason, snus is definitely harm reduction but there is still a considerable amount of "risk" involved.

So I did some research, and decided on getting a basic variable voltage kit, and a few (7) fruity flavored e liquids from TVC. I chose 18mg/ml to start, though I won't be sure if I made the right choice there till the mailman arrives (waits patiently with boxcutter in hand).

I was just wanting to say hi, and wondered what experiences other people had with reducing their nicotine intake by gradually using weaker strengths e liquids.

First off I would like to know what the considerable risk of snus is as the science is not showing it. The studies out of Sweden have shown that snus users have essentially the same life expectancy as non-tobacco users. It is excepted among tobacco harm reduction advocates that snus has the same low risk as vaping, and it is quite possible that snus may be slightly less harmful then electronic cigarettes, though you would have to split some very fine hairs to find it.

I know a lot of snus users and I don't know anyone who uses a can a day. That is really excessive. A can of Swedish snus has 24 portions so trying to go through a can would be hard work. If you are using the american snus as in Camel it's a different story. They are week on nicotine compared to from goods from Sweden and a can only has 15 portions.

 

[Racehorse]

I don't think any of us know what your nic levels should be.

It all depends on what kind of cigs you were smoking, and how many. Then you can figure out what nic strength. The body is somewhat habituated to a certain level.

When I started everyone told me 18mg or 24mg and I was jittery and a complete mess until I figured out that I was a LIGHT cig smoker, so I should have started at 12mg or 14mg. As soon as I lowered it I felt fine, could sleep, and stopped feeling anxious.

so too much nic is just as bad if not worse than too little. Too little you may find yourself vaping more. Too much and you're either nauseaous or have other symptoms like I did.

I live on the assumption that "less is more", not the opposite. That has served me well. I never take "more" of anything than I need.

 

[Slaskio]

Thanks for the informative responses. I still have a lot to learn and try out.

First off I would like to know what the considerable risk of snus is as the science is not showing it. The studies out of Sweden have shown that snus users have essentially the same life expectancy as non-tobacco users. It is excepted among tobacco harm reduction advocates that snus has the same low risk as vaping, and it is quite possible that snus may be slightly less harmful then electronic cigarettes, though you would have to split some very fine hairs to find it.

I know a lot of snus users and I don't know anyone who uses a can a day. That is really excessive. A can of Swedish snus has 24 portions so trying to go through a can would be hard work. If you are using the american snus as in Camel it's a different story. They are week on nicotine compared to from goods from Sweden and a can only has 15 portions.

Tobacco is still harmful, though snus has many studies showing very little life threatening risk. Tobacco still does have its effect on my oral health, and I'd prefer to reduce my snus usage at minimum.

Only the good stuff for me, usually jakobsson or odens, general when waiting for snus mail. But I chain snus ALL day, and regular portions don't last in flavor all too long. I believe jakobsson is only 20 portions, still I agree it is quite excessive.

 

[wv2win]

I don't think any of us know what your nic levels should be. I started at 18mg and had to knock it down to 12mg immediately due to some really bad insomnia. You'll know if it's too high, usually, the symptoms are fairly obvious. You'll also know if it's not high enough, you'll get cravings even after you've vaped a fair bit. Regardless, I would advise you to hold off on purchasing any more samples until you have this part figured out, though.

Oh, and I'd disagree with Free6413...nicotine is not similar in danger to caffeine. Nicotine has fairly well known links to heart disease and other coronary issues, whereas caffeine does not share those same links as clearly. Not to mention, there is very limited data on what vaporizing the flavors in e-juice, PG or VG for long periods of time. The point is that we believe this to be reduced harm from their tobacco counterparts, but it should by no means be viewed as "no harm." I just don't like people running around saying, "It's safe, it's safe" when no very little data actually exists to support that position. (Or the opposite position, that it's harmful, either.)

Congrats on your decision to switch and welcome to ECF! Enjoy your journey!

In reading an article in the NY Times on vaping, this long-time research doctor on nicotine made the following comment:

"Nicotine may have some adverse health effects, but they are relatively minor, said Dr. Neal L. Benowitz, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who has spent his career studying the pharmacology of nicotine."

My strong guess is, he knows far more about nicotine than all of us combined. I think we should not "over-hype" fears about nicotine.