The dangers of my mixtures, please help!

[rickylford]

Hey guys,

So, when I first started using my electronic cigarette about 2 years ago, I was vaping around 18mg of nicotine in all of my liquids. Over these two years, the amount of nicotine in my mixtures has gone up TREMENDOUSLY. I now purchase 60mg unflavored DIY nicotine from MyFreedomSmokes and this is what my mixture usually consists of:

(this is a 10mL bottle I think, I don't remember how big it is)



So I'm assuming that the amount of nicotine in my mixture after I've mixed in the flavoring and the PG/purified water is probably around 50mg. How dangerous is this? I've been smoking this mixture for about a year now, and really, I don't think anything is wrong with me health-wise that could be explained by this, but then again, I'm not a doctor.

Also, I think the reason my nicotine amount goes up over time is because I need more and more throat hit. Does anyone else have the problem where they think their throat grows accustomed to the strength and starts to dull out and not feel as powerful? Or is it just me?

What would you guys recommend I do? I definitely don't want to purchase pre-mixed juice because it can get expensive quick. I probably go through one of those bottles every 3-4 days, so you could say I'm quite a heavy vapor.

Do any of you have any tips, concerns, comments, or advice on how to get all of the throat hit without the nicotine? I know I've seen some people talk about Everclear liquor, and some talk about vodka. Which one is the best? Should I substitute some of the nicotine I'm putting in my mixture with liquor to produce a heavier throat hit? Maybe something like this mixture:



I don't have the slightest idea of how many mLs I'm using for each ingredient. I've been "eyeing" my mixtures for a long time now so really, I couldn't give you an exact amount of how much of each ingredient I'm actually using. I used to use an eye dropper and keep track of the amount of drops and each mL that went into my mixtures, but the ink usually rubs off of my measuring droppers with just a couple of uses, so I figured to hell with it...I'll eye it from now on.

So anyway.. What do you guys think?

Thanks!

 

[Switched]

Are you still on analogs?

 

[rickylford]

Nope, I haven't smoked an analog since I quit in 2010.

 

[buffaloguy]

You need a notebook and to keep track of exact amounts when you are mixing. You nicotine intake is going up, or variable, or whatever you are doing. We dont know, you dont know.

Knowing how many drops per ml your droppers are will help you convert to ml, and exact mixing. A mixing calc will help you also. In order to get some control and handle on your results you need to be able to reproduce them.

I will say this only once. Nicotine is poison. At 50mg/ml you are approaching levels that are generally considered dangerous. Stop, rethink how you mix, and lower you nic levels. Throat hit is NOT that important, and other things can substitute for it. Maybe more veteran Diy'ers can comment as throat hit means little to me. I dont pay much attention to it.

For now tho, my best advice is keeping accurate records and a calculator.

 

[sportyfortyeight]

I would say this.. download the ejuicemeup calculator. Pick up a few syringes and put clear tape over the marks. 50mg is VERY high. With the calculator and the syringes you can make juice at a safe nic level and also be able to recreate a good juice you make..

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[rickylford]

I typically just use flavor drops in my juice, so finding an exact mix to replicate it later isn't that hard. Especially if I want to smoke coconut and I have a coconut flavor drop. So it really isn't that big of an issue in keeping track of mixtures I make. Do any of you have any suggestions on increasing the throat hit? I don't mind cutting back on the nicotine amount I'm putting in there, just as long as I can get that throat hit.

To some, TH may not be as important as it is to others. But if I don't feel the TH, my mind begins to think that I'm not getting the nicotine I require, and therefore through the "placebo" effect, I require more and more hits to fill the void.

 

[Snus]

Wow! That sure is a LOT of nicotine! At those levels, it could be increasing your heart rate and or blood pressure. I haven't started diy yet, but I think there are some drops that you can use to increase throat hit. I hate it, so I try to stay away. Some of my pre-mixed juices make my throat feel sore... I have a grape juice that does that and some of the other fruity flavors. A really strong cinnamon may give a throat hit, too...

 

[hitman4274]

With anything as poisonous as nicotine I would recommend measuring exact amounts, or as close to exact as you can get, use a online ejuice calculator, there are apps for smart phones too. I would say your pretty close to dangerous levels of nicotine.
And throat hit is increased in a couple different ways not just your nic level,but flavoring and pg/vg ratios, but if you've been going to town at 50mg of nic per ml or around there.. I would guess your tolerance is through the roof... Which is why a lower nic juice won't "cut it" for you.

What kind of equipment are you using? That might play a roll as well.

Good luck and happy vapin!!!

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Hoosier]

I've done the flip of that. I wasn't able to make the full switch to vaping until I started using 48mg and have very slowly gone down to 18mg as of this week.

To up the TH, it is the spicey or acidic flavors that do it for me. DuMulta's sweet tart recipe has a good TH. Most cinnamon flavors are good for TH. Sometimes Bitter Wizard can help out there too. Menthol or Koolada doesn't really add TH, but it adds a sensation that can be a good "adder" to TH.

Alcohol has never had an increase in TH for myself. Others swear by it...

 

[Spazmelda]

I'd be very interested in seeing what your cotinine levels are at the volume and concentration you are vaping. Mostly just out of curiosity, but also because it would give an idea of what your levels are compared to a heavy smoker.

I have no idea about increasing throat hit, but I hope you find something that works!

 

[glassmanoak]

I vape on a Lavatube with a 3.0 ohm atty. I usually vape about 4.2 or 4.3 volts. I HATE throat hit!!..... When I take a hit at 6.0 volts, the throat hit is KILLERgh!! Maybe you might try another mod/battery/atty to increase TH and leave the nic level lower.

 

[buffaloguy]

Thats what I was hoping for Hoosier. Some good tips on adding throat hit.

My concern is that the OP doesnt even know what the nicotine level is. Hence why my best suggestion is to take notes and get a calc. Heck it could be alot lower or even higher than 50mg and no one knows. Got me concerned to be sure.

The only time throat hit really mattered to me was the first week switching to ecigs full time. My palatte was so bad from smoking that I couldnt taste anything, or feel the vapor. I switched to a heavy menthol ejuice for the first week. That was enough for me and I slowly switched to other juices.

Ill also add that wizard labs has been testing an "ice mix" for nicotine base. Ive found that it adds a very nice throat hit. Not massive but enough that I notice it. Something I never got with vg nic base before. Its also sold as a pg base but youll have to email them to see if its available.

 

[vdice]

just a question. if i put a few drops of vodka in my juice to increase th. is it safe to inhale it?........vince

 

[Hoosier]

just a question. if i put a few drops of vodka in my juice to increase th. is it safe to inhale it?........vince

Not if you're allergic to vodka. Have you been able to sniff vodka without damage? (If so, then it's probably OK for you.)

 

[SpringzVz]

TH is the never ending quest In my experience menthol crystals (not flavoring) do the trick!

 

[timothy]

Everclear has worked for me five drops per 10 ml

 

[lynch]

try this when you DIY eJuice Recipe Calculator

 

[pixelchick]

Everclear seems to help - I'm still experimenting with my recipe, though....trying to achieve that perfect TH. (I prefer a really strong TH)

 

[rickylford]

Wow! That sure is a LOT of nicotine! At those levels, it could be increasing your heart rate and or blood pressure. I haven't started diy yet, but I think there are some drops that you can use to increase throat hit. I hate it, so I try to stay away. Some of my pre-mixed juices make my throat feel sore... I have a grape juice that does that and some of the other fruity flavors. A really strong cinnamon may give a throat hit, too...

I keep track of my blood pressure regularly, and it's always a normal level. So luckily, I have yet to have any issues when it comes to my blood pressure and e-juice. I'm hoping it stays that way too!

With anything as poisonous as nicotine I would recommend measuring exact amounts, or as close to exact as you can get, use a online ejuice calculator, there are apps for smart phones too. I would say your pretty close to dangerous levels of nicotine.
And throat hit is increased in a couple different ways not just your nic level,but flavoring and pg/vg ratios, but if you've been going to town at 50mg of nic per ml or around there.. I would guess your tolerance is through the roof... Which is why a lower nic juice won't "cut it" for you.

What kind of equipment are you using? That might play a roll as well.

Good luck and happy vapin!!!

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

Yea, I'm assuming my tolerance is ridiculous at the moment. Which is why I'd really like to cut down, but like I said before, the "placebo effect" makes my mind go crazy when I think I'm not getting as much nicotine due to the TH not really being there.

I was using a PureSmoker Prodigy V3 (6v device) for about a year. I just NOW switched to the new PureSmoker LEGACY, however it's a 3.7v device. I'm still trying to get used to the LEGACY due to the TH not really being all that strong, especially since I'm used to vaping a 6v device for so long. I thought about upping my Nicotine even more to increase the throat hit, but I figured nah...I better ask on ECF before going any higher lmao.

I'd be very interested in seeing what your cotinine levels are at the volume and concentration you are vaping. Mostly just out of curiosity, but also because it would give an idea of what your levels are compared to a heavy smoker.

I have no idea about increasing throat hit, but I hope you find something that works!

How might one check their cotinine levels? I'd be interested too haha.

TH is the never ending quest In my experience menthol crystals (not flavoring) do the trick!

I used to absolutely HATE menthol cigarettes because I don't like that cool flavor in my mouth. Do you get a strong cool flavor from the menthol crystals?

Thanks a LOT for your input everyone. I truly do appreciate it. I need to find a new 6v device because I'm not 100% sure this LEGACY is really going to cut it much longer. Do any of you have any recommendations on an amazing 6v device the performs well and comes from a reputable dealer?

 

[orachel]

Oh dear... yeah, please please please don't keep vaping 50n. Really NOT a good idea. The everclear thing is a good suggestion. Another thing I've found is that certain CARTOS make a MUCH bigger throat hit than others. These are the two best I've ever found with TH.

**First can be got in bulk 25 packs for $32 at Welcome to Sure Vapes LLC !, or in 15 packs at Crystal Clear Vaping for $21, but here's the link for the singles. They're also avail in standard 510 carto size (usually called 'junior' at ccv), in the norm for this carto which is dual coil carto size (also called regular at ccv and surevapes, or 'xl mega' at smoktek), and mini/super shorty (only avail at smoktek, madvapes, and litecigusa) which is half the size of a boge/standard 510, or in JUMBO aka xxl at smoktek and ccv... so any size that works for you, the TH is killer on these. I do find I like the TH better on all the sizes but the jumbo, personally. This is link for singles, but again, WAY cheaper by bulk packs. I vape these with 100% VG juice, which has ZERO throat hit, and I actually get a throat hit with these.
ReJuvenator Mega XL 1.7 ohm low resistance cartomizer

**And this is a true dual coil clearomizer, only ever found these at vapingzone... but they do tend to have killer TH. Read the reviews. DON'T use these on a regular 650 mah ego batt, though. Tends to short em out. Also, they sell out CONSTANTLY, so if you like em, buy a bunch when they're in stock.
510 Tank Twin Coil Clearomizer - E Cig : Joye eGo & eGo-T | Boge Leo | Cartomizers | E-Liquid | Electronic Cigarettes | eGo Tank

Another option, can't remember the place off hand, but I KNOW there's an inexpensive DIY unflavored vg/pg +nic vendor who sells in big quantities, similar to RTS, and they have a thing where you can specify the amount of throat hit you get with your base liquids. Hoping someone here knows who that is, cause I've wracked my brain, and can't come up with it. But if you do a search for 'diy liquids, pg, add throat hit', you'll get lucky. I assume they're using capsaicin, or something along those lines. I know there's a way to add capsaicin (derived from peppers, but not sure I'm spelling it right) drops to liquids to add throat hit... hoping someone else here has more info on this, cause I've never tried it. BUT i know many diy-ers use it for TH, and I know the everclear thing works (pure grain alcohol is even better, but everclear is best you can find most places) cause that I've done myself. The cap drops thing is supposed to be a VERY intense sensation, so i'd look into that first.

Also, you haven't mentioned ANYTHING about the sort of device or voltage you're using. If you're on something small, like an ego... well there's your problem right there. Anyway, I promise, there are tons of people here who will help you find a solution to your problem, but I promise, vaping 50 nicotine is NOT the solution. It is a stimulant, can cause your heart to race, and all sorts of physiological side effects... just not the sort of thing you'd play around with. Good luck, and if there's anything I can do, feel free to ask. But I'd post questions asking for help with diy base liquids that let you add TH, and capsaicin drops, and hopefully experienced people here will steer you in the right direction, toward a much safer diy liquid.

K, see now you're using a 3.7v device. Do yourself a favor. Buy one of the new v2 vv tubes or a vmax at crystalclearvaping... v2 vv tube has like a 3.5 amp restriction, goes up to 6v, and find your sweet spot! Vmax uses PWM so its a MUCH stronger vape sensation than a standard vv unit, though vmax is more moola. For you, your sweet spot is NOT 3.7v, and that's why you're 'searching' for throat hit. You sound like a high voltage vaper trapped at 3.7, but I promise, a good vv device will make all the difference. Heck, even a v8 ovale from www.discountvapers.com would make a huge difference. That's a VERY intense vape sensation.

Now this may be a controversial statement, but I say it only so you know how serious vaping 50n is... I'd personally probably vape something with tobacco alkoloids before I'd vape 50 n, just from a safety perspective, and WTA is not something I'm a fan of. I'm just really concerned you're going to strain your heart or system with nic that high on a regular basis. Please be safe!