When using vapes as an alternative to smoking cigarettes, there are a few things you can learn to help make the switch smoother for you - including how much nicotine in a vape compares to that in a cigarette.
When first switching from cigarettes to vapes, it can be tricky to wrap your head around how the nicotine contents in each product differ, but it doesn't have to be. This guide will take you through the basics when it comes to nicotine vaping. Read on to learn more about nicotine, how much nicotine is in a cigarette vs a vape, and more.
What is Nicotine?
Nicotine is a substance that's found in both tobacco and nicotine e-liquids. It's colourless, oily and tastes bitter. Nicotine occurs naturally in plants of the nightshade family, which includes the tobacco plant. Nicotine can be consumed in various ways. Not only is it present in cigarettes and vapes, but it's also found in Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) like patches or gum.
There are some e-liquids that don't include nicotine in them, which you can find out more about in our guide Are Nicotine Free Vapes Safe?
Is Nicotine Addictive?
Yes, nicotine is an addictive substance. 1 When giving up nicotine, you may start to notice nicotine withdrawal symptoms.2 These can include irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, cravings and more.
The NHS state that â"the healthiest option is not to smoke or vape" and if you are using vaping as an alternative to smoking, you should work towards eventually stopping vaping too.
How Much Nicotine is in a Vape?
Exactly how much nicotine is in a vape will depend on the e-liquid you're using. The nicotine strength of vape juice varies, ranging from zero nicotine to 20 mg - which is the maximum strength allowed in the UK.5 When vaping, you have the advantage of knowing exactly how much nicotine is in your e-liquid, which can't be said for cigarettes. Trying to figure out how much nicotine is in a cigarette can be tricky as it varies among brands.
You're really spoilt for choice when it comes to the nicotine strengths available in vapes. Nicotine strengths include:
- 3 mg
- 6 mg
- 12 mg
- 18 mg
- 20 mg
An e-liquid's nicotine strength will be detailed in the product spec. They are shown as the concentration of nicotine in the e-liquid, and can either be expressed in milligrams or as a percentage. For example, 1.8% equates to an 18 mg nicotine strength.
How Much Nicotine is in a Cigarette Compared to a Vape?
When it comes to nicotine strengths, it's not easy to pinpoint the exact vape equivalent to cigarettes. If you're wanting to know how many mg of nicotine is in a cigarette, it could range from 8 mg to 20 mg.
The actual amount of nicotine you'll absorb will also vary, both with vaping and smoking. There are several factors that come into play when exploring nicotine absorption, including how frequently you inhale, the amount you inhale, and the product you're using.
Sources:
- NHS, Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/
- Frank, Nicotine - https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/nicotine
- NHS Inform, Tobacco - https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/stopping-smoking/reasons-to-stop/tobacco
- NHS, Vaping to quit smoking - https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/
- Gov.uk,˜E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-cigarettes-regulations-for-consumer-products
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