Lesson 2: Choosing the Right Type of Nicotine: Salts or Freebase and it's Strength to Quit Smoking
So you’ve chosen your first vape device—now for the fuel. Nicotine Salts or Freebase
In vaping, choosing the correct nicotine strength and type (measured in milligrams per milliliter, or mg/mL) is the single most important decision for long-term success.
The goal is simple: find a strength high enough to eliminate your craving without being so high that it feels harsh or unpleasant. Getting this balance right is what allows you to break free from smoking completely. We will focus on Nicotine Salts mainly as it is the more used of the 2.
The Canadian Nicotine Landscape
Crucial Note for Canadian Vapers: Due to federal regulations, the legal maximum nicotine concentration for e-liquids and pre-filled devices is 20 mg/mL.
This means heavy smokers must rely on two factors for satisfaction: the type of nicotine used and the power settings of their device.
The Two Types of Nicotine: Freebase vs. Nic Salts
| Nicotine Type | Maximum Strength (Canada) | Throath Hit | Best Use Case |
| Freebase Nicotine | Typically up to 12 mg/mL (18 mg/mL max) | Stronger/Harsher | Traditional form. Provides a noticeable "throat hit." Better for light smokers or those weaning down. |
| Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts) | 20 mg/mL (Max Legal Limit) | Smoother | Allows for higher concentrations to be inhaled smoothly. Ideal for most smokers switching, as it delivers the most nicotine within the legal cap. |
The most important takeaway for a beginner: If you are a heavy or average smoker using a simple Pod System or a Disposable Vape, you will want the 20 mg Nicotine Salt option for maximum satisfaction.
Maximizing Nicotine Delivery Within the 20 mg Cap
Since nicotine concentration is capped at 20mg, new vapers need to ensure that concentration is delivered as efficiently as possible to match a cigarette’s rapid nicotine hit. This is achieved by adjusting the power.
Pod Style / Variable Wattage Devices: These devices allow you to manually adjust the power (wattage). Increasing the wattage causes the coil to heat the e-liquid faster, which vaporizes the 20 mg nicotine at a higher pace. This effectively mimics a higher concentration by hitting your system quicker.
Newer Disposables: Some modern disposables include multiple power settings (often low, medium, high). The benefit to this is that using a higher setting vaporizes the nicotine faster, providing a much more satisfying and intense dose from the 20 mg liquid.
The Nicotine Guide: Matching Strength to Your Habit
Your choice of nicotine strength should be based primarily on how often you smoke and what kind of device you are using.
Here is a simple, actionable chart based on the 20 mg limit:
| Your Current Smoking Habit | Recommended Nicotine Type | Starting Nicotine Strength | Device Strategy |
| Heavy Smoker (1+ packs/day) | Nic Salts | 20 mg (Maximum) | Use on a high power/wattage setting to maximize nicotine delivery. |
| Average Smoker (21 to 1 pack/day) | Nic Salts | 20 mg | Use on a medium power/wattage setting. Can drop to 15 mg or lower if 20 mg is too harsh. |
| Light Smoker (21 pack or less/day) | Freebase or Nic Salts | 10 mg to 15 mg | Use on a lower power setting. |
| Social Smoker / Stepping Down | Freebase | 0 mg to 6 mg | Best for low-power DTL or MTL devices. |
Quick Troubleshooting: Adjusting Your Strategy
| Symptom | Your Strategy is Too... | Solution |
| You constantly crave a cigarette or puff your vape non-stop. | Low on Delivery | If you are at 20 mg, increase your wattage/power setting to boost delivery. |
| You feel lightheaded, nauseous, or the vapor feels uncomfortably harsh. | High on Delivery | Decrease your wattage/power setting. If still too much, drop to a lower nicotine strength (e.g., 15 mg or 10 mg). |
While this is our general guideline. Every person is different. Best thing to do is to talk to other vapers or go to your local vape shop and chat with the staff there.
Keep the Momentum Going!
Now that you have your device and your required nicotine level, the next decision is the most enjoyable: choosing your flavor. Breaking the psychological link to tobacco taste is critical to never looking back!
Next Up: Lesson 3: The Best Part of Vaping: Exploring E-Liquid Flavors.
Ready to find your strength? Shop our wide selection of Canadian-compliant Nic Salt and Freebase e-liquids: Vape on YEG - Salt Nic or Vape on YEG - Freebase