To start a tobacco-free life, choosing the right nicotine strength is essential. Often underestimated, it is nonetheless crucial to match it to your cigarette consumption and your needs. We explain everything in this article.
How does nicotine dependence develop?
Nicotine dependence comes from its interaction with the nicotinic receptors in the brain, which release dopamine in the reward system, producing a feeling of pleasure. With repeated exposure, the brain adapts by reducing the sensitivity of the receptors, creating tolerance and a growing need for nicotine. Stopping abruptly causes a feeling of craving, marked by a drop in dopamine and therefore in the feeling of pleasure. The context in which a cigarette is smoked (stress, an evening out, after a meal) is also a factor that worsens addiction.
Nicotine is not the enemy!
When you start out in vaping, you may sometimes hesitate to vape at a nicotine strength you consider high. Yet it is not nicotine that is dangerous, but the combustion of tobacco, because of the ingredients that make up a cigarette (acetone, lead, mercury, arsenic... a lovely cocktail!). Choosing an e-liquid with a nicotine strength suited to your needs is the best way to start vaping successfully and to leave cigarettes for good.
What does the law say about nicotine strength?
The regulation in force in the European Union (the TPD, Tobacco Products Directive) requires manufacturers not to exceed 20 mg of nicotine in e-liquids sold in 10 ml bottles.
Please note: any e-liquid containing nicotine must not exceed this 10 ml size. All other sizes (30 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 1 L, etc.) must not contain nicotine. This regulation only applies to finished products sold in stores or online, but it is perfectly possible to boost your e-liquid or your base with nicotine boosters (shots).
0, 3, 6, 10, 15... or 20 mg: which to choose?
Nicotine strength should be determined by your experience as a smoker. A heavy smoker will not have the same nicotine needs as an occasional smoker. That is why it is essential to get guidance from industry professionals (manufacturers, store staff) to choose suitable products. Nicotine strength should not be an obstacle during your transition to a tobacco-free life; it is even the key to your success in quitting smoking.
It is also important to note that the nicotine strength you need at the start of your quit attempt will probably differ from the one you need at the end. Many vapers start at 20 mg, then gradually reduce their consumption until they no longer need to vape. Vaping remains, above all, a way to eventually live free from nicotine dependence.
What approach should you take?
At Fuu, we believe it is essential to give consistent advice on choosing a nicotine strength.
- If you are a "heavy smoker" (1 to 2 packs a day), we advise you to vape 20 mg e-liquids to meet your nicotine needs. Nicotine salt e-liquids will be your best allies: they let you vape at a high nicotine strength without causing coughing. Products from the MiNiMAL, Blend and Calm+ ranges are designed to start vaping under these conditions.
- For optimal effectiveness, we recommend using low-power gear with a tight draw, reminiscent of a cigarette. Pod systems are particularly well suited.
As for flavors, we advise you to favor e-liquids with classic flavors (such as "tobacco") to keep your bearings at the start of your transition. Here are a few suggestions:
- Blend range: Classique and Menthol
- Fine Cuts range
- MiNiMAL: Classique, Puissant, Le Robuste and Le Téméraire
The Blend range is ideal for starting out in vaping thanks to its classic or menthol flavors, its 3 levels of hit (throat sensation) and its 3 nicotine strengths to make gradual reduction easier (20, 10, 0 mg).
What kind of vaper am I?
The vaper you are matches the smoker you were. Here is a guide to find the nicotine strength and the gear that suit you:
- "Heavy smoker" (1 to 2 packs a day): 20 mg nicotine salt e-liquid, to vape on a pod system or a simple kit.
- "Average smoker" (less than a pack a day): e-liquid between 12 and 15 mg of nicotine, salt or not, to vape on a pod system, a simple kit or a small box mod (power between 10 and 30 watts).
- "Light smoker" (between 1 and 5 cigarettes a day): e-liquid between 6 and 12 mg, salt or not, to vape on a simple kit or a mid-size box mod (power between 20 and 60 watts).
- "Occasional smoker" (between 1 and 8 cigarettes a week): e-liquid between 3 and 5 mg, salt or not, to vape on a pod system or a simple kit.
Feel free to contact us by email at email protected or by phone at 01 85 09 74 36 so that we can advise you on the products that suit you best.
Warning: some e-liquids are not suitable for all gear. For example, nicotine salts work better with pods and simple kits. Also take into account the viscosity of your e-liquid (depending on the PG/VG ratio) to avoid leaks on your device.
You now have all the keys to start this great adventure that is quitting smoking!
