The use of electronic cigarettes has transformed nicotine consumption habits, offering a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, a number of questions frequently arise, particularly around nicotine dosages. Vaping an e-liquid at 20 mg/ml, often referred to as a high dosage, raises legitimate questions: is it dangerous for your health? Here’s an explanation to help you understand.
What is a 20 mg/ml e-liquid?
A 20 mg/ml e-liquid contains 20 milligrams of nicotine for each milliliter of liquid. This dosage is generally used in two contexts:
- Nicotine salts: a milder form of nicotine for the throat, often used by people who need a high nicotine intake.
- Classic bases: used by former heavy smokers looking for a quick and effective transition.
In Europe, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) limits the maximum concentration of nicotine in e-liquids to 20 mg/ml to guarantee user safety.
What are the potential risks?
- Increased dependence. Nicotine is an addictive substance. Vaping an e-liquid at 20 mg/ml can increase dependence, especially in non-smokers or new users. This is why this type of dosage is mainly recommended for former smokers with a strong nicotine dependency.
- Nicotine overdose. Symptoms of nicotine overdose include nausea, dizziness, headaches and palpitations. It’s rare with vaping, thanks to natural self-regulation: users tend to stop inhaling when they feel discomfort.
- Impact on cardiovascular health. Although e-cigarettes are far less harmful than tobacco, nicotine remains a stimulant that can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should consult a doctor before using high doses.
What equipment is suitable for vaping at 20 mg/ml?
The choice of equipment is essential for an optimal vaping experience with 20 mg/ml e-liquids, especially when it comes to nicotine salts or classic bases:
- High nicotine dosages require moderate power, generally less than 15 watts, to avoid excessive nicotine inhalation.
- The devices pod systems are particularly suitable. They are compact, easy to use, and offer tight draws close to those of conventional cigarettes (indirect draw or MTL).
- Choose coils of 1 ohm or more, which give a cooler vapor and a softer inhalation, ideal for high dosages.
- Sub-ohm coils (less than 1 ohm) should be avoided with 20 mg/ml e-liquids, as they produce too much vapor and risk delivering an excessive dose of nicotine.
3. Nicotine salts and compatible devices
- Nicotine salts vaporize at lower temperatures and are ideal for pods or small kits with adjustable wattage.
- Some popular models like Wenax M, Vmate E2, or Justfog Q16 pro have been designed to offer a pleasant experience with this type of e-liquid.
4. Suitable tanks
- Choose tanks with a limited capacity (generally 2 ml) for controlled consumption.
In short, low-power equipment with a tight draw (MTL) is ideal for vaping 20 mg/ml e-liquids safely.
For whom is a 20 mg dosage suitable?
- Former heavy smokers: This dosage is often ideal for those who smoked more than a pack of cigarettes a day. It helps to effectively manage withdrawal and reduce cravings without the need for constant vaping.
- Users of nicotine salts: Salts enable faster absorption and a smoother feel, ideal for high nicotine needs without the discomfort associated with conventional liquids.
Precautions to take
- Listen to your body: If you experience unpleasant symptoms, reduce the concentration or frequency of use.
- Don’t vapourize like a conventional cigarette: Vapourization is different from combustion. Slow, spaced-out inhalations are preferable.
- Gradual transition: When nicotine cravings diminish, it is advisable to gradually reduce the dosage to limit dependence.
What do the studies say?
Research on vaping shows that it’s far less harmful than smoking, but that doesn’t mean it’s totally risk-free. According to Public Health England, vaping is approximately 95% less harmful than smoking, but the risks depend largely on the user’s behavior and the concentration of nicotine used.
Conclusion
A 20 mg/ml e-liquid is not “dangerous” in itself, if used by the right people under the right conditions. This high dosage meets the needs of former heavy smokers looking to wean themselves off tobacco effectively. However, it needs to be handled with care, particularly by beginners or those not addicted to nicotine. As with any product containing nicotine, the watchword is responsibility and moderation.
If you’re just starting out with an electronic cigarette, don’t hesitate to ask us for advice on finding the dosage that best suits your needs.
