Nicotine – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Nicotine is a naturally occurring stimulant alkaloid found in tobacco plants and used in vaping e-liquids to satisfy cravings and replicate the “Hit“>throat hit” of traditional cigarettes. In Australia, nicotine can only legally be sold for vaping when prescribed by a doctor and supplied through a pharmacy. Within VapeJuice“>vape juice, nicotine is dissolved in a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), allowing it to be vaporised at low temperatures and inhaled without combustion. Its concentration is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL) or as a percentage, giving users control over intake while tapering down to no nicotine options if desired.

Technical Details

How It Works

When an e-cigarettecoil heats e-liquid to roughly 150–250 °C, liquid nicotine aerosolises into an inhalable vapour. Absorption occurs through the lungs and oral mucosa, reaching peak blood levels within 5–10 minutes—faster than nicotine gum but slower than combustible cigarettes.

Forms & Measurements

  • Freebase Nicotine: Standard form, harsher at higher strengths (3–24 mg/mL).
  • Nicotine Salt (Nic Salt): Benzoic or salicylic acid lowers pH, delivering smoother 20–50 mg/mL hits ideal for pod kits.
  • Strength Labels: “3 mg” = 3 mg/mL, “0.3 %” = same strength expressed as percent weight/volume.

Hardware Compatibility

Freebase suits sub-ohm tanks and Wire“>Nichrome wire builds; high-strength nic salts work best with high-resistance coils and Battery“>NiMH battery or lithium-ion pod devices to avoid overheating.

Usage & Tips

  • Start low, go slow: New vapers should begin at 3–6 mg freebase or 20 mg nic salt to prevent nausea.
  • Storage: Keep nicotine-containing e-liquids in dark, cool places; oxidised juice turns amber and tastes peppery.
  • Common Problems: Harsh throat hit—switch to nic salts or lower strength; leaking pods—avoid overfilling and close airflow when refilling.
  • Safety: Always use child-resistant caps; in case of skin contact, wash immediately. Never vape expired prescription nicotine.

History & Context

First isolated in 1828, nicotine was delivered almost exclusively via tobacco until 2003, when Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik patented the modern e-cigarette. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reclassified nicotine as a prescription-only substance in October 2021, pushing the market toward medically supervised vaping and accelerating demand for nic salt formulations that mimic rapid cigarette uptake.

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