18mg Nicotine – What It Means in Vaping Strength

Definition

18mg Nicotine is a standardised nicotine concentration used in e-liquids, meaning 18 milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of VapeJuice“>vape juice. It represents a medium-to-high strength option designed to satisfy heavier smokers transitioning to vaping. In Australia, 18mg is the legal maximum for nicotine-containing e-liquids sold through the Personal Importation Scheme with a valid prescription. This strength delivers a noticeable Hit“>throat hit and rapid nicotine absorption, closely replicating the satisfaction of smoking a traditional cigarette, making it a popular choice for new vapers seeking an effective smoking cessation tool.

Technical Details

18mg nicotine e-liquids are formulated using either freebase nicotine or nicotine salts. Freebase 18mg provides a stronger throat hit and is best suited to low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices with Thread“>510 thread tanks and higher-resistance coils (>1.0Ω). Nicotine salt variants use benzoic acid to lower pH, delivering a smoother inhale at the same 18mg strength, ideal for compact pod systems. Typical PG/VG ratios for 18mg liquids are 50/50 or 60/40, balancing wicking efficiency and vapour production. Battery Safety”>Battery safety: ensure your 18650 battery, 21700 battery, or 26650 battery has adequate amp headroom—18mg liquids are rarely vaped at high wattages, so 10A continuous discharge is usually sufficient.

Usage & Tips

  • Device pairing: Use low-power MTL kits or pods; high-wattage sub-ohm setups will deliver excessive nicotine, causing dizziness or nausea.
  • Priming: Always prime new coils with 18mg liquid for 5–10 minutes to prevent dry hits and burnt cotton.
  • Storage: Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from children and pets; nicotine oxidises faster at high temperatures, darkening the liquid and peppering the taste.
  • Step-down strategy: Many vapers start at 18mg, then gradually taper to 12mg, 6mg, and eventually 0mg nicotine to reduce dependence.
  • Prescription compliance: Australians must import 18mg e-liquid under the TGA’s Personal Importation Scheme; carry a copy of your prescription when travelling interstate.

History & Context

18mg emerged as the “sweet spot” in early cig-a-like cartridges circa 2008, matching the nicotine yield of a standard pack-a-day habit. When the EU Tobacco Products Directive capped nicotine at 20mg/ml in 2016, 18mg became the global benchmark for heavy smokers. In Australia, the 2021 prescription model maintained 18mg as the practical ceiling, cementing its role as the go-to strength for smoking cessation clinics and vape pharmacies nationwide.

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