Switching from cigarettes to vaping starts with one question: what nicotine strength do I need? Get it wrong and you’ll either crave cigarettes or feel dizzy after every puff.
This guide explains nicotine strengths in simple terms. You’ll learn how to choose the right level based on your smoking habits and the type of vape device you use.
What Nicotine Strength Actually Means
E-liquid nicotine strength shows how much nicotine is in your vape juice. It’s measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
A 3mg e-liquid contains 3 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter. In Dubai, you’ll see this written as:
- Mg/mL format: 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 20mg
- Percentage format: 0.3%, 0.6%, 1.2%, 2%
Both mean the same thing. A 20mg liquid is the same as 2%.
UAE Legal Limit
In Dubai and the UAE, nicotine strength cannot exceed 20mg/mL (2%). This applies to all ECAS-certified products. Any strength at or below this limit is legal.
Two Types of Nicotine: What You Need to Know
E-liquids use two forms of nicotine. Each works differently.
Freebase Nicotine
This is the traditional form. It gives a stronger throat hit that feels similar to smoking.
Common strengths: 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg. Best for: Sub-ohm devices, direct-to-lung vaping. Throat hit: Stronger and harsher at higher levels.
Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)
Nicotine salts are smoother. They let you use higher strengths without the harsh throat hit.
Common strengths: 20mg, 30mg, 50mg Best for: Pod systems, mouth-to-lung devices Throat hit: Smooth, even at high strengths
Note: In Dubai, salt nic is typically available in 20mg due to UAE regulations. Higher strengths (30mg, 50mg) are less common and may not comply with ECAS standards.
How to Choose Your Nicotine Strength
Your smoking history determines your starting strength. Here’s a simple framework:
| Your Smoking Habit | Daily Cigarettes | Recommended Freebase | Recommended Salt Nic |
| Light Smoker | 1-5 cigarettes | 3mg | Not needed |
| Moderate Smoker | 6-10 cigarettes | 6-12mg | 20mg |
| Heavy Smoker | 11-20 cigarettes | 12-18mg | 20mg |
| Very Heavy Smoker | 20+ cigarettes | 18mg | 20mg |
Important: These are starting points. You may need to adjust based on how you feel.
Matching Nicotine Strength to Your Vape Device
Your device type affects which strength you should use.
Pod Systems and MTL Devices
These devices produce less vapor. They work with higher nicotine strengths.
Recommended strengths: 12-20mg (freebase) or 20mg (salt nic). Examples: SMOK Nord, Vaporesso XROS, JUUL
Sub-Ohm Devices
These create large vapor clouds. They need lower nicotine strengths.
Recommended strengths: 0-6mg (freebase only.) Examples: Box mods, sub-ohm tanks.Why lower?: More vapor means more nicotine per puff
Disposable Vapes
Most disposables in Dubai come pre-filled with 20mg (2%) salt nicotine. This is the standard strength across brands like Elfbar, Vozol, and Tugboat.
Signs You Chose the Wrong Strength
Strength Too High:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea after vaping
- Headaches
- Harsh throat feeling
Solution: Drop to a lower strength immediately.
Strength Too Low:
- Still craving cigarettes
- Vaping more frequently than expected
- Not feeling satisfied
- Wanting to smoke again
Solution: Increase by one level (e.g., 3mg to 6mg).
How to Reduce Nicotine Over Time
Many vapers gradually lower their nicotine intake. Here’s a simple path:
Starting as a heavy smoker:
- Start: 20mg salt nic (2-4 weeks)
- Step down: 12mg freebase (2-4 weeks)
- Continue: 6mg freebase (2-4 weeks)
- Lower: 3mg freebase (ongoing)
- Optional: 0mg nicotine-free
Drop one level when you stop craving cigarettes and feel satisfied with your current strength.
VG/PG Ratios and Nicotine Delivery
The ratio of vegetable glycerin (VG) to propylene glycol (PG) affects how nicotine hits you.
High PG (50/50 or 60/40)
- Stronger throat hit
- Less vapor
- Works with higher nicotine
- Better flavor delivery
High VG (70/30 or 80/20)
- Smoother throat hit
- More vapor clouds
- Requires lower nicotine
- Slightly muted flavor
Most salt nic e-liquids use 50/50 ratios for balanced performance.
Storage Tips for E-Liquids
Proper storage maintains nicotine strength and flavor:
- Keep bottles sealed and upright
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Keep away from children and pets
- Use within 2 years of purchase
Popular E-Liquid Brands in Dubai
| Brand | Specialty | Available Strengths | Best For |
| VGOD | Bold flavors | 20mg, 30mg, 50mg salt | Heavy smokers |
| Pod Salt | Smooth salt nic | 20mg salt | Ex-smokers |
| Nasty Juice | Fruity blends | 3mg, 6mg, 20mg | All levels |
| Dr. Vapes | Premium flavors | 3mg freebase | Cloud chasers |
| Tokyo Ejuice | Dessert flavors | 20-50mg salt | MTL vapers |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting too low: Many new vapers begin with 3mg because they fear nicotine. If you smoked regularly, this won’t satisfy you.
Using salt nic in sub-ohm devices: This delivers too much nicotine at once. Always use low-strength freebase in powerful devices.
Ignoring throat hit preferences: Some people enjoy a strong throat hit. Others find it uncomfortable. Choose your nicotine type based on preference, not just strength.
Not giving it time: Your body needs 2-3 days to adjust to vaping. Don’t change strengths immediately if it feels different from smoking.
Final Recommendations
For beginners transitioning from smoking:
- Start with 20mg salt nic in a pod system
- Give it one week before adjusting
- Have backup cigarettes during the first few days
- Don’t chain vape—take slower, longer puffs
For casual vapers:
- Use 3-6mg freebase in a sub-ohm device
- Focus on flavor variety
- Vape socially, not regularly
For those reducing nicotine:
- Drop one strength level every month
- Mix two strengths if the drop feels too big
- Track your daily vaping frequency
- Consider 0mg for your final step
Where to Buy in Dubai
Only purchase from ECAS-certified retailers. Licensed shops in Dubai include physical stores and online platforms offering same-day delivery.
Look for:
- ECAS certification on products
- Age verification (18+)
- Clear nicotine strength labeling
- Sealed, tamper-proof bottles
Next Steps
- Identify your smoking habit from the table above
- Choose a device type (pod or sub-ohm)
- Select your starting nicotine strength
- Purchase from a certified Dubai retailer
- Test for 3-7 days before adjusting
Remember: the right nicotine strength feels satisfying without making you dizzy. Start high rather than low—it’s easier to drop down than increase later.
