Nicotine in Analog Cigarettes & Nicotine in E-Cigarettes — How Do They Compare?

Now… There’s nicotine in vapes. 

AND… 

There’s nicotine in regular cigarettes.

You’d think that is all there is to it, right?

Well, it’s really not that simple…

Nicotine levels in cigarettes don’t compare to nicotine levels in vapes in quite the same way.

If you didn’t know that, there might be a reason why you’re struggling to make the switch.

In this post, we’ll clear the nicotine-infused air. 

You will learn:

• How much nicotine there is in analog cigarettes – down to a tee (because it’s written on the box!);
• How to figure out which nicotine levels in vape juice are right to you;
• Nicotine absorption levels in vapes & cigarettes (why vapes sometimes feel more powerful than ciggies).

Let’s dig into it!

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How Much Nicotine Is in an Analog Cigarette Compared to a Vape Tank?

I’ll keep it nice and simple… since I don’t want to get into too many technicalities here.

A study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that Marlboro brands, which are well known and most used, contain somewhere between 19.4 and 20.3 milligrams of nicotine per gram of tobacco.  Similar to the Marlboro brand are the Newports, which have almost identical numbers. 

Keep in mind that these numbers are on the high end. On average, the CDC study concluded that cigarettes contain 19.2 mg per gram of tobacco.

 Something I should note here is that one analog cigarette contains one gram of tobacco.

So that’s what you get when you light up one Marlboro — approximately 20mg of nicotine.

Now… how does that translate into vapes?

After all, you’re putting in your own liquid there… there are several different strengths you can choose from… and the absorption works quite differently, too.

According to a bit of back-of-the-napkin math, a hit from a cigarette is equivalent to a hit from a 16mg vape juice. I can’t emphasize enough that this is not an exact science — how big of a hit you get from one inhale will depend on the ingredients in your vape juice, as well as the type of vape pen (or vape mod) you’re using.

How to Figure Out Which Vape Nic Levels Are Right for You?

So, you took vaping for a spin. You like it, but you still feel like cigarettes give you a better hit.

If that’s the case, there’s a chance you’re not using the right vape juice.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of nicotine percentages, as well as what nic level you should consider depending on how much you used to smoke:

• 3mg (for light smokers) — if you smoke 1 to 5 cigarettes per day then these levels should do the trick;
• 9mg (for casual smokers) — if you smoke half a pack per day, a liquid of 100ml with 0.9% will be right up your alley.
• 18mg (for heavy smokers) — anywhere between 20 and more cigarettes per day.

Keep in mind that these values are something you should start from. They are not set in stone.

Determining your nic level is a trial and error process, and to find whatever floats your boat you should play around with it. 

Let me give you an example:

I smoked approx. 10+ cigarettes per day. Some days I would burn the whole pack and some days I didn’t even bother to look at them. 

I started vaping with a 6mg nicotine mix and it was too strong for me. My throat started to hurt and there was no flavor in my vape.

So, when I bought my vape juice the other time, I opted for less nicotine.

After a few tweaks, back-and-forth I managed to find a perfect percentage for me; 0.3%.

You will have to do the same thing… (but don’t worry – it’s relatively easy. Here’s how you can ballpark it).

The Important Difference in Nicotine Absorption Between Vaping & Smoking 

To be completely honest with you, nicotine absorption between vaping and smoking is pretty much the same. It doesn’t matter which brand you smoke or what percentage you use in your e-liquid. Your body knows how much nicotine it needs and it will ask for it (nicotine cravings).

But… 

How long will your body stay satisfied by that nicotine hit and which is better?

 A study that was conducted in 2015 had a purpose of evaluating the nicotine delivery potential of e-cigarette devices in a group of smokers with no previous experience. 

They focused on plasma nicotine levels (the measurement used to define how much nicotine your body currently has). The final results show that vapers had a small decrease in plasma nicotine levels in their system 5 minutes after they stopped puffing. Comparing those results to smokers, their plasma nicotine levels drastically fell within the first minute. At the 5-minute mark, their bodies were already starting to create a need for another nicotine hit.

As you can see, through vaping body starts to regulate nicotine levels better and more efficiently. In the long run, you become less dependent on your nicotine products. After all, the main goal is to be free of nicotine addiction, isn’t it?

Nicotine Levels in Vapes and Cigarettes Demystified 

So here’s the good news… 

Nicotine levels in vape juice and cigarettes are easily compared. It’s simple to figure out what you need from your vape depending on how much you used to smoke.

And both nicotine types are pretty similar… vapes will have no problem when it comes to replacing that analog cigarette.

But… here’s the thing…

Vaping makes it so much easier to control your cravings…

And, it helps with regulating your nicotine intake…

Plus, it’s easier on your lungs (like, way easier).

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at the Kind Pen. We’ll do our best to guide you on selecting the right vape juice for you!

Need to Squash Your Nicotine Cravings Right Away?

Check Out Breezy — Our Brand New E-Juice Vaporizer With a Preheat Chamber!

Click Here to Order Your Breezy Vape Juice Pen Today