Is 20mg of nicotine in a vape a lot? A comprehensive guide to understanding strength

September 28, 2025 •

4 min read

In many countries, 20mg/ml is the maximum legal strength for nicotine e-liquid, making the question 'Is 20mg of nicotine in a vape a lot?' a critical one for many new and transitioning vapers to understand the concentration's impact.

This guide will provide a detailed look at what this strength means for different users.

Quick Summary

A 20mg/ml nicotine concentration is considered high and is typically intended for heavy smokers transitioning from traditional cigarettes; however, its actual effect depends on individual tolerance, device type, and whether the liquid contains freebase or salt nicotine.

Key Points

High Concentration: 20mg/ml (or 2%) is a high nicotine concentration, often the maximum allowed by regulations in many countries.
For Heavy Smokers: This strength is primarily recommended for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes per day) who are transitioning to vaping.
Nicotine Salts: 20mg is made tolerable by using nicotine salts, which provide a smoother throat hit and quicker absorption than freebase nicotine.
Not for Casual Users: For light or social smokers, 20mg is excessively high and can increase nicotine dependence and side effects.
Assess Side Effects: If you experience headaches, nausea, or dizziness while vaping, your nicotine level may be too high.
Gradual Reduction: Many vapers use 20mg initially to quit smoking and then reduce their nicotine strength over time as their cravings decrease.

Understanding Nicotine Strength: The Basics

When you see '20mg' on a vape product, it typically refers to 20 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter of e-liquid (20mg/ml). This can also be expressed as a 2% nicotine concentration. It's crucial to understand this unit because the total amount of nicotine consumed will also depend on the volume of e-liquid in the device and how frequently you use it.

For example, a 2ml disposable vape with a 20mg/ml concentration contains a total of 40mg of nicotine. However, this is not the total amount absorbed by the body, as much is exhaled and absorption rates differ significantly between vaping and smoking.

How 20mg Compares to Traditional Cigarettes

Making a direct comparison between nicotine from a vape and a cigarette is complex. A typical cigarette contains between 8mg and 20mg of nicotine, but the body absorbs only 1mg to 2mg of that. Conversely, nicotine from a vape is absorbed differently and over a longer period. For a heavy smoker accustomed to a pack a day (absorbing 20mg to 40mg), a 20mg/ml vape can offer a comparable nicotine hit to manage cravings. For a light or social smoker, 20mg is a very high concentration that could easily lead to excessive nicotine intake.

Nicotine absorption factors:

Device power: Higher-wattage devices produce more vapor and, therefore, more nicotine per puff than lower-power pod systems.
Puffing style: Longer, deeper puffs increase nicotine intake compared to shorter, shallower ones.
Nicotine type: Nicotine salts are absorbed faster into the bloodstream than freebase nicotine, providing a quicker, more intense hit that feels closer to a cigarette.

Freebase Nicotine vs. Nicotine Salts

There are two primary types of nicotine used in e-liquids, and their chemical makeup significantly affects the vaping experience at 20mg:

Freebase Nicotine: This is the conventional form of nicotine. At high concentrations like 20mg, it produces a harsh throat hit that can be unpleasant for many users, even heavy smokers. This is why high-nicotine freebase liquids are less common.
Nicotine Salts: Formulated with benzoic acid, nic salts reduce the harshness of high-concentration nicotine, allowing for a much smoother inhale. This makes a 20mg or even higher strength palatable and effective, particularly in low-powered pod systems and disposable vapes. Nicotine salts also absorb more quickly, satisfying cravings faster. Most 20mg products available today use nic salts for this reason.

Is 20mg Right for You? A User Profile Comparison

Your ideal nicotine strength is highly personal and depends primarily on your previous smoking habits. Starting with the wrong concentration can be an uncomfortable or ineffective experience.


User Profile	Previous Habit	Recommended Nicotine Strength	Why 20mg Might Be Used
Heavy Smoker	20+ cigarettes per day	18mg–20mg (Nic Salts)	To provide a strong, satisfying dose to manage cravings effectively.
Moderate Smoker	Up to a pack a day	10mg–12mg	20mg may be too high and cause overconsumption; a medium strength is more appropriate.
Light/Casual Smoker	Less than 10 cigarettes per day	3mg–6mg	20mg is unnecessarily high and risks increased nicotine dependence; lower strength is safer.
Non-Smoker	Never smoked	0mg	Any nicotine is not recommended; 20mg is extremely high and highly addictive.

Potential Health Effects and Risks of a High Nicotine Dose

While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, consuming high levels of nicotine like 20mg is not without risk. Nicotine is an addictive and psychoactive substance. Some potential side effects and health concerns include:

Increased addiction: The rapid absorption from nic salts can increase the potential for dependence.
Nicotine overdose symptoms: Using a high-strength vape too frequently can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, or heart palpitations.
Cardiovascular strain: Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Oral health issues: The chemicals in e-liquid can contribute to gum and dental problems.
Poisoning risk: Liquid nicotine is toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin, especially for children and pets. This risk is higher with concentrated e-liquids.

If you experience any adverse effects, reduce your nicotine strength or usage immediately.

Considerations for Choosing Your Nicotine Level

Finding the right nicotine strength is a matter of trial and error, but starting with an informed decision based on your smoking history is the best approach. If you were a pack-a-day smoker, 20mg might be a necessary starting point. However, many vapers aim to gradually reduce their nicotine intake over time. A good strategy is to begin at a strength that effectively curbs cravings and then step down to lower concentrations as your dependence diminishes. Always listen to your body and adjust your usage accordingly.

For more information on the health implications of vaping and quitting, consult a healthcare professional. You can also find authoritative resources from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here.

Conclusion: Is 20mg a lot?

The answer is a definitive yes, especially if you were not a heavy smoker. For those transitioning from heavy cigarette use, it serves a specific purpose in managing withdrawal symptoms, particularly when delivered via smooth nicotine salts. However, it is a potent and addictive substance that should be approached with caution. Understanding your personal needs, device capabilities, and the difference between nicotine types is key to making an informed and responsible choice about your vaping habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 20mg of nicotine in a vape is highly addictive. Nicotine is a potent and addictive substance, and higher concentrations, especially when delivered efficiently via nicotine salts, can increase the risk of dependency.

While not a direct comparison due to different absorption methods, a 20mg/ml vape can deliver a comparable amount of nicotine to a heavy smoker's daily intake. A 2ml vape at 20mg/ml contains 40mg total, roughly equivalent in nicotine content to a pack of 20 cigarettes.

Excessive use of 20mg nicotine can lead to side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, and anxiety. If these symptoms occur, it's a sign that your nicotine intake is too high.

Yes. Most disposable vapes contain 20mg/ml nicotine salts because they are designed for heavy smokers seeking a high, fast-acting dose in a small device. It is considered a high concentration for this type of product.

Starting with 20mg is not recommended for beginners unless they are heavy, long-term smokers transitioning directly from cigarettes. Light or casual smokers should start at a much lower strength (e.g., 3mg or 6mg) to avoid potential overdose and rapid addiction.

Pay attention to your body. Signs that 20mg is too much include feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or experiencing a rapid heartbeat. You might also find yourself vaping more frequently than intended due to the quick nicotine hit.

There is no difference; they are two ways of expressing the same concentration. 20mg/ml means 20 milligrams per milliliter. Since there are 1,000mg in a gram and liquid is measured in milliliters, 20mg/ml is equal to 2% nicotine by volume.