What is Salt Nic? Everything You Need to Know

 

What is salt nic? Anyone new to the world of vaping has likely asked themselves this question at some point. Nicotine salts hit the scene in 2015 and since then have become a popular type of juice for people who have recently quit smoking or who need to go long periods between puffs.

The high nicotine concentration of nic salt quickly and efficiently delivers nicotine to your bloodstream. This drastically reduces how often you need to hit your vape to get the same rush that you might be accustomed to if you're used to traditional cigarettes.

However, it is not just ex-smokers who have jumped on the bandwagon. Veteran vapers and people from all walks of life swear by nicotine salt e-liquid.

What is Salt Nic?

Salt nic or nicotine salt is an innovative form of vaping that uses a high nicotine level in its natural state to give you a quick and satisfying throat hit. It rivals the one you would get from smoking a traditional cigarette.

It is a stable alternative to using traditional nicotine and has been used by people looking for an efficient delivery of nicotine without smoking tobacco cigarettes and all the added chemicals that come with it.

Salt Nics vs. Freebase Nicotine

Salt nicotine is a specialized type of juice, whereas freebase nicotine is what you find in most traditional vape juice (unless stated otherwise).

Freebase (Traditional) Nicotine

Traditional nicotine is often known as freebase nicotine. This type of nicotine is found in traditional VG/PG e-juices. It is named after the nicotine extraction method.

Freebase nicotine is extracted by releasing nicotine from the salt in which nicotine is naturally found. This results in distilled freebase nicotine in its purest form. It must be mixed with VG, PG and flavouring to achieve the traditional vape juice we know today.

However, one major downside is that the final freebase nicotine has a high PG level. This directly impacts the harshness of your hit. So if you smoke higher strengths of nicotine you will have a more severe throat hit. 

This harshness can turn off potential vapers who feel they need a high nicotine level in their vape juice to quit smoking but don't like the unpleasantness that might come with this type of juice.

Depending on the recipe of the juice (50/50, 70/30, or Max VG), traditional vape juice with freebase nicotine will exhibit different attributes. For example:

  • 70PG/30VG is known for delivering a satisfying throat hit. This is great for people who are making the switch from tobacco or who prefer an MTL device.
  • 50PG/50VG is a versatile blend which hits the ideal balance between flavour and vapour delivery. It is suitable for the majority of devices.
  • Max VG is ideal for cloud chasers since it offers huge vapour production and great flavour. It’s compatible with Sub Ohm or DTL devices.

Overall freebase nicotine is known to absorb nicotine slower into your system and build up over a longer period of time.

Salt Nicotine

Nic salts use the natural state of nicotine from the tobacco leaf, which is extracted and bonded with benzoic acid. This alternative method of nicotine extraction was discovered by PAX Labs in 2015, which they received a patent for. It is revolutionary because it balances the PH levels in the nicotine to result in a smoother throat hit than the one that you get with freebase nic.

Because nicotine salt is absorbed in the bloodstream much faster than freebase nicotine, you feel the rush practically instantaneously. This method more closely mimics the feeling of traditional cigarettes.

Salt Nic Flavour

If you've been using regular vape juice for years and you’re considering making the switch to nic salts, one of the biggest concerns you may have is whether the quality of the flavour or clouds is compromised. In most cases, when it comes to flavour, you will have more intense flavour at higher levels of nicotine with salt nics than with traditional vape juice.

However, if you are vaping at lower nicotine levels you are probably better off with traditional vape juice for more intense flavour. The upside of nicotine salt is the high concentration of nicotine and the immediacy with which it hits, so it simply comes down to what is more valuable to you.

Salt Nic Clouds

Vaping with traditional nicotine versus vaping nicotine salts produces two drastically different clouds. If vaping discreetly is a priority of yours, making the switch to salt nics may be something you want to do. However, if you prefer an inhale that will result in a huge cloud, then you'll want to stick with freebase nicotine.

Traditional nicotine is conducive to the high-powered, sub-ohm machines that are perfect for producing large clouds. On the other hand, salt nicotine vapourizes at lower temperatures, which is great for low wattage devices. This results in smaller, stealthier clouds that are perfect for the user looking to be more low-key.

Benefits of Nicotine Salts

Faster Absorption

One of the biggest perks is most notably the time it takes to feel a nicotine hit. Because the nicotine is in its natural state, it reaches your bloodstream significantly faster than freebase nicotine and satisfies your nicotine cravings much more quickly.

Satisfaction

The fast absorption means you can satisfy your cravings fast. With nicotine salt, you can vape less than you would with freebase nicotine to feel the effects of what you've been inhaling.

Longer Between Puffs

The high nicotine levels in nicotine salts mean you can go longer without hitting your vape. If you can't vape at a moment's notice, then salt nicotine might be an alternative you want to try.

Smoother Throat Hit

Regular vape juice with high nicotine levels are notoriously harsh. Nicotine salts deliver a much smoother throat hit without compromising on nicotine levels.

Flavours

Nicotine salt e-liquids don't sacrifice on flavour. You can still find a wide range of sweet and savoury flavours to vape with.

Chemical Stability & Long Shelf Life

Nicotine salts are more chemically stable than their freebase nicotine counterparts so they have a significantly longer shelf life. For longer, you'll be greeted by the same satisfying rush and smooth throat hit that you found when you first purchased your product.

Drawbacks of Salt Nics

Nic salt e-liquids tend to be a little more expensive than regular vape juice. However, with the longer shelf life, this can pay off in the long run.

Another drawback is that they are not highly customizable like other DTL devices. You must use low wattage devices so you are somewhat limited to what you can do with them outside of their designated purpose.

Using Nicotine Salts to Quit Smoking

Quitting cigarettes is notoriously difficult. Smoking gives you a rush of nicotine which can be tough to replicate with vaping. This may be why some cigarette smokers are unable to make the transition.

Many people feel that when it comes to quitting cigarettes, you need an alternative that will truly rival the experience of smoking and satisfy your craving for nicotine. They believe that you can't just go from smoking to nothing at all or even a lower nicotine content vape.

If you've been struggling to make the transition from cigarettes to vaping, nicotine salts may be a better solution for you due to the quick delivery to the bloodstream and cigarette-like hit and rush.

In addition to that rush of nicotine that you may be accustomed to, you have the added benefit of not having to smoke much to get the same level of nicotine. Ultimately, you get both the smooth throat hits and an actual sustainable solution to help you quit smoking.

Vapours Kick the Nic Program

Ultimately our goal is to help you kick the nicotine all together. That is why we have created the Kick the Nic program to help you gradually lower your nicotine dose so that eventually you are only vaping vapour.

At Vapours Canada we manufacture our own e-liquid, so we are able to offer our customers customizable nicotine levels in their juice. Our knowledgeable staff will help reduce the potency of your juice and customize the nicotine amounts, making it easier to quit altogether.

No more being stuck with only 3mg, 6mg and 12mg options. Want an 8mg? Sure! How about 4mg? Sounds good. 1mg? Totally doable. When it comes to quitting nicotine, you can take it one refill at a time.

Salt Nicotine Devices

Whether you've been vaping for a while or you are new to the scene, you may wonder what device to use with your salt nics. Likewise, many people question if it's okay to use sub-ohm machines with nicotine salt – and the answer is no. Because of the higher nicotine content with salt nicotine, it's generally not recommended to use a sub-ohm device.

We recommend using a high-ohm, low-wattage vape kit, device or pen to vape with nicotine salts. This ensures you'll get a measured release of nicotine so you'll still be able to enjoy that smooth throat hit and rush of nicotine that you crave.

There are currently two different types of low-powered machines available on the market: open systems and closed pod systems. Open systems are manually refillable but with closed systems you have to buy replacement cartridges or pods.

No matter which device type you go with, you'll be pleased by how intuitive and easy to use they are. Vape kits can seem intimidating at first but in most cases low wattage devices for salt nics have a no-fuss design. You won't need to learn how a complicated, high-tech vape device works.

Should I Make the Switch to Nicotine Salts?

Deciding whether to make the jump to nic salts from traditional cigarettes or regular vape juice is a personal decision. However, there are plenty of reasons for people from both groups to warrant the switch.

If you're looking for a satisfying vape experience, no throat irritation and a helpful way of kicking your cigarette habit, nic salts are a wonderful alternative and could be the perfect solution for you.

Additionally, if you're tired of the same vaping experience then nic salts could be an avenue for you to explore a new part of the vaping world.

At Vapours Canada, we are dedicated to educating smokers on an alternative to traditional tobacco experience. If you have questions about whether nicotine salts are right for you, visit one of our six vape shops across Ontario or get in touch via phone or email today.

Salt Nic Flavours

If you are getting started on your nicotine salts journey, consider our juicy flavours. Our Salt Gods line is inspired by the Greek Gods. From the tropical blend of Aphrodite to the ever-popular Aries, be sure to check out our salt nics and enjoy their sensational flavour.

Our Favourite Flavour

While all flavours are great, Apollo is a classic and popular option our customers love. It's been crafted specifically for salt nicotine and is a repurposed version of our red, white and blue rocket popsicle. Try it today for an invigorating vape experience that'll have you coming back for more.

Disclaimer

The Vapours Canada blog is meant to provide education and  information for those looking to transition from smoking cigarettes to vaping e-liquid. These thoughts and opinions are entirely our own, and have been gathered through working in this industry extensively, as well as using these products ourselves for a prolonged period of time. In no way are we claiming vaping to be healthy for the user. If you have any doubts, please consult your doctor to see if vaping is right for you. You must be of legal age in your state/province  to vape.