Freebase Nicotine: The Ultimate Guide / What You Need To Know

Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been vaping for a while, this guide will break down everything you need to know about freebase nicotine—what it is, how it works, and which devices work best with it.

What is Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine is the purest and most potent form of nicotine used in e-liquids.

High VG juices designed for sub-ohm tanks use freebase nicotine, and so do higher PG variants designed for MTL vapes and pod vapes.

Although in recent times, high PG vape juices have dropped in popularity with the advent of nicotine salt e-liquids which deliver better flavor and a smoother hit.

Unlike the nicotine salts found naturally in tobacco leaves, freebase nicotine goes through a chemical process to make it stronger and more bioavailable when inhaled.

This process was first popularized by cigarette giant Phillip Morris in the 1960s when they discovered that adding ammonia made nicotine hit harder—and, let’s be real, more addictive.

This freebased version of Marlboro cigarettes was one of the greatest triumphs in the history of modern drug design and one reason the brand became the world’s most popular cigarette.

Yet to this day, Philip Morris denies it has ever deliberately freebased tobacco to boost nicotine yields.

The company recalls only the many innocuous uses of ammonia—as a “flavorant” or binder required for the manufacture of recon, for example.

The industry reminds us that ammonia is naturally found in foods, fertilizers, and the very air we breathe – study

Today, e-liquid manufacturers use the same technique to maximize nicotine strength and absorption.

How is Freebase Nicotine Made?

The process of freebasing involves altering nicotine’s chemical structure to increase its effectiveness.

Here’s how it works:

1. Extraction – Nicotine is pulled from tobacco leaves in its natural salt form.
2. Chemical Modification – Ammonia or another alkaline substance is added to strip away protons, making nicotine more potent.
3. Enhanced Absorption – The result is a faster-acting, highly potent nicotine that hits hard and absorbs efficiently.

Because of this process, freebase nicotine is more volatile than nicotine salts, which means it delivers a stronger hit when vaped.

Freebase Nicotine: What to Expect

High VG e-liquids are made for high-performance vape tanks, like sub-ohm tanks.

They’re the top choice for cloud chasers and flavor enthusiasts, but there’s a catch—you need to keep the nicotine levels low.

• Stick to 3MG or 6MG—this keeps the throat hit smooth while still delivering big clouds.
• Anything above 6MG? It gets harsh, fast.

On the flip side, nicotine salt e-liquids are the complete opposite. If you’re using an MTL vape device, you’ll want to use nic salts juice.

Here’s why:

• Higher nicotine levels (starting at 10MG and going up to 50MG)
• Designed for low-power pod systems
• Made for a smooth, cigarette-like throat hit
• Do NOT use nicotine salts in a sub-ohm tank.

Nicotine salts are meant for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping, and if you try running them in a high-powered device, you’re in for a brutal throat burn.

If you like that traditional smoking sensation, this is your best bet.

Who Should Use Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine e-liquids with higher nicotine levels taste, well… bloody awful.

The throat hit is incredibly harsh and for this reason they should be avoided. 

At lower levels of nicotine, anywhere from 3MG up to a maximum of 12MG, freebase nicotine is fine. 

Generally speaking, the lower the nicotine content, the better the flavor.

If you need higher than 6MG, go with nicotine salts and switch to a pod vape. 

The ONLY time you’ll need to use freebase nicotine juice is if you’re running a sub-ohm tank or a high-power rebuildable, and fewer and fewer people are using these types of vapes these days. 

Everybody has switched to pods and disposables because they’re simpler to use, nice and compact, deliver a better hit, and pack in lots of flavor. 

Here’s who freebase nicotine suits best:

✅ Great for:

• Experienced vapers who love a strong throat hit
• Users with sub-ohm and high-wattage devices
• Cloud chasers using 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG e-liquids
• Flavor fanatics who want unmuted, rich taste and low nicotine levels

❌ Not ideal for:

• Beginners who need a smoother experience with higher levels of nicotine
• Those who want high nicotine levels without the harshness
• Users with low-power pod systems (nicotine salts work better here)

Freebase Nicotine vs. Nicotine Salts

Bottom Line:

• If you want a powerful throat hit and rich flavor, go with freebase nicotine.
• If you prefer a smooth, cigarette-like experience, nicotine salts are the way to go.

Is Freebase Nicotine Safe?

Let’s be real—vaping is generally less harmful than smoking, but nicotine is still a stimulant, meaning there are risks.

Public Health England says vaping is 97% safer than vaping but you’re still best off – for optimal health – not vaping or smoking.

Nicotine is incredibly addictive for starters, so if you’re not a current smoker looking to quit cigarettes you literally have no business using vape products.

What the Research Says:

A study from the University of Louisville found that both freebase nicotine and nicotine salts can affect heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to irregular heartbeats.

Key Findings:

• Nicotine salts were found to have stronger cardiovascular effects.
• The type and amount of nicotine you consume impacts its potential risks.

Tips for Safer Vaping:

• Avoid super high nicotine levels if you don’t need them.
• Use trusted e-liquid brands to avoid sketchy additives.
• Stay hydrated—nicotine can dry you out.
• Take breaks to prevent overuse or switch to something like nicotine pouches; this is how I quit vaping.

Best Devices & E-Liquids for Freebase Nicotine

If you’re using freebase nicotine, you need a powerful setup to get the best performance.

✅ Top Picks:

• Sub-ohm tanks
• Box mods with adjustable wattage – Fine-tune your vape
• RDAs & RTAs – Build your own coils for max customization

🔥 Best E-Liquid Ratios for Freebase Nicotine

• 70/30 VG/PG – Smooth balance of flavor and vapor
• 80/20 VG/PG – Ideal for cloud chasers, slightly less throat hit

Regulations & Legal Stuff

Vaping laws vary widely depending on where you are, so it’s always a good idea to check local regulations before buying or using e-cigarettes.

In the US, the laws are strict and vary from state to state. Some states have flavor bans, other do not.

This makes life incredibly hard not just for vapers but also vape companies operating in the United States.

The return of Donald Trump and RFK Jnr’s appointment could change some of this but most market-watchers are dubious.

Here’s a breakdown of the rules in different regions:

🇺🇸 United States (FDA Regulations)

In the U.S., the FDA regulates e-cigarettes under tobacco product laws, which means:

✔️ Minimum age to purchase is 21—applies to both in-store and online sales.
✔️ Companies must get FDA approval before selling e-cigarette products.
✔️ The FDA controls manufacturing, labeling, advertising, and distribution of all vape products.

🇪🇺 European Union (TPD Laws)

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) sets vaping laws across the EU:

✔️ Nicotine e-liquids are capped at 20mg/ml (higher strengths are banned).
✔️ Refillable vape tanks cannot exceed 2ml capacity.
✔️ E-liquids must have child-resistant and tamper-proof packaging.
✔️ Text-only warnings and informational leaflets are required.

🇦🇺 Australia (Strict Prescription Rules)

Australia has some of the toughest vaping laws in the world:

✔️ Nicotine e-liquids require a doctor’s prescription—you can’t buy them over the counter.
✔️ Prescriptions must come from an authorized doctor and follow government guidelines.
✔️ All nicotine e-liquids sold in pharmacies must meet strict safety standards.

🌍 Other Countries & Notable Regulations

Wrapping Up…

Why High VG E-Liquids Work Best in Sub-Ohm Tanks

High VG e-liquids are thicker and designed to be used in powerful, high-wattage devices like sub-ohm tanks and rebuildable atomizers (RDAs & RTAs).

They’re great for clouds and thick, dense vapor.

However, when using high VG juices, nicotine levels should stay low—3MG to 6MG is the sweet spot.

• ✅ 3MG – 6MG – Perfect for sub-ohm vaping, offering a smooth throat hit and massive vapor production.
• ⚠️ Above 6MG? – The throat hit can become harsh and uncomfortable, making the experience less enjoyable.

Why does this happen? High VG juices produce more vapor, meaning more nicotine is delivered per puff.

Using higher nicotine strengths in a sub-ohm setup can feel overpowering, leading to an excessively strong throat hit and potential discomfort.

Nicotine Salts: The Better Option for MTL Vapes

If you’re using a low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape—such as a pod system—you’ll want to ditch high VG juices and go for nicotine salts instead.

• 🔹 Nicotine salt e-liquids are formulated for higher nicotine strengths—ranging from 10MG up to 50MG—without the harshness associated with freebase nicotine.
• 🔹 Since MTL devices produce less vapor, they don’t deliver as much nicotine per puff as sub-ohm setups. This makes nic salts the ideal solution for ex-smokers and those who prefer a quick, satisfying hit with minimal cloud production.
• 🚨 Warning: Never use nicotine salts in a high-wattage or sub-ohm vape. The combination of high nicotine levels and powerful vapor production will destroy your throat and lead to an intense, unpleasant experience.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right E-Liquid for Your Vape Style

The right e-liquid depends entirely on your vaping style and device.

• ✔️ If you love huge clouds and rich flavors, go for high VG e-liquids in a sub-ohm tank—but keep your nicotine levels low (3MG-6MG).
• ✔️ If you prefer a smooth, cigarette-like hit with higher nicotine levels, opt for nicotine salt e-liquids in an MTL pod system.

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