Salt nic and freebase are two forms of nicotine used in e-liquid. Salt nic is usually paired with low-wattage pod kits and higher-resistance coils, while freebase is usually paired with higher-wattage devices and lower-resistance coils. If you are not sure which your device needs, check the coil markings first, then match the liquid to the coil.
Vaping products are for adults 19 and older in Ontario. This guide is general information for adult customers.
What is freebase nicotine?
Freebase is nicotine in its original, unbonded form. It has been the standard type of nicotine in e-liquid for years, and it is still found in most bottles made for higher-powered devices.
In plain terms, the nicotine is dissolved straight into the liquid. As the listed strength goes up, freebase tends to have a sharper, more noticeable throat hit. You can browse our freebase e-liquids to see the range we carry.
What is a nicotine salt?
Nic salt is nicotine that has been combined with an acid, commonly benzoic acid. That lowers the pH of the liquid and changes how it feels in the throat.
The result tends to be a smoother throat feel at the same strength, which is why salt nic is usually listed at higher strengths than freebase. It became common alongside small pod devices, because those devices run at low power. Our salt nic e-liquids page shows what is in stock.
How do they feel different?
Feel is personal, so treat these as general descriptions only:
- Freebase: a sharper throat hit that becomes more noticeable as strength rises. Usually used with longer, larger draws on higher-wattage devices.
- Salt nic: a smoother throat feel, even at higher listed strengths. Usually used with small, tight draws on low-wattage devices.
Two other things change the feel as much as the nicotine type: the PG/VG ratio of the liquid, and how much power the coil runs at.
Which device suits which liquid?
Your device sets most of the answer.
- Low-wattage mouth-to-lung pod kits with higher-resistance coils (often around 1.0 ohm and up) are built around salt nic.
- Higher-wattage sub-ohm devices with coils under 1.0 ohm are built around freebase, usually at lower listed strengths and with thicker, higher-VG liquid.
Freebase also works in many mouth-to-lung setups at lower strengths. The coil or pod often prints a recommended wattage and liquid type, and that marking beats any general rule. Our refillable pod kit guide explains coil resistance in more detail.
Salt nic vs freebase at a glance
| Feature | Salt nic | Freebase |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Nicotine combined with an acid | Nicotine in its unbonded form |
| Throat feel | Smoother at higher strengths | Sharper as strength rises |
| Typical device | Low-wattage mouth-to-lung pod kits | Higher-wattage sub-ohm devices |
| Typical coil resistance | Higher, often around 1.0 ohm and up | Lower, often under 1.0 ohm |
| Typical PG/VG | Often balanced, or more PG | Often more VG, such as 70/30 VG/PG |
| Listed strengths | Commonly toward the higher end | Commonly toward the lower end |
| Canadian maximum | 20 mg/mL | 20 mg/mL |
How are nicotine strengths listed in Canada?
In Canada, strength is shown in milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid (mg/mL). Federal regulations set a maximum of 20 mg/mL for vaping products, and that cap applies to both salt nic and freebase. Some labels also show a percentage, where 20 mg/mL equals 2%.
Because the two types feel different, the same number does not feel the same across them. Read the strength on every label, and check the current limit on canada.ca if you want to confirm it.
PG and VG basics
Nearly every e-liquid is a mix of two carriers:
- PG (propylene glycol): thin, carries flavour well, and adds throat hit.
- VG (vegetable glycerin): thick, slightly sweet, and produces more vapour volume.
Small pod coils have narrow wicking channels, so they work best with thinner liquid. Large sub-ohm coils have more wicking room and handle thicker, higher-VG liquid. A very thick liquid in a small coil can wick poorly, and that leads to a burnt taste.
A simple way to choose
- Work out your device type: a low-wattage pod kit or a higher-wattage sub-ohm device.
- Read the coil’s resistance and recommended wattage.
- Pick the liquid type that matches, then check the PG/VG ratio against the coil.
- Read the strength on the label in mg/mL.
- If anything is unclear, ask before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use salt nic in a sub-ohm device?
It is generally not recommended. Salt nic is made for low-wattage devices, and the high power and larger draw of a sub-ohm setup can make it feel harsh. Follow the guidance printed on your coil.
Can I use freebase in a pod kit?
Often yes, if the liquid is thin enough for the coil and the coil is rated for it. Very thick, high-VG liquid can wick poorly in a small pod coil, so check the coil’s recommended liquid type.
What is the maximum nicotine strength in Canada?
The federal maximum is 20 mg/mL for vaping products, for both salt nic and freebase. Always check the label for the listed strength.
How do I know which type a bottle is?
The label should say whether it is salt nic (also written as nic salt) or freebase, and it lists the strength in mg/mL and the PG/VG ratio. If the label is unclear, ask a staff member.
Visit GTA Vapes Port Union
If you would like help matching a coil to a liquid, bring your device to our specialty vape shop at 91 Rylander Blvd, Unit 1018, Scarborough ON M1B 5M5. Staff can help you read the markings on your coil and the labels on your liquid. You can also learn more about our vape shop in Scarborough or call (416) 724-8237.
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 8am to 11pm, Thursday and Friday 8am to midnight, Saturday 9am to midnight, Sunday 10am to 11pm. We serve Port Union, West Rouge, Highland Creek, Centennial, West Hill, Guildwood, Rouge Hill GO, Morningside and the UTSC area. Same-day delivery is available within 10 km of the store on orders of $60 or more placed by 6pm. Photo ID is required at handoff, and you must be 19 or older.
