What’s the Difference Between Salt Nic and Freebase Nicotine?

CraveVape
Nov 6, 2025
4 min read

A guide by Crave Vapes – Your trusted vape source in Toronto and across Canada

If you’ve browsed e-liquids online or walked into Crave Vapes in Toronto, you’ve probably noticed labels like “salt nic” or “freebase nicotine.”

But what do these terms actually mean? Which one is right for your device, your goals, and your vaping style?

In this guide, we break it down clearly — with Health Canada–linked info, device tips, and a handy side-by-side comparison.

What is Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine is the original form of nicotine used in early vaping products. It’s also the same type of nicotine used in cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gum — except in e-liquid, it’s vaporized and inhaled.

According to Health Canada, nicotine in vaping products can come in several forms, and freebase is one of the most widely used.

Key Features:

Stronger throat hit at higher strengths
Works best in sub-ohm or direct-to-lung (DTL) setups
Typically found in strengths like 3 mg, 6 mg, or 12 mg

Pros:

Great for big cloud production
Better flavour clarity in some setups
Suitable for experienced vapers or low-nicotine users

Cons:

Harsh at high nicotine strengths
Less ideal for small pod systems
Slower absorption compared to salt nic

What is Salt Nicotine (Nicotine Salts)?

Salt nicotine (aka salt nic) is a modified form of nicotine that uses an acid (usually benzoic acid) to lower pH and make the vapor less harsh on the throat — even at high concentrations.

This means you can get more nicotine per puff without the burning sensation associated with strong freebase liquids. That’s why salt nic is so popular among new vapers and ex-smokers using compact pod systems.

Health Canada notes that vaping nicotine, regardless of form, still poses a risk of dependence, especially in youth and non-smokers — so it’s important to choose wisely and vape responsibly.

Key Features:

High nicotine strengths (up to 20 mg/mL in Canada)
Smooth throat feel, even at higher doses
Ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices or low-wattage pods

Pros:

Satisfying for heavier smokers transitioning to vaping
Less irritation, quicker nicotine delivery
Discreet, low-vapour setups possible

Cons:

Not suitable for sub-ohm/high-wattage devices
Some find flavour slightly muted
Can deliver more nicotine than expected if overused

⚠️ Legal Note: In Canada, the Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations limit the maximum nicotine strength to 20 mg/mL for all vaping products — including salts and freebase.

Salt Nic vs Freebase Nicotine: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Freebase Nicotine	Salt Nicotine
Common Strengths	3–12 mg/mL	10–20 mg/mL
Throat Hit	Stronger	Smoother
Best Device Type	Sub-ohm tanks, DTL mods	Pod systems, MTL vapes
Vapour Clouds	More	Less
Nicotine Delivery Speed	Moderate	Faster
Ideal For	Cloud chasers, experienced users	New vapers, smokers quitting
Legal Strength Limit	20 mg/mL (Canada-wide)	20 mg/mL (Canada-wide)

Which One Should You Choose?

At Crave Vapes, we want you to get the best experience based on your goals, your device, and your preferences. Here are a few simple ways to decide:

1. What Device Are You Using?

Pod or low-wattage kit: Go for salt nic for smoother experience
Sub-ohm tank or mod: Stick with freebase nicotine to avoid too much nicotine per
puff

2. How Often Do You Vape?

Light or occasional: Salt nic in small sessions is usually enough
Frequent sessions or cloud-focused: Freebase gives more control and smoother flavours at low strength

3. Do You Care About Throat Hit?

Prefer a strong hit: Freebase is ideal
Prefer a smooth draw: Salt nic all the way

4. Are You Transitioning from Smoking?

Salt nic is often preferred by ex-smokers for its fast relief and smoother inhale

5. Want Flavour First?

Freebase nicotine sometimes offers slightly clearer flavour, especially with dessert or layered blends

Safety, Legal Compliance & Smart Use

Whether you choose salt nic or freebase, vaping should be done with care, especially in accordance with Canadian laws and best practices.

Here’s what Health Canada advises:

Don’t use high-nicotine liquids in high-powered devices. This can result in excessive nicotine intake, dizziness, or nausea.
Store products safely. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Always close bottles tightly.
Buy from licensed retailers. Crave Vapes is a verified and compliant retailer based in Toronto, offering only products approved under Canadian guidelines.
Be aware of youth vaping concerns. Salt nic products can be tempting to new users. Vaping products are intended for adult smokers or vapers only. Learn more about the risks from Canada.ca.

Why Choose Crave Vapes?

At Crave Vapes, we’re committed to your experience — not just your purchase.

💨 A curated selection of premium salt nic & freebase e-liquids
🔍 Expert help finding the right strength, device, or flavour
📦 Canada-wide shipping or in-store pickup at 1475 Eglinton Ave W
💡 Ongoing education, transparency, and community service

Whether you’re browsing cravevapes.ca or visiting us in person, we’re always ready to help you vape smarter and safer.

Final Thoughts

Salt nic and freebase nicotine offer very different experiences, even though they deliver the same substance. Your ideal option depends on your device, goals, and comfort — and if you’re ever unsure, our staff can guide you.