The number of cigarettes equivalent to a vape depends primarily on the nicotine content and how much nicotine is absorbed by the user. Here are the key points:
- One disposable vape typically contains nicotine equivalent to about a pack of 20 cigarettes. For example, a 2 ml disposable vape with a nicotine strength of 20 mg/ml contains about 40 mg of nicotine, roughly equal to the nicotine absorbed from smoking 20 cigarettes
- On average, a smoker absorbs about 1 to 2 mg of nicotine per cigarette, so 20 cigarettes yield about 20-40 mg of nicotine absorbed by the body
- Nicotine absorption from vaping and smoking differs, so exact equivalence is difficult. Studies show vapers often have lower blood nicotine concentrations than smokers, meaning you might need more puffs to feel the same effect
- Puff count comparisons suggest about 10-15 vape puffs equal one cigarette. Since a disposable vape can deliver hundreds or thousands of puffs, this translates to many cigarettes. For example, a vape with 20,000 puffs could be roughly equivalent to over 1,300 cigarettes on a puff-for-puff basis, though actual usage varies
- Rough estimates also say 1 ml of e-liquid at around 18-20 mg/ml nicotine is equivalent to about 20 cigarettes
In summary, one disposable vape often contains nicotine roughly equal to a pack of cigarettes (20 cigarettes), but the exact number varies with nicotine concentration, vaping style, and absorption differences. Puff-for-puff, about 10-15 puffs equal one cigarette
