Vaping 101: Everything a First-Time Vaper in Canada Needs to Know

Making the switch from smoking to vaping—or trying vaping for the first time—can feel overwhelming. With so many devices, e-liquids, and nicotine options available, it’s hard to know where to begin. This guide is designed to walk you through the basics of vaping, explain your options, and help you start your journey with confidence.

Whether you’re a smoker looking for an alternative, or you’re simply curious about vaping, this beginner-friendly guide will cover everything you need to know.

🔹 What Is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor from a device that heats e-liquid (also called vape juice). Unlike smoking, vaping doesn’t burn tobacco. Instead, the device vaporizes liquid, producing a smooth cloud of vapor.

Key differences from smoking:

• 🚭 No combustion, smoke, or ash
• 🌬️ Cleaner inhale and exhale (no lingering odor)
• 🧩 Customizable with different devices, flavors, and nicotine levels

This flexibility is what makes vaping appealing to so many Canadians—especially those transitioning away from cigarettes.

🔹 The Main Types of Vape Devices

Choosing your first device is one of the biggest decisions for a beginner. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Disposable Vapes

• Pre-filled with e-juice and ready to use out of the box.
• No initial charging or refilling required.
• Once the juice runs out, you simply dispose of it.
• Best for: Beginners who want a hassle-free start.

2. Pod System

• Small, sleek devices with refillable or replaceable pods.
• Rechargeable batteries for long-term use.
• Huge variety of flavors and nicotine strengths.
• Best for: Beginners who want a balance of simplicity and customization.

3. Mods & Tanks

• Larger, more advanced devices with customizable settings.
• Adjustable airflow, wattage, and coil types for big clouds and strong flavor.
• Requires more maintenance and knowledge.
• Best for: Experienced vapers looking for performance.

👉 Beginner Tip: If you’re just starting out, stick with disposables or pod systems. They’re easier to use, portable, and affordable.

🔹 What’s in E-Juice?

E-juice (or e-liquid) is what creates the vapor. It’s made up of four main ingredients:

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG) → Produces thick clouds and a smoother hit.
• Propylene Glycol (PG) → Carries flavor better and provides a stronger throat hit.
• Nicotine (optional) → Comes in different strengths to suit your needs.
• Flavoring → Fruity, dessert, menthol, candy—you name it!

Most e-juices are a mix of VG and PG, and the ratio affects your experience:

• 50/50 VG/PG → Balanced throat hit and vapor. Great for pod systems and typically a nicotine salt would be used in a pod system although not limited (only by coil ohm/type)
• High VG (70%+) → Bigger clouds, smoother hit. Best for sub-ohm tanks and mods.
• High PG (70%+) → Stronger throat hit, less vapor. Great for those who miss the feel of smoking. Most ejuice manufacturers do not typically produce but can easily be created by adding PG to you juice.

🔹 Nicotine Strengths Explained

Picking the right nicotine level is crucial to enjoying vaping:

• 0mg → Nicotine-free. Perfect if you just want flavor and clouds.
• 3–6mg (freebase) → Light nicotine hit. Works well in mods with big vapor and typically comes in a 70/30 VG/PG ratio.
• 10–20mg (nicotine salts) → Closest to smoking a regular cigarette. Ideal for most beginners switching from cigarettes OR vapors who rely on higher nicotine cravings without the harsh throat hit that freebase would give. Essentially allows you to vape a higher nicotine juice comfortably. Nicotine salts are created by combining freebase nicotine (the standard form used in most e-liquids) with an organic acid commonly benzoic acid. The body absorbs nicotine salts quicker than freebase mimicking a traditional cigarette.

👉 Pro Tip: Start lower if you’re unsure. It’s easier to increase nicotine strength than to cut back if it feels too harsh.

🔹 Common Beginner Questions

❓ Is vaping safer than smoking?

Health Canada notes that vaping is less harmful than smoking because it doesn’t involve burning tobacco. That said, it’s not risk-free. The best choice is to avoid both—but for smokers, vaping can be a less harmful alternative.

❓ How much does vaping cost compared to smoking?

On average, vaping is cheaper in the long run. While disposables cost $19–$36 each, refillable pod systems and e-juice refills are far more affordable than buying cigarettes daily.

❓ Do all vapes make big clouds?

No. Cloud size depends on your device and e-juice. Disposables and pod systems produce smaller, discreet clouds, while mods are designed for big vapor.

❓ Can I vape anywhere in Canada?

Vaping laws vary by province. In most areas, vaping is restricted in the same places as smoking. Always check local regulations before vaping in public.

🔹 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting with the wrong nicotine strength → Too high can feel harsh; too low won’t satisfy cravings.
2. Skipping research on devices → A complex mod might frustrate a beginner.
3. Not maintaining your device → Clean your pod/tank regularly for better functioning and better flavor.
4. Chain vaping → Take breaks to avoid nicotine overload.
5. Buying from untrusted sources → Always choose reputable shops for safety and quality. Make sure that proper Federally Excise Tax stamp is affixed and never buy from black market vendors. These dealers are unauthorized to sell e-liquids and thier only goal is to make money with no regard for customer safety standards.

🔹 Tips for a Smooth Start

• Charge your device fully before use.
• Take short, gentle puffs instead of hard drags.
• Experiment with flavors—don’t be afraid to try something new.
• Track your nicotine intake so you can adjust if needed.
• Stay updated on Canadian regulations—rules change frequently.

🔹 Why Canadians Choose Vaping

For many Canadians, vaping offers:

• Control → Choose nicotine levels that match your needs.
• Variety → From fruity blends to menthol to dessert flavors.
• Cost savings → Long-term vaping is usually cheaper than smoking.
• Convenience → Small, portable devices that fit into daily life.
• Cleaner experience → No ash, no lingering smell, and less mess with no known cancer casuing affects like over 2000 in a traditiional cigarette.

✅ Final Thoughts

Vaping can feel like a big step, but once you understand the basics—devices, e-juice, and nicotine strengths—it becomes much simpler. The key is to start small, experiment, and find what works for you. Fell free to reach out to us via email at contact@eastcoastdistribution.net or text/call (709)725-7721 for questions or concerns. We are here to help and make your transition from smoking to vaping a joyful experience.

👉 Ready to start your vaping journey? Shop our beginner-friendly vape kits here.