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How many hits is too much vape?


Vaping has become an increasingly popular way for people to consume nicotine and cannabis. With the rise in vaping, many people wonder how much is too much. This article will examine the risks associated with vaping large amounts, look at how many hits are typical, and provide recommendations on moderating vape usage.

What are the risks of vaping too much?

Vaping large amounts of e-liquids or cannabis oils can pose the following health risks:

  • Nicotine toxicity – High nicotine levels can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and an accelerated heart rate. In extreme cases, nicotine poisoning can be fatal.
  • Lung injury – Frequent vaping may cause inflammation and damage to lung tissue. This could increase the risk of chronic lung conditions.
  • Dependency – Excessive vaping can lead to nicotine addiction. Those dependent on nicotine may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back.
  • Unknown chemicals – The long-term effects of inhaling PG, VG, and flavoring chemicals are uncertain. Heavy exposure may pose unforeseen health risks.
  • Dehydration – Vaping dries out the mouth and airways. Staying hydrated is key when vaping frequently.

The extent of these risks depends on the frequency of use, nicotine level, vaping device settings, and the user’s physiology. Those with underlying conditions like asthma or heart disease face higher risks from overusing vapes.

How many puffs on a vape is normal?

The average vape session consists of around 150-200 puffs or hits. However, vaping habits can vary considerably based on the individual and the type of device:

  • Pod vapes – Smaller devices like Juul are designed for quick nicotine delivery. Most users take 200-300 puffs per day.
  • Cig-a-like vapes – These models mimic the experience of smoking. Users may take 100-150 puffs per day.
  • Mid-sized vapes – Moderate vapers take 50-100 hits in a typical day.
  • High wattage mods – Enthusiasts using box mods with sub-ohm coils tend to vape less frequently – around 30 hits per day.

For comparison, most cigarette smokers average around 15-20 cigarettes per day. Each cigarette involves roughly 10-15 puffs. So vaping can deliver considerably more puffs and nicotine than smoking.

How many hits from a vape pen is safe?

There are no official guidelines on a ‘safe’ number of hits from a vape pen or mod. A reasonable range for most users is between 50-300 puffs per day. Here are some general recommendations based on device type:

  • Pod vapes – Limit use to around 200 hits daily. More than 300 puffs starts to carry health risks.
  • Cig-a-likes – Aim for 100 hits or fewer to avoid nicotine overexposure.
  • Mid-sized vapes – Keep consumption under 75 puffs daily when starting out.
  • Box mods – Stay under 50 hits as these deliver more vapor per puff.

For a more personalized approach:

  • Track your average puffs per day for a week.
  • Note any negative symptoms like nausea, headaches, or dizziness.
  • Reduce your consumption if exceeding 150 hits daily or experiencing symptoms.
  • Increase nicotine strength to taper down hit frequency.

Setting limits on your vape hits will help minimize potential harms. It’s also wise to avoid chain vaping and take periodic breaks throughout the day.

How many hits before nicotine overdose?

Nicotine ingestion from vapes is difficult to measure compared to cigarettes. But research suggests vaping carries a lower overdose risk:

  • Cigarettes – 10-15mg of nicotine can cause overdose. This equates to around 2 packs.
  • Vapes – Nicotine concentration is lower. A lethal dose may require vaping 10mL of 36mg/mL liquid.

Overdosing from vaping is extremely rare. Most users experience nausea and dizziness before reaching dangerous nicotine levels.

However, risks increase if vaping high nicotine salts, extracts, or cannabis oils. Adverse effects may include:

  • 50-100mg – Nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety.
  • 100-200mg – Confusion, hypertension, increased heart rate.
  • 500-1000mg – Seizures, inability to breathe, coma.
  • 1000mg+ – Respiratory failure, potentially fatal.

So consult your doctor before vaping any liquid with over 36mg/mL (3.6%) nicotine. Be wary of ridiculous nic levels like 50mg or 100mg. And avoid pure nicotine extracts.

How many vape hits to get a buzz?

The hits needed to feel buzzed or high varies greatly between users. It depends on:

  • Nicotine tolerance – Frequent vapers need more to feel effects.
  • Vape device and settings – Sub-ohm coils deliver vapor more efficiently.
  • Vape juice nicotine level – Higher mg/mL means faster absorption.
  • Experience vaping – New users feel buzzed quicker than veterans.

For those new to vaping, getting a nicotine buzz may take:

  • 5-10 hits from a Juul or pod device with 50mg/mL nicotine salts.
  • 10-15 puffs from a 18-24mg/mL liquid in a cig-a-like.
  • 15-20 pulls on 3-6mg/mL e-juice in a mod with sub-ohm coil.

Ideally, take the minimum hits required for light buzzing effects. Vaping to the point of dizziness or nausea can make nicotine addiction more likely.

Is it bad to hit a vape too much?

Yes, consistently exceeding the average vaping range can negatively impact your health. Potential issues from overusing a vape include:

  • Headaches, nausea, and dizziness from nicotine overexposure.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Lung inflammation (from vapor chemicals or additives).
  • Dehydration and dry mouth/throat.
  • Nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Greater risks if using cannabis vape oils.

The occasional excessive vaping session is unlikely to cause lasting harm. But make hitting your vape too much an ongoing habit and health problems may develop.

Tips for moderating vape consumption

Here are some tips to avoid overdoing it with your vape pen or mod:

  • Measure your vape hits per day to establish a reasonable baseline.
  • Set a maximum limit based on your device and tolerance.
  • Switch to lower nicotine juice to taper usage.
  • Take regular timeout breaks during vaping sessions.
  • Stay hydrated and limit caffeine intake.
  • Avoid vaping when sick to let your body recover.
  • Recognize chain vaping triggers and distract yourself.
  • Consider gradually stepping down nic strength when quitting.

Moderation is key with vaping. Vape hits should be limited to avoid health impacts while still enjoying the activity.

Conclusion

Excessive vaping can increase your risks of lung injury, nicotine poisoning, and addiction. Most vapers take 50-300 puffs per day depending on their device and tolerance. Aim to stay under 200 hits daily from high-strength pod vapes, or 50 puffs when sub-ohm vaping. Tracking your average usage and taking breaks can help curb overconsumption. While potentially safer than smoking, vaping is best done in moderation.