Nicotine cap 20 mg rule in Canada

Quick answer

In Canada, retail vaping products are limited to a maximum of 20 mg/mL nicotine. This applies to both salt nic and freebase. Bottles, prefilled pods, and disposables sold here must follow that cap. Labels must show the nicotine level in mg/mL so you can compare at a glance.

Where the rule comes from

The federal government set the limit through the Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act. The rule sets a hard ceiling of 20 mg/mL for products that are made in or imported into Canada for sale. It also bans selling or packaging a product if the label shows a number above the cap.

What you will see on labels

Canadian labels must show the nicotine strength in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL) with wording like “Nicotine — 20 mg/mL.” That format is required. Some brands also print a percent such as “2%,” but mg/mL is the official number to rely on when you pick a strength.

“2%” vs mg/mL (clearing up the confusion)

Many shoppers ask if “2%” is the same as 20 mg/mL. As a simple rule of thumb for Canadian shelves, 2% is usually used as a shorthand for about 20 mg/mL. The reason is that different makers treat “percent” in different ways, while mg/mL is clear. When in doubt, look for the mg/mL line on the bottle, pod box, or disposable package. That is the number set by the rule.

Does the cap apply to salts and freebase?

Yes. The cap is about how much nicotine is in the liquid, not the type. Both nicotine salts and freebase must stay at or under 20 mg/mL for retail sale in Canada. You can still choose either style based on the feel you like:

• Salts: smoother at low power and popular in small pods with tighter draws.
• Freebase: a bit more throat hit, common at lower strengths in larger pods or small pod-mods.

What the cap means for Calgary shoppers

If you buy from a Canadian store or a Calgary shop, you will see strengths at or under 20 mg/mL. That includes same-day delivery orders. If you see older reviews online that mention higher numbers like 35 mg or 50 mg, those do not apply to products sold here now. Choose your level inside the Canadian range and match it to your device and draw style.

How shops keep things compliant

Shops bring in products that meet the cap and carry the required warnings and child-resistant packaging. If a product were labelled over the cap, it could not be sold here. This is why Canadian versions of international brands sometimes list fewer strength options than you see in U.S. videos.

Simple guide to picking a strength

There is no one number that fits everyone, but this quick map helps most people find a smooth lane. Start here and adjust one step at a time.

• Tight pod, small puffs, all-day carry: many people land between 10–20 mg/mL salts. If the hit feels rough, step down a bit; if cravings spike, step up within the legal range.
• Looser draw or warmer pod-mod: try 3–6 mg/mL freebase for a calm throat hit. If it feels empty, raise a little; if it feels sharp, lower a little.
• Evening “treat” flavors: some people keep a slightly lower strength and a warmer setting for rich fruit or dessert so flavor leads and puff pace stays steady.

How device type changes the feel at the same number

Nicotine concentration is only one part of the feel. Power, airflow, coil resistance, and your puff length change the hit. A tight draw at 12 mg salts can feel stronger than a loose draw at the same number. Use small changes:

• Close the airflow a little for a warmer, denser hit; open it a little for a softer hit.
• On a kit with watt control, begin at the low end and raise in small steps until flavor peaks without harshness.
• Keep puffs short at first and let the wick rest for 30–60 seconds on fresh pods.

Reading bottles and pods like a pro

When you look at a package, scan for four things:

1. 1
   The mg/mL line. This is the strength you are buying and it will be at or under 20.
2. 2
   Salt or freebase. Match to your device type.
3. 3
   Warnings and symbols. Canada requires plain nicotine warnings and child-resistant packaging for products that contain nicotine.
4. 4
   Batch or lot. Handy if you ever need to report a defect or ask for support.

Myths we hear every week

• “50 mg is stronger and better, so I should find it.” Products over 20 mg/mL are not for sale in Canada. Chasing higher numbers can push people to the wrong device or out-of-country sites. You can get a steady, clean hit inside the legal range by matching strength to draw and wattage.
• “Percent and mg/mL are always the same.” Not always. Different makers have used percent in different ways. On Canadian shelves, rely on mg/mL.
• “Salts always need high numbers.” Salts feel smooth even at mid strengths. Many people are happy in the 10–20 mg/mL band in small pods.

Choosing flavors under the cap

The cap does not limit flavor choice. Pick a simple mint for daytime and a fruit or light dessert for evenings. Rotate two bottles so your palate stays fresh and you puff at an even pace. If a flavor feels harsh, lower wattage one step or close airflow a touch. If it feels flat, raise power a little or try the next lower coil resistance that fits your device.

Pods, disposables, and refills

The 20 mg/mL limit covers all three. Here is how to think about them:

• Prefilled pods: check the box for “Nicotine — X mg/mL.” Many Canadian pods are 20, 18, 12, or 10 mg options.
• Disposables: rechargeable models let you finish the tank and keep flavor steady. Label must still show mg/mL.
• Bottle refills: match the type (salt or freebase) and strength to your pod or coil. Prime new pods for five minutes so the first puffs are smooth.

How the cap interacts with other rules

The nicotine cap is one piece of the federal framework. You may also notice:

• Warning labels and child-resistant packaging for products that contain nicotine.
• Excise stamps on many retail packages. That is a tax mark and does not affect strength; the cap remains the same.
• Age checks at the counter, on pickup, and at delivery. In Alberta, sales are for adults 18+.

Picking a level when you are switching devices

If you move from disposables to a refillable pod, try a similar strength first and then adjust in small steps. If you move from a tight pod to a warmer pod-mod, you may want a lower strength because the warmer draw feels stronger. Make one change at a time and give it a few days before the next change.

Simple routines that keep the hit steady

• Charge before you head out. Weak batteries make the hit feel uneven.
• Top up early. Keep liquid above the pod’s wicking ports.
• Short puffs outdoors in winter. Cold thickens liquid; give the wick a minute between puffs when it is below freezing.
• Wipe contacts daily. A dry connection keeps output consistent so strength feels the same from morning to night.

FAQ

Is 0 mg allowed? Yes. Many lines offer 0 mg for people who want flavor with no nicotine.

Why do some old reviews mention 25, 35, or 50 mg? Those are from other markets or from before the Canadian cap came into force. On Canadian shelves today, you will see 20 mg/mL or less.

Are there limits on bottle size in Canada? The cap is about concentration, not bottle volume. You will see many sizes on shelves. Pick the size that fits your routine and store it out of heat and sun.

Do I need to switch strengths when I change flavors? Not always. Try the same number first. If a citrus feels sharp, drop one step. If a dessert feels dull, raise wattage a bit before changing strength.

Key takeaways

• Canadian retail products are limited to 20 mg/mL nicotine.
• Labels must state strength in mg/mL. Treat “percent” as secondary.
• The cap covers salts and freebase, and it applies to bottles, pods, and disposables.
• Match strength to device and draw, then adjust in small steps for comfort.

Adults only. Vaping products may contain nicotine. Nicotine is addictive. Follow local rules for where vaping is allowed. Store all items away from children and pets.