| Property | Salt Nicotine | Freebase Nicotine |
|---|---|---|
| pH Level | 5-6 (near neutral) | 7-8 (alkaline) |
| Throat hit at 3mg | Very smooth | Mild |
| Throat hit at 6mg | Very smooth | Moderate |
| Throat hit at 12mg | Smooth | Harsh CEILING |
| Throat hit at 20mg | Mild | Unvapeable |
| Throat hit at 50mg | Moderate | Impossible |
The throat hit difference is entirely pH-driven. Alkaline solutions (high pH) irritate mucous membranes. Freebase nicotine at pH 7-8 becomes increasingly harsh above 8mg/mL. Salt nicotine, lowered to pH 5-6 by benzoic acid, remains smooth even at 50mg/mL. This is why JUUL (50mg salt) feels like a gentle pull while 12mg freebase in a sub-ohm tank can make you cough.
