What Can You Put In A Vape Instead of Juice? (With Step-By-Step Instructions)

Are you bored with the regular e-juice and want to try something different? If so, keep reading because this article will discuss alternative liquids for vape devices and how you can make them!

There are many reasons why people want to switch to using something different besides store-bought juice- maybe the flavor ban or online sales ban worries you, which is overtaking the US, or you want to make a juice without nicotine with your chosen flavors.

Regardless of the reason, making the e-liquid is not that hard, and you can easily do it at home! So, what can you put in a vape instead of juice? Let’s see!

Alternative E-Juice: What Can I Put In A Vape Instead of Juice?

If you are thinking about special liquids that you can put into the vape, let’s clarify: that is not a good idea! The vape device or the cartridge is meant to contain vape juice or a liquid created for e-cigarettes or e-pens.

You might have heard the stories of people adding vodka or other alcohol to their vape tanks, but that is highly dangerous and stupid! You can easily get alcohol poisoning!

You can make the juice at home using the products commonly used to manufacture e-liquids, such as propylene glycol (and others), but that is it!

Obviously, other ‘juices’ can be used in a vape device, but as mentioned, these are meant to be vaporized in a device such as a vape mod vape pen and are safe to use!

1. CBD and THC Oil

You have probably heard about CBD and THC oil, which can be an alternative to vape juices. Contrary to popular opinion, CBD does not give a ‘high’ feeling to those using it.

CBD is a chemical derived from the hemp plant that does not contain psychoactive components such as THC. As a matter of fact, most users report that CBD has a calming effect on them, inducing a state of relaxation and reducing anxiety.

CBD has other benefits and therapeutic effects- it relieves chronic pain and injuries. The good thing about CBD e-pens is that you can buy them in various flavors because most people do not like the ‘herby’ and ‘woody’ aftertaste of CBD oil.

Even though CBD pens do not contain THC, they may be illegal in some areas-just to let you know. Now, when it comes to THC oil, you can use it if it is legal in your state. Here is a list of states with legalized smoking and vaping marijuana. 

THC oil is a concentrate extracted from cannabis flowers and other plant parts. Unlike CBD, THC oil will get you high, resulting in a euphoric and relaxed state.

The oil contains the psychoactive component (THC) and CBD and is considered the most potent or intoxicating form of ‘weed.’ For these reasons, it is not legal everywhere, and it is not suggested that you vape and drive.

Other effects include slowed reactions and coordination, impaired memory, and the ability to think.

2. Essential Oils

Did you know you can put other herbs besides CBD and THC in your vape? Most vapers, or those congregating with vapers, know about these alternatives to vape juice! However, there are over 20 herbal extracts that you can vape!

Some of them include lavender, peppermint, thyme, camomille, and so on. But before you jump to check your cupboard, you must take some precautions when using essential oils.

Always go for high-quality oils, and if you are buying them at a vape shop, ask the seller about the oils and their suggestions.

The thing about vaping essential oils is that there is not enough research to say it is completely safe, which is why some users are reluctant to use them. Furthermore, not every device can vaporize essential oils.

Here are some factors you need to consider before reaching for essential oils- the product that is being vaped, a blend of herbs in the essential oil, the temperature that those oils are being heated, and the degree to which the user (you) is inhaling that vapor or the end products.

3. Nicotine Salts

If you are wondering what nicotine salts are, wonder no more! Salt nicotine is another option you can inhale, and it is made of nicotine and acid or more acids.

By combining nicotine and acid, you get a nicotine salt solution with a reduced throat hit, often used by those wanting to quit smoking. So what is the difference between nicotine and nicotine salts?

First, nic salts exist in tobacco on their own, and the term salt does not have to mean a mineral used in cooking. When an acid reacts with a base, it results in salt (to use the ‘chemical’ lingo).

The nicotine you know (if you have smoked regular tobacco cigarettes) is extracted directly from tobacco and stripped away of its impurities. This type of freebase nicotine is a common ingredient of e-liquids.

This freebase nicotine has a high alkalinity with a Ph level, which means it will have more nicotine strength and is harsher for the throat and general inhaling.

Nicotine salts, on the other hand, are made with acids and freebase nicotine, reducing the Ph level of nicotine solution or nicotine strength. In other words, there will be less irritation to your throat!

How To Make DIY E-Juice?

Even though it might seem that making your own e-liquid is complicated, it is easier than you think! So, with a little experimenting and a number of flavor recipes available online, you could easily be making better e-juice but at a cheaper cost!

You will need the following ingredients:

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
• Propylene Glycol (PG)
• Flavoring
• Liquid Nicotine
• Small Plastic Bottles
• Syringe or Pipette
• Pair of Gloves
• Protective Glasses (Optional)

Step 1: Acquire the Ingredients and Prepare Them

If you are a long-time vape user, you have probably seen VG or PG written on your e-liquid. Do not be scared by the long words; these items can easily be purchased at any store that sells vapes. After you have purchased everything on the list, prepare them for use!

Do not forget to wear gloves and protective glasses!

Step 2: Pick a Recipe and Ratio

To make a good e-juice, you need to get the ratio right! The most common and optimal ratio for e-liquid is 50/50 VG and PG. That means that if you make 100 ml of e-juice, you will need 50 ml each to make our base liquid.

However, that is without flavor, and we want some flavor! If this is your first time making an e-liquid, do not go crazy and pick one flavor or two.

Step 3: Choose Flavoring

So, currently, our liquid is made of 50/50 VG and PG, but do not mix the ingredients yet! Some people like to experiment and add more VG because that is the substance that creates vapor, and if you add more of it, you will get thicker vapor.

If you do not want flavor, use the e-liquid with just 50/50 VG and PG. However, most people want some flavor, and after you choose one or two, here is how you will add it. First, the flavoring in your e-juice should not exceed 20% of your bottle’s volume.

Remember that some flavors are so highly concentrated that you need only 2% of the flavoring. However, most flavors are 20%, which is how we will make our juice!

Also, be very careful with flavorings-using a flavor not widely used to make e-liquids is a huge red flag!

Step 4: Combining Flavor with the Base Juice

So, we are making 100 ml of e-liquid, meaning that 20% of the flavoring is 20 ml. Most flavors are suspended in PG, so you will add 50% or 50 ml of VG, 30% or 30 ml of PG, and 20% or 20 ml of flavoring!

And that is it if you are looking for a nicotine-free e-juice!

Step 5: Add the Nicotine

For this step, we will use the syringe or pipette, whatever you have. For 100 ml of e-liquid, you will need around 16.7 ml of nicotine. Now, given that is e-juice is already at 100 ml, that means that for adding nicotine, we will have to take away 16.7 ml from the PG base.

So, the final recipe for the DIY e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 3 mg: is 50 ml VG, 13.3 ml PG, 20 ml flavoring, and 16.3 ml nicotine base.

Regarding the maintenance of e-juice, it is best to store it firmly closed in a dark place without direct sunlight and heat. Do not use the juice if you notice discoloration or a change in thickness.

Avoid Putting These Ingredients in Vape Instead of Vape Juice

• Alcohol
• Vodka
• Food Grade Oils such as Olive or Sunflower Oil
• Honey and Sweetened Juice or Juice Syrup

Conclusion

If you are new to the field, you will be pleased to know that you can add other liquids to your vape pen besides the e-juice: CBD and THC oil, herbal extracts, and nicotine salts.

When it comes to THC oil, as you already know, it is illegal in some states, so you might want to skip that one! On the other hand, if you are bored with store-bought juice and want to make your own, there is a simple recipe!

Have you ever tried making your vape juice? If this is your first time making it, let us know if your advice has helped! If you have any questions, do not forget to address them in the comment section!