Can Vaping Show Up on a Drug Test?

 

As vaping emerges as a preferred method for consuming nicotine, THC, and other substances, many individuals question its detectability in drug tests. Contrary to popular belief, the delivery method—whether traditional smoking or through vapor—does not exempt users from testing positive for these substances. 

Drug tests are meticulously designed to identify specific drugs or their metabolites, not the method of intake. Therefore, substances commonly vaped, such as nicotine and THC, are indeed detectable through standard urine, blood, or hair drug tests. 

While perceived as a "healthier" alternative, the long-term health effects of vaping are still under scientific evaluation, making it imperative to understand both the health and legal risks associated with its use.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the technology-driven process of inhaling and exhaling vapor an electronic device produces. Commonly utilized devices include e-cigarettes, vape pens, or vape boxes. These sophisticated gadgets operate with several key components:

• Heating Element: This component heats the e-liquid to create vapor.
• Mouthpiece: The channel through which the vapor is inhaled.
• Cartridge: The container that holds the e-liquid.
• E-liquid: Also known as vape juice, this solution can contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.
• Battery: Powers the device, allowing the heating element to vaporize the e-liquid.

As vaping bypasses the combustion of traditional smoking, it raises questions about its detectability in drug tests. Vaping, while technologically advanced and perceived as cleaner, still carries implications for users subject to drug screenings, mirroring the concerns associated with traditional smoking methods.

Common Vaping Substances

The three most common substances to vape are nicotine, THC, and CBD. Of those, THC and nicotine are the two most likely to be targeted with a drug test. While other drugs can be delivered through the vaporized liquid, they are far less common and much more challenging to obtain.

Nicotine

Nicotine is a chemical compound naturally found in tobacco plants and is known for its high addictive potential and serious health risks. This substance can be absorbed into the body through several methods, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, hookah, or through vaping.

While the legal use of nicotine is not prohibited, its presence can still be grounds for screening, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where companies choose what substances to include in their drug testing protocols. This discretion extends to parental oversight as well, with more parents now testing their teenagers for nicotine use due to its less detectable nature when vaped. 

Unlike traditional smoking, which can be identified by telltale odors and physical symptoms like yellowed teeth and a chronic cough, vaping is subtler, less costly, and is available in appealing flavors like strawberry and chocolate, making it especially popular among younger users.

Contrary to the perception that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes, vaping can actually lead to a higher intake of nicotine, especially with the use of extra-strength cartridges or by adjusting the device settings to increase the vapor's nicotine concentration. 

This makes it crucial to understand that vaping nicotine-containing liquids will indeed result in a positive result if screened in a drug test. The detection window for nicotine varies by test type: Cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine metabolism, can be detected in urine for up to 10 days and in saliva for up to 24 hours after use.

 

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana that induces the sensation of being high. Traditionally consumed through smoking in the form of joints or pipes, THC is increasingly being inhaled via vaping. Vaping THC offers a discrete method of consumption, producing minimal odor and vapor that dissipates quickly. This discreetness, combined with the increasing legalization and decriminalization of marijuana, has made vaping a popular choice among users, especially teenagers.

In terms of detectability, THC can linger in the body and be detected through various drug tests. It is typically detectable in urine for up to 30 days, in saliva for up to 3 days, in blood for up to 7 days, and can remain in hair follicles for up to 90 days after usage. These detection windows can vary significantly based on the frequency of use, the potency of the THC, and individual metabolism.

 CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, can be vaped and does not produce a high. While CBD itself does not show up on standard drug tests aimed at detecting THC, it is essential to note that impurities or mislabeling of CBD products can lead to traces of THC. Consequently, users might still test positive for cannabis in drug tests if their CBD products are contaminated with THC.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Apart from natural cannabis products, synthetic cannabinoids, which are chemicals designed to mimic THC’s effects, are also vaped. These substances can be more elusive in standard drug testing due to the variety of chemicals that can be classified as synthetic cannabinoids. Not all drug tests are equipped to detect these variants, making them particularly problematic both legally and health-wise.

Is There a Drug Test Specifically For Vaping? 

If your job or lifestyle puts you at risk of drug testing, you may have questions about the lingering evidence of vaping in your system. If you're wondering whether there is a drug test specifically to test for vaping, the short answer is no. Vaping is a delivery method for a substance. Vaping is not a substance itself.

A more accurate question would be: if you consume drugs or tobacco through vapor, will they show up on a drug test? 

When you take a drug test, you are being tested for specific substances and drugs. You are not being tested for how they get into your body. If you vape a substance such as nicotine or THC and take a drug test within a certain timeframe, there will be a positive result.

Reasons To Drug Test

Vaping is not necessarily an illegal activity, and this habit alone may not be a red flag that dictates drug testing. However, there are many legitimate concerns about getting drug testing involved.

Drug tests are most often used by parents, in rehab facilities, and by businesses testing their employees. Here are the main reasons behind testing individuals for drugs:

• Reasonable Suspicion — If an individual shows signs of drug use, such as a change in appearance or behavior, a drug test is the quickest and most reliable way to confirm whether this change is due to alcohol or drugs. 

• Random Drug Testing — Whether this policy is outlined in an employee handbook, the rules at a drug rehab facility, or a parent monitoring their child, making individuals aware that they could undergo random drug testing at any time helps keep them on track. The threat of unemployment or other consequences can sometimes motivate people to make the right decisions.

• Pre-employment — This is the most common reason for someone to be required to undergo drug testing. Testing in this scenario is used to avoid hiring individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol, thus lessening the chances of a workplace accident, absenteeism, loss of productivity, and increased healthcare costs. It may be continued during employees' tenure to ensure safe choices in the workplace.

• Accident — If an employee is involved in a workplace accident, drug testing is often used to see whether drugs and alcohol are contributing factors. This helps the company identify unsafe work practices and measure their liability regarding workers' compensation premiums and claims. 

• Follow-up — This testing generally takes place after an employee returns to work having previously tested positive or to check on anyone who has been in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility to identify and discourage relapses.

Why Choose Countrywide Testing?

Vaping liquids, which may contain nicotine, THC, CBD, or synthetic cannabinoids, are subject to detection in drug tests. The time these substances remain detectable depends on factors such as the type of test used, frequency and amount of consumption, individual metabolism, hydration levels, and body fat percentage. Regardless of the delivery method, the potential for these substances to show up in drug tests underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance.

Employers and parents can conduct drug tests to maintain safety and health standards. For parents, detecting signs of vaping early can be crucial in addressing and curbing addictive behavior effectively. Taking immediate action can help mitigate long-term health risks associated with substance use, providing an essential safeguard in maintaining a child’s well-being.

Countrywide Testing is an online retailer of drug and alcohol tests and lab services. We offer you access to FDA-approved tests to screen for individual substances and multi-panel testing. We partner with Pharmatech, Inc, a SAMHSA, ISO, CLIA, and CAP-licensed laboratory, to provide reliable results. We also offer pregnancy tests and medical supplies, all with a money-back guarantee.

At Countrywide Testing, we have a proven track record of over 25 years and provide accurate results at affordable prices. Since we are online, you do not need to reserve a time at a testing facility, travel to your appointment, and then wait days or weeks for your results. You deserve peace of mind with as little hassle as possible, so trust Countrywide Testing for all your drug testing needs. We'll deliver answers so you can focus on the actual task — getting the help your loved one needs.