Vape drug detection times
If you're concerned about how long nicotine or other substances from vaping remain detectable in your urine, you're not alone. Whether it's for a routine drug test, employment screening, or personal knowledge, understanding the detection window of nicotine, THC, and other vaped substances is important.
Understanding nicotine and cotinine detection in urine
When you vape, nicotine enters your bloodstream and is metabolised into cotinine, which remains in your system longer than nicotine itself. Cotinine is the primary substance measured in most urine drug tests for nicotine, making it a key factor in nicotine urine detection.
Nicotine detection times in urine
- Occasional Users: Cotinine is usually detectable for up to 3–4 days.
- Regular Users: Cotinine can be found for up to 10 days, sometimes up to 20 days.
- Heavy or Chronic Users: Cotinine may remain detectable for several weeks.
Factors that affect vape drug detection time
Several factors influence how long nicotine or other vaped substances stay in your urine:
- Frequency of use: Heavy or regular vaping extends detection time in urine. Occasional vape use or just a puff is harder to detect.
- Metabolism: Faster metabolisms eliminate substances more quickly.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help flush metabolites.
- Body fat: Nicotine and THC metabolites can be stored in fat, increasing detection time.
- Liver and kidney function: Efficient liver and kidney function speeds up elimination.
Detection windows for other drugs that are commonly vaped
Other drugs can also be vaped, and their detection times in urine vary from drug to drug and person to person and depending on frequency of vaping of the drug and strength of the drug being vaped.:
For example Cannabis (THC): Occasional users 0–3 days; heavy regular users THC may be detected in urine in some individuals for up to 30 days.
Commonly vaped substances
- Nicotine (most common substance that is vaped)
- Cannabis / THC
- CBD
- THC/CBD Concentrates (Dabs)
- Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice / K2)
Less commonly vaped substances
- Opioids (less common)
- Stimulants (Methamphetamine, Cocaine – less common)
- Benzodiazepines (rare)
Vape drug tests: detecting nicotine and other substances
If you need to check for vaped substances, a vape drug test is the most reliable option. UK Drug Testing’s Vape Drug Test Kits are designed to detect a variety of substances in urine quickly and accurately. These kits are perfect for personal use, workplace screening, or legal purposes.
The detection time for vaped substances in urine varies depending on the type of substance, frequency of use, and individual factors. Understanding nicotine urine detection and the timelines for other vaped drugs can help you prepare for tests and make informed decisions about vaping.
If you’re considering a nicotine test or drug test and need help choosing the right option, our team is here to support you. For personalised advice or product guidance, please contact our customer support team — we’ll be happy to help.
References and further reading
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Monitoring the Future Study: Vaping and Drug Use Trends. Available at: nida.nih.gov
Mayo Clinic. Nicotine and Your Body: How Long It Stays in Your System. Available at: mayoclinic.org
WebMD. Nicotine Tests and Detection Times. Available at: webmd.com
Healthline. How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System? Available at: healthline.com
Verywell Mind. Nicotine and Cotinine: Detection in Urine, Blood, and Saliva. Available at: verywellmind.com
UK Drug Testing Urine Drug Test Detection Times. available at: ukdrugtesting.co.uk
Allen Carr’s Easy Way. How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System? Available at: allencarr.com
Recovered.org. How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System? Available at: recovered.org
Archstone Recovery. Nicotine Detection Times: Blood, Urine, and Saliva. Available at: archstonerecovery.com