Picture this: You’re approaching a government or official building—maybe it’s a courthouse, city office, or airport. As you near the entrance, you see a metal detector. In your pocket? A disposable cannabis vape. You start to panic and wonder: Does a metal detector detect disposable vapes? The answer might seem obvious, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
Will the detector go off? In most cases, yes. And if it does, even if your vape contains legal cannabis, security might not be so chill about it. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re walking into. In this article, we’ll break down what actually will trigger metal detectors—and whether carrying vapes is worth the risk.
How Does a Metal Detector Work?
A metal detector works by generating an electromagnetic field that reacts to metallic objects. When metallic components are present, they disrupt the electromagnetic field, prompting the detector to trigger an alert.
What Types of Metal Detectors Are There?
There are three main types of metal detectors, and you may encounter all or any of them at airport security checkpoints and when entering official buildings. They include:
- Walk through metal detectors that check for metal on your person. These metal detectors are most commonly used at airports, courthouses, and other high-security public buildings to detect concealed metal objects, such as guns and knives.
- Handheld devices that will scan your person for metal objects. Metal detector wands are often used at concerts, sporting events, and other large gatherings to screen attendees for prohibited items.
- X-ray machines that scan luggage and generate a real-time image of what’s inside. These detectors don’t require a metal object to function. They’re designed to scan all materials, not just electronic devices, and provide a detailed image of a bag’s contents, which is why they’re commonly used at airports, government buildings, and event venues.
Walk-through and handheld devices use pulse induction technology to detect metal objects. It generates a burst of electricity that creates a magnetic field. When metal objects pass through the magnetic field, they make an opposing magnetic field that causes the alarm to sound.
Newer metal detectors have multiple detection zones that can pinpoint the location of metal components. Older models are not as precise and might not detect a disposable vape, but you never know which one you will be dealing with. Generally, it’s better to be safe than sorry when carrying a vape. That brings us to our main question: Do disposable vapes set off metal detectors? Let’s find out below.
Can a Metal Detector Detect a Disposable Vape?
Yes, a metal detector will detect a disposable vape. Metal detectors detect metal, and almost every component of a vape device, disposable or otherwise, is metal. This includes the atomizer, which contains a metal coil that serves as the heating element of the vape, the lithium-ion batteries that power the vape, and many other connective parts. Therefore, metal detectors detect vapes—in most cases.
Certain factors come into play when determining if your vape will set off metal detectors, including the following:
- Metal type. Ferrous metals that contain iron or steel are easier to detect than non-ferrous metals like gold, silver, and aluminum.
- The amount of metal. How much metal in your vapes matters. Larger disposables, which are bulky, dense, and high in metal content, are easier to detect. So that giant 2-gram disposable vape is far more likely to trigger an alert than a slim half-gram one.
- Detector’s sensitivity. Some detectors are more sensitive than others and will pick up something as small as a vape pen. Older models may not detect your metal and plastic components. However, unless you have insider information, it’s impossible to determine the sensitivity of the detector in advance, so it’s best to play it safe.
Can You Trick a Metal Detector With a Vape?
Yes, you can slip vapes past metal detectors—but it’s never guaranteed or recommended. It depends on the device, the detector’s sensitivity, and a bit of luck. That said, we do not recommend trying to outsmart security. Always follow local laws and venue rules.
That being said, there’s always someone willing to test these legal boundaries. If you look on the internet, you will find people suggesting ways to trick a metal detector with a vape. Some suggestions include hiding it in a water bottle, placing it in a bra so security will think it’s underwire, or, if you’re going through airport security, putting it in your checked luggage rather than your carry-on luggage. Some people replace metal components with plastic ones to make them less detectable by metal detectors.
However, these solutions are risky and can put you in more trouble than you would face if you had dropped your disposable vape into the bin before passing through the metal detector, as advised.
If security personnel suspect you are acting suspiciously or nervously, they will likely request that you undergo a security screening. If you are in a government building, they may confiscate your vape device, or if they think further action is necessary, who knows what might happen?
If you are caught with a vape at an airport, most airlines will manually search your luggage, and they are required to report any herb products to the police, even if they meet legal limits by local regulations. From there, hope for the best and expect the worst! However, even if you don’t face legal consequences, it’s not worth the hassle of possibly missing your flight.
Traveling With Your Disposable Vape? Here’s How To Avoid Any Trouble.
Weapons are a priority for airport security, but if they find a vape pen in your luggage, it could lead to negative consequences. First, let’s discuss the legal implications of flying with a disposable vape.
What’s in Your Vape Set?
Specific rules vary depending on the purpose for which you’re using your vape device. Nicotine vapes are legal in planes. Cannabis vapes may also be legal if they adhere to federal and local laws.
The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp-derived cannabis products with a THC content of 0.3% or below. Many states align with the Farm Bill, allowing low-THC hemp-derived herbs. If the cannabis you’re carrying meets federal and local guidelines, you may not get in trouble.
However, some airlines prohibit cannabis regardless of the origin and THC content. Additionally, if they find you carrying cannabis in your disposable vape set, they could search you, causing delays. It’s advisable to leave your cannabis products at home.
But if you can’t live without your vape, and if it’s possible, empty the tank and clean your vape thoroughly to remove all cannabis vape juice before getting on flights. If you’re headed to a state where it’s legal, you can pick up fresh vape juice once you arrive and refill it there.
How To Carry Your Vape Device
Airlines also have regulations for how to carry your vape device as follows:
- Place it in your carry-on bag. Airlines require you to place vapes in your carry-on luggage rather than in your checked baggage for safety reasons. Vapes in checked luggage can get shifted around, posing a fire risk. When you place vapes in your carry-on, they are more secure and less likely to cause a hazard.
- Store batteries carefully. Store vape batteries in carry-on luggage and require individual protection to prevent short-circuiting.
- Turn off your vape. If you have a vape that powers on, turn it off before you fly. Doing so prevents lithium-ion batteries from overheating. It also ensures the heating coil isn’t activated during the flight. For extra protection, consider storing your vape in its own safety compartment.
Domestic Travel Only
If cannabis is allowed, it’s typically permitted for domestic travel only, regardless of its source or THC content. International travel with cannabis is strictly off-limits—leave it at home. Even within the U.S., don’t assume it’s safe everywhere. Always check the laws at your destination and avoid flying into states where cannabis products, be they hemp or otherwise, are prohibited.
No Vaping on the Plane
This one should be obvious, but airlines do not allow smoking of any kind, including vapes. Vaping on a plane could lead to fines, arrests, and flight disruptions. You may even find yourself on a no-fly list.
Consider Amnesty Boxes
Say you’re about to fly, and you accidentally left your vape pen in your carry-on bag, and it has trace cannabis in its metal parts. What do you do?
Most airports have amnesty boxes that you can use to dispose of vapes and other small items not approved for flying anonymously. Using these boxes can help you avoid potential problems and enjoy stress-free travel.
Final Thoughts – Does a Metal Detector Detect Disposable Vapes? [What Security Won’t Tell About These 3 Detectors]
Yes, a metal detector will most likely detect the metal components inside your disposable vape. Therefore, you may get stopped at airports, concerts, and in government buildings where metal detectors are used. Although nicotine vapes are allowed, cannabis vapes can be problematic, especially if the cannabis is over the legal limit.
You can take your chances, but the best solution may be to leave your electronic vaping devices at home. This approach will reduce the risk of penalties, conflicts, and travel delays. It will ensure a safe and pleasant experience. Looking for the best legal, hemp-derived vapes? You’re in the right place. Check out our disposables and vape carts and enjoy smoother sessions—wherever it’s legal to do so.
Editor’s Note: The information provided on this site is intended solely for general knowledge and should not be interpreted as legal advice or a comprehensive review of current laws. We do not guarantee the accuracy or dependability of the legal details shared here, nor is it designed to influence decisions regarding our products. Laws differ across states and are subject to frequent updates, which means the content may not always reflect the most current legal standards. To ensure compliance, we encourage consulting a qualified attorney in your area or the location where you plan to ship products.
