top of page
Search

Can a Vape Detector Also Detect Cigarette and Marijuana Smoke?


Key Points:

  • Vape detectors are engineered to identify very low concentrations of aerosol particles

  • Some high-end detection systems can sense cigarette or marijuana smoke if it produces measurable particulates and chemical markers.

  • Zeptive’s advanced sensor technology can detect a range of substances when configured correctly.

Do Vape Detectors Pick Up Smoke?


Zeptive vape detectors

As schools install vape detectors to reduce youth vaping, many educators ask an important follow up question: can these devices also catch students smoking cigarettes or marijuana?


The answer depends on how the detector is designed, and what exactly it’s built to sense.


Let’s look at the differences between vape aerosol, tobacco smoke, and marijuana smoke, and how advanced detection systems like Zeptive’s can help schools monitor multiple types of substance use.



Understanding the Difference: Aerosol vs. Smoke

  • Vape aerosol is made of tiny liquid particles suspended in air. It’s produced by heating a liquid, like nicotine infused propylene glycol or THC oil, in a vape pen or e-cigarette.

  • Cigarette and marijuana smoke is created by combustion: burning a solid substance. This produces a different profile of particles and chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and other volatile compounds.

While both are airborne and inhaled, the particle quantities, structure, and size distributions differ. That means they can trigger sensors in different ways.

What Vape Detectors Can Sense

Zeptive detectors are designed to identify the unique signatures of vaping, including:

  • Particle concentrations in the 0.3 to 10µm range; not just particles that are 2.5um or smaller

  • Chemical markers in the environment 

Our sensors combine a Particulate Matter Sensor (PMS) and an Electrochemical Sensor (EC), they can also detect:

  • Combustion particles like those from cigarette or marijuana smoke

  • Chemicals from cleaning agents, air fresheners, perfumes, and other substances that provide critical information to avoid nuisance alarms.


Cigarette and Marijuana Smoke Detection

Vapes lined up on a blue background

Cigarette smoke releases dense particulate matter that often falls within the detectable range of Zeptive sensors.


  • Yes, our detectors can sense cigarette smoke in enclosed spaces.

Marijuana smoke produces both fine particles and aromatic compounds that are identifiable with advanced sensors.

  • THC aerosols from vape cartridges are detectable with Zeptive's vape sensors

  • Zeptive detectors can often detect marijuana smoke as well.

Limitations and Variables

  • Airflow and ventilation: Open windows, fans, or HVAC systems can dilute smoke or aerosol before it reaches a detector.

  • Sensor placement: Detectors placed too high or too far from the source may miss smaller or fast-dissipating smoke clouds.

  • Customization level: Zeptive systems are configurable: schools can adjust sensitivity thresholds based on their environment and policy goals.

Zeptive’s Advantage

Zeptive vape detector

With Zeptive, you’re not limited to one type of detection. Our technology is:

  • Dual-sensor powered for more accurate detection of vape, cigarette, and marijuana events

  • Customizable to your building’s layout and substance monitoring needs

  • Supported by real-time data to help staff respond quickly and appropriately

  • Designed for school environments, with discreet units, tamper alerts, and flexible deployment

The Bottom Line


While vape detectors are primarily designed for aerosol detection of compounds containing nicotine and THC, Zeptive’s advanced sensors can also identify many cigarette and marijuana smoke events, especially in controlled environments.

If your goal is to monitor multiple types of substance use, we’re ready to help. Zeptive’s smart detection platform offers the most versatile and reliable solution on the market.

By The Zeptive Team

References:

  1. Zeptive. “Frequently Asked Questions.” Zeptive, 2026, https://www.zeptive.com/frequently-asked-questions 

  2. “Can Smoke Detectors Detect Vaping?” Johnson Controls, 2024, https://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/insights/2024/blogs/can-smoke-detectors-detect-vaping 

  3. Seidenberg, A. B., et al. Indoor E-cigarette Use Can Set Off Smoke Detectors. Tobacco Control, 2019. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6934927/ 

 
 
 
bottom of page