The Labour government has imposed the most stringent regulations yet, more than 18 months after the coalition government made its initial attempt to ban nicotine vapes in Australia.
Without a prescription, the sale of nicotine vapes became illegal in late 2021, but federal Health Minister Mark Butler claims that not enough has been done to stop illegal imports, which has led to the growth of a robust black market.
What you should know is as follows.
Why is the government suddenly putting a stop to vaping?
Because we know vaping isn’t good for you in the short-term and we don’t know what kind of detrimental health implications it could have in the long-term.
The government said that all single-use disposable vapes will be prohibited.
Speaking at the National Press Club, Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler warned that not enough is being done to restrict vaping and to stop vapes coming into young hands.
In order to assist long-time smokers stop, vaping was marketed to governments and communities all around the world, according to Mr. Butler.
It wasn’t marketed as a product for recreation in general or our children in particular. That’s what it has evolved into.
Mr. Butler claims that one in six kids between the ages of 14 and 17 and one in four young Australians between the ages of 18 and 24 vape.
Mr. Butler also said that 50 calls about young children consuming vapes were received by Victoria’s poison hotline during the course of the previous 12 months.
The government’s current crackdown is a result of this rise in underage users of vapes and young people who don’t smoke cigarettes switching to it.
Why do vapes harm your health?
The majority of vapes contain significant levels of nicotine, which has long been linked to a number of chronic health issues.
Additionally, more than 200 chemicals, including those frequently found in weed killer and nail polish remover, have been linked to the liquids used in vapes.
The short-term impacts of vaping, according to the Australian government, can include an increased risk of lung infections, asthma, heart problems, and a weakened immune system.
But the potential for long-term repercussions is more worrisome.
Long-term studies haven’t been done yet because vaping is still relatively new, but it’s likely that there is a health risk associated with it.
Before scientists could establish that cigarettes posed a health risk, nearly 40 years of cigarette smoking was required.
What effects does vaping have on your body?
Some of the chemicals in vapour are taken up by cells in your mouth and absorbed into the circulation when you breathe it in.
More chemicals are also absorbed in the lungs when the vapour reaches those organs.
More of the chemicals are absorbed on the way back out of your mouth, and the remainder is exhaled, producing a noticeable mist.
Does vaping outperform smoking?
Due to the substantial amount of additional chemicals present in custom-made cigarettes, vaping is generally thought to be less harmful than smoking tobacco cigarettes.
However, albeit in smaller amounts than in tobacco smoke, several hazardous compounds have been discovered in the liquids and vapour of e-cigarettes.
However, that does not imply that vaping is secure.
I thought vapes were already prohibited?
Two years ago, restrictions were introduced, but the regulations had little effect on e-cigarette use.
The federal government outlawed the sale and importation of nicotine vapes and e-cigarettes without a doctor’s prescription in Australia back in 2021.
Vapes can no longer be imported unless you’re a physician.
Recreational use of vapes will be prohibited, and ‘pharmaceutical’ packaging requirements will apply.
Mark Butler, the minister of health, is presenting at the National Press Club and outlining changes to Medicare as well as a ban on the sale of all disposable vapes.
a young person who has recently vaped and is exhaling smoke
Additionally, there won’t be any more vapes with a watermelon flavour or that are bright pink in colour; instead, they will all be plain and without flavour.
Mr. Butler claims that the previous coalition administration made it too difficult for smokers to get a valid prescription while also not being stringent enough about import restrictions on vape products.
According to Mr. Butler, the previous administration “ended up creating the ideal conditions for this unregulated, essentially illegal market to flourish right before our eyes.”
“A so called prescription model with next to no prescriptions, a ban with no real enforcement and an addictive product with no support to quit.”
Along with the announcement of tighter border restrictions on the entry of e-cigarettes, the government also announced significant funding for persons trying to give up smoking, including $30 million for assistance programmes and $63 million for a “national evidence-based information campaign.”
Additionally, since all doctors will be able to prescribe nicotine vapes, rather than requiring smokers to obtain approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, it will be simpler for people to get a prescription vape to help them stop smoking.
If the issues outlined in this article are affecting you, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will do what we can to help you with your situation.