The Commonwealth government’s “world-leading” e-cigarette prohibition is scheduled to take effect the next week, but unforeseen circumstances will make it simpler to purchase them in October.
A bill that is currently in the federal parliament has been amended, which has caused controversy among legal experts, industrial groups, elected leaders, and health professionals.
Australia will be the first nation to outlaw the sale of vapes outside of pharmacies if the measure passes parliament.
What you should know about the modifications to the vape ban is provided here.Is it illegal to vape in Australia?
Starting on July 1, pharmacists will only be permitted to legally sell vapes with nicotine to customers who have a doctor’s prescription.
The Albanese government has implemented a series of policies aimed at restricting the accessibility of e-cigarettes, while simultaneously marketing them as tools for individuals attempting to give up smoking.
Three months later, however, changes to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 may allow vapes to be accessed by a much larger number of people.
From October, who can purchase vapes?
Pharmacies will no longer require a prescription to sell vapes containing nicotine to anyone over the age of eighteen starting on October 1.
The reason for the change is that according to the poisons standard, vapes that contain nicotine will now be classified as schedule 3 instead of schedule 4.
Purchasing a nicotine vaporizer is very similar to purchasing a pack of cigarettes, except that the former is done in a drugstore.
Nicotine-containing vapes will only be sold behind the counter, and customers will need to show the chemist their identity.
The flavours offered will be restricted to tobacco, menthol, and mint, and the packaging will be simple.
According to the government, the amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes would be restricted.
Starting in October, who can purchase vapes?
Starting on October 1, vapes containing nicotine will no longer require a prescription from a doctor to be sold by pharmacies to anybody over the age of 18.
This is due to the fact that vapes that include nicotine will no longer be classified as schedule 4 but rather as schedule 3 under the poisons standard.
Purchasing a nicotine vape is essentially the same process as purchasing a pack of cigarettes, without the trip to the pharmacy.
Only behind the counter will nicotine-containing vapes be sold, and customers will need to show the chemist their identification.
The flavours offered will only be mint, menthol, or tobacco, and the packaging will be simple.
The government states that there will be a cap on the amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes.
What are the chemists’ thoughts on the change?
5,800 community pharmacies across the country are represented by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
A representative called the move “a bad decision” and called it “insulting” that chemists would be expected to sell vape products.
According to a spokesman, chemists are medical specialists who prescribe drugs with a track record of therapeutic success.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has not approved any vaping product because to issues with safety, effectiveness, or performance.
Will purchasing a vape be prohibited?
No. It is lawful for people to purchase vapes from pharmacies.
From July 1 to October 1, when vapes containing nicotine are reduced on the poisons schedule, they will no longer need a medical prescription.
Are they available somewhere besides pharmacies?
No. It will be illegal for individuals or companies to provide, manufacture, import, or sell vapes outside of pharmacies as of July 1st, if the bill is approved by parliament.
If you are struggling with any of the issues mentioned in this article, please contact us, and we will try to help in any way we can.