October 1st 2024.
Recently, there has been a change in the availability of vapes in pharmacies. While they used to require a prescription, they are now being sold over the counter. However, this does not mean that just anyone can purchase them. In an effort to regulate the use of vapes and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands, they will only be available to adults and will be kept behind the counter.
This decision is a part of the government's efforts to crack down on the use of vapes, which they have deemed a major loophole in the Australian healthcare system. The initial plan, announced last year, has been adjusted after the government reached an agreement with the Greens. This new version of the legislation changes the way Australians can buy vapes.
Previously, a prescription was required to purchase vapes. However, they will now be classified as behind-the-counter therapeutic goods. This means that customers will still need to show photo identification and have a discussion with a pharmacist before being able to purchase them. The good news is that they will no longer have to go through the process of obtaining a prescription from a doctor.
It is important to note that vapes will only be available to those who intend to use them as a means to quit smoking. This is to ensure that they are not being used by underage individuals. In fact, anyone under the age of 18 will still need a prescription to purchase vapes. This is in line with the government's efforts to regulate the use of vapes and prevent them from being misused.
Effective March 1, 2024, it will be illegal to import disposable vapes, regardless of the amount of nicotine they contain. This includes purchasing vapes from overseas and having them shipped to Australia for personal use. It is also worth mentioning that vapes that are marketed towards young people and are often sold in vape shops are not supposed to contain nicotine.
Despite these regulations, experts believe that the government's efforts are not enough. Avinash Singh, a Principal Lawyer at Astor Legal, noted that there have only been 12 successful prosecutions in New South Wales in the past 18 months. He also pointed out that the current penalties for vaping offences are not enough of a deterrent, as some shops continue to sell vapes even after receiving warnings and fines.
In response to these concerns, the Therapeutic Goods Administration will be implementing stricter product standards for therapeutic vapes, including substances, accessories, and devices. This is an effort to ensure that the vapes being sold meet certain safety standards and are not harmful to consumers. Ultimately, the government's goal is to regulate the use of vapes and prevent them from being used inappropriately.
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