Australia is the first nation in the world to outlaw the sale of electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, outside of pharmacies.
As of July 1, vapes can only be sold in basic hues and packaging, according the new legislation. They cannot be promoted or produced locally.
The restrictions essentially forbid the production, importation, distribution, or sale of vapes anywhere other than pharmacies. Even non-nicotine vaping devices are subject to the prohibition.
Australians can no longer get vapes without a prescription, and even then, they are unable to purchase the majority of flavours that are preferred by younger users, such “bubble gum.”
The Australian government said that tobacco, menthol, and mint flavours will be the only ones available in therapeutic vaping products, which will be behind the counter and feature plain pharmaceutical-like packaging, closely regulated nicotine doses, and limited dispensing quantities.
Pharmacists will need to verify the identity of the individual with the photo ID and, more crucially, discuss the negative health effects of vaping with them.
To stop the selling of vapes on the black market, Australia intends to create a new government position known as the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner.
After three years, the nation will assess how well the new laws are working.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia did not yet have rules for the administration of uncontrolled medications that have no proven medicinal benefit, therefore it seemed that the guild was unhappy with the new laws.
A poll conducted last year revealed that approximately 25% of Australians aged 18 to 24 had used e-cigarettes at least once.
According to the government, the new regulations aim to shield Australian youth and the general public from the negative effects of vaping for pleasure.
Vaping for pleasure is a disgrace. It poses a threat to public health, especially for children and young adults, according to Mr. Butler.
Big Tobacco has really been using a product that was marketed as a therapeutic item that would assist seasoned smokers finally break the habit to lure in a new generation of nicotine addicts.
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