Nicotine Vaping Now Illegal in Australia

Vaping has been known as the safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. Still, many e-cigarettes still contain nicotine which is known for being a highly addictive substance and is toxic. It can cause an increase in blood pressure, can affect the flow of blood to the heart and cause narrowing of the arteries. These can lead to a heart attack. In addition, nicotine has also been classified as a poison.

 

Use a nicotine-free vape instead so you can remove the nicotine in your system.

Nicotine Products Now Require Prescription

For people who have unsuccessfully tried to stop smoking with approved pharmacotherapies, but are still motivated to stop smoking, nicotine vaping products may be a reasonable intervention. However, this needs to be preceded by an evidence-based, informed shared decision-making process.

 

Effective in October 2021, Australians can no longer buy any vaping product that contains nicotine. However, vapers with valid prescriptions from the doctors under the approval of TGA’s Special Access Scheme B are allowed to purchase.

 

Products such as e-cigarettes or nicotine pods and liquid nicotine (found in some e-juice or vape juice) also require a prescription from the doctors.

 

In addition, nicotine products like nicotine sprays, patches, lozenges, chews, gums similarly also require a valid prescription. These products are mostly aimed at alleviating nicotine addiction.

 

Meanwhile, buying or importing any product containing nicotine (except when in tobacco) without a valid prescription is illegal and subject to impounding by the Australian Border Force.

 

Increased Youth Exposure to Nicotine

The number of young Australian who have used e-cigarettes increased by 96% between 2015 to 2019. More young people have been exposed to nicotine that is why the regulations needed to adapt.

 

As of now, there are no approved nicotine vaping products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The change in vaping laws aim to support smoking cessation and to prevent the youth from taking up nicotine products specifically through vaping.

The decision was not made by the Government of the Minister of Australia. This decision came from a senior medical officer at the TGA as a Delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Health.

Use Nicotine-Free Vapes Instead

If you want to use or continue using a vape product with nicotine in order to quit smoking, you can do so as long as you get a proper prescription. Consult with your doctor to find out what options are available to you.

However, if you do not have a prescription and still wish to vape, your only option is to use a nicotine-free vape. There are many nicotine-free vape products that you can choose from. With a nicotine-free vape, you can enjoy various vape flavors without exposing yourself to toxic nicotine.

Vaping with no nicotine lets you satisfy your cravings without putting your health at risk by being exposed to tar and the hundreds of harmful compounds found in cigarette smoke.