Smoking in Australia
In 2017-18, just under one in seven (13.8%) or 2.6 million adults were daily smokers, whilst a further 1.4% of people also reported smoking on a less than daily basis. Since 1995, the proportion of adults who are daily smokers has decreased from 23.8% to 13.8% in 2017-18. Over recent years however, the daily smoking rate has remained fairly constant (14.5% in 2014-15). Despite this, the proportion of adults who have never smoked has increased from 49.4% in 2007-08 to 52.6% in 2014-15 and 55.7% in 2017-18. In 2017-18, young adults aged 18-24 years were more likely to have never smoked than any other age group, with 69.6% of men and 81.5% of women in this age group reporting that they had never smoked. These proportions have increased from 64.0% and 64.9% respectively since 2007-08. The national Health Survey was conducted in all states and territories and across urban, rural and remote areas of Australia in 2017/18. The survey included around 21,000 people in over 16,000 private dwellings. Previous surveys have been conducted since 1989/90.
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May 01, 2024 by theaustralian.com.au
Prescription vape manufacturers call for flavoured products as senate hears of heart risk levels
Fruit-flavoured prescription-only nicotine vapes for adults wanting to move away from cigarettes should be made available, manufacturers have told senators, as they throw their support behind new legislation aimed at stamping out the black market. Wilhelm David from From the Fields, which manufactures prescription nicotine vapes, appeared before the senate inquiry considering the legislation on Wednesday, testifying that when used appropriately, the products could help save lives.
April 30, 2024 by theguardian.com
Young children paid $500 to set shop alight in Victoria’s tobacco and vape wars
Victoria's illegal tobacco and vape trade involves gangs recruiting youth for criminal acts like arson and extortion, with ties to various crime groups. The rise in illegal tobacco is attributed to high profits and low risks, appealing to organized crime. Despite ongoing issues for a decade, the problem was highlighted in 2023 due to arson attacks. Police efforts have led to arrests and seizures. Authorities aim to introduce a licensing scheme for better enforcement, particularly in regional areas. The government plans to implement a tobacco licensing scheme to tackle the issue.
April 30, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
Debunking Anti-Vaping Claims in the Senate Inquiry
The Senate Inquiry on Vaping analyzed misleading claims from health organizations and academics. Exaggerated concerns about youth vaping and vaping as a gateway to smoking were debunked. Vaping is seen as a public health opportunity, with benefits for adult smokers outweighing minor harms to youth. The black market thrives due to strict regulations. Misconceptions about vaping risks, reliance on flawed reports, and disentangling vaping from Big Tobacco were addressed. An industry-funded recycling plan could reduce environmental impact. The Committee is urged to scrutinize submissions for accuracy and evidence-based claims. Respected health sources should be questioned if not supported by rigorous analysis.
April 29, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
Vaping prohibition has failed, experts say
Experts Dr. James Martin and Mr. Rohan Pike argue that vaping prohibition has failed, resulting in a dangerous black market. They suggest that further restrictions are unlikely to succeed. The black market for vaping products in Australia has grown significantly, attracting organized crime. New Zealand's model, where vapes are sold legally in retail stores, shows little evidence of illicit markets. Law enforcement crackdowns are deemed ineffective due to high demand. Recommendations include establishing a legal, regulated market for vapes to combat the black market and promote public health. Prohibition models have not deterred use effectively, and learning from history is crucial.
April 22, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
The UK Smokefree Generation Proposal: Right Intent, Wrong Priority
The UK's proposed generational smoking ban aims to raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, though concerns exist about effectiveness and potential fueling of black market sales. Australia must address the stagnant smoking rates among adults while considering innovative solutions like vaping as a safer alternative. Focus should shift towards helping older smokers quit, where vaping has shown promise, rather than solely targeting youth uptake. Prioritizing solutions for stubbornly addicted adult smokers is crucial for public health efforts. Enabling access to safer alternatives could lead to longer and healthier lives, outweighing the emphasis on generational smoking bans.
April 22, 2024 by theconversation.com
The UK plans to phase out smoking. What does this new law mean for tobacco control in Australia?
There are no quick fixes in addressing public health issues like smoking. Measures like increasing tobacco prices and implementing strict regulations have been effective in reducing smoking rates. Recent legislation in the UK aims to phase out the legal sale of tobacco products and prevent future generations from becoming addicted. Australia has also introduced new tobacco control reforms, with a goal of reducing smoking prevalence. The debate on further restrictions on vaping products is ongoing. These efforts highlight the importance of continued vigilance against the tobacco industry's influence to create a smoke-free future for upcoming generations.
April 18, 2024 by medicalxpress.com
Should pharmacists be able to dispense nicotine vapes without a prescription?
The Australian government is considering new regulations on vaping, addressing illegal sales and access issues. Research supports vaping as a smoking cessation tool, but obtaining nicotine vapes legally can be challenging due to prescription requirements. Options to improve access include allowing pharmacists to dispense nicotine vapes without a prescription. Some advocate for regulating vapes like tobacco, but health organizations have concerns. Pharmacists are capable of managing nicotine vape distribution responsibly, with potential benefits for access and cost.
April 16, 2024 by theconversation.com
Pharmacists should be able to dispense nicotine vapes without a prescription. Here’s why
The Australian government is considering vaping regulations to address illegal sales of nicotine-containing products to minors. The proposed bill aims to restrict nicotine vapes to pharmacies, requiring prescriptions. Some advocate for pharmacist-only sales to facilitate smoking cessation. Online prescribing services are emerging, as some doctors eschew prescribing vaping products. There are concerns about criminalizing unpermitted vaping. Law alterations may remove penalties for possession without a prescription. Discussions also include regulating vapes like tobacco for adult sale and health practitioner oversight.
April 16, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
Could nicotine pouches help you quit smoking?
Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as a safer alternative to smoking. In Australia, they are prescription-only medicines, available through pharmacies or importation with a prescription. Concerns about illegal sales and youth uptake exist, but there is no evidence of significant youth usage. Pouches are tobacco-free and considered low-risk, with experts ranking them safer than smoking and vaping. Usage among adults, including smokers and vapers, as a quitting aid is increasing. While there is little research in Australia, overseas studies suggest pouches are safer than traditional tobacco products. The government discourages their use due to concerns about youth access but currently has no plans to ban them.
April 15, 2024 by gfn.tv
AUSTRALIA'S POUCH CONUNDRUM | Colin Mendelsohn unpacks the use of nicotine pouches in Australia
Nicotine pouches such as Zonnic and Zyn have taken many countries by storm, but in Australia heavy handed restrictions on nicotine have limited legal access to pouches. In today's episode, Colin Mendelsohn updates us on the rise of nicotine pouches in Australia, and the science supporting the claim that they are safer than smoking.
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