Read articles from Australia

May 03, 2024 by news.com.au

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. After new laws came into effect in March that banned the importation of unlicensed vapes, the parliament is now considering the next tranche of legislation that would limit access to e-cigarettes to prescription only.

May 03, 2024 by gfn.tv

Colin Mendelsohn, a veteran Australian tobacco harm reduction advocate, recently had the opportunity to educate lawmakers about the science underpinning vaping, the moral panic surrounding nicotine and the consequences of Australia's prohibitionist stance on vaping. In this episode we have collected a series of powerful points that Colin made in his discussion with lawmakers.

May 01, 2024 by theaustralian.com.au

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

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

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

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'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

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

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

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.