Read articles from Australia

March 13, 2024 by sydneycriminallawyers.com.au

Two NSW police officers confront a 13-year-old vaping outside a Coles, mistakenly claiming it's illegal. The boy's mother intervenes, leading to a physical confrontation where the officers seize the device. Vaping is portrayed negatively in Australia, contrasting with its acceptance in countries like New Zealand. “The video of violent police action against a 13-year-old boy, who was vaping, is yet another inevitable consequence of demonising the relatively harmless practice,” Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA) director Dr Alex Wodak told [...]

March 12, 2024 by theconversation.com

Australia has strict tobacco and vaping regulations, including high taxes and a prescription model for vaping products. These policies, aimed at reducing smoking and vaping, have led to an unintended consequence - a growing black market. Criminal networks are engaging in violent activities to control this lucrative trade, with incidents like firebombings and killings on the rise. Despite law enforcement efforts, including seizures, the black market persists due to economic incentives and limited resources. The resulting issues include health risks from inferior products, increased youth access, and lost tax revenue.

March 11, 2024 by theguardian.com

Australia's TGA is investigating telehealth platforms like medicalnicotine.com.au for dispensing nicotine vaping product prescriptions, potentially breaching patient care standards. These platforms, including myduke.com.au, quitmate.com.au, and medmate.com.au, are under scrutiny for potential unlawful advertising of prescription medicines. Concerns arise over the limited pharmacy options for patients receiving these online scripts, with the RACGP recommending personalized consultations for quitting smoking. The Medical Board of Australia emphasizes the importance of in-person consultations for healthcare provision.

March 11, 2024 by mja.com.au

New guidance by the RACGP on e-cigarette usage for smoking cessation has received positive feedback. Despite being touted as helpful aids, e-cigarettes remain controversial due to modest benefits and harmful effects, particularly among young non-smokers. Recent Australian reforms aim to curb youth vaping, including bans on certain products. Critics argue against overwhelming GPs with prescription requests and potential illicit trade fears. Clinicians should consider individual circumstances when recommending e-cigarettes for nicotine addiction.

March 04, 2024 by mja.com.au

Growing e-cigarette use among young Australians is concerning, with 19.8% having tried it. Current use has tripled to 7%, mainly among those aged 18-24. Despite being recommended for quitting smoking, many use e-cigarettes recreationally. Schools are witnessing a surge in vaping, sparking behavior issues. Authorities are alarmed by the industry's tactics to lure youth into nicotine addiction. Government crackdown includes banning flavors and disposable vapes, with a $737 million budget. Initiatives to raise awareness and curb social acceptance of vaping are being launched. Legislation to tighten regulations is pending, aiming to combat the vaping epidemic.

March 01, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Youth vaping in Australia is decreasing smoking rates, not increasing them. Most young non-smokers who vape do so infrequently. Only frequent vaping over time poses potential harm, and serious effects are rare. Nicotine dependence among youth is low, with only a small percentage likely to be nicotine-dependent. Retail sales bans on vapes are misleading, as most youth obtain them from friends or online. Public messaging about vaping should be accurate, highlighting its role in reducing smoking. Vaping is shown to be less addictive than smoking. Stringent measures like licensing vape shops can help curb youth access.

March 01, 2024 by theconversation.com

Vaping is increasing among young Australians, with e-cigarette use rising significantly among teenagers and young adults. Concerns arise as many use e-cigarettes recreationally without prior nicotine exposure. The federal government aims to curb this trend through new reforms and an influencer-led social media campaign targeting youth vaping. Leveraging social media influencers for health messaging is a promising strategy, although risks like content control exist.

February 29, 2024 by sbs.com.au

Smoking rates in Australia are decreasing, while e-cigarette use has tripled, particularly in affluent areas. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey also highlights a rise in risky alcohol consumption but a decrease in overall smoking. Illicit drug usage among young women has increased, with females aged 18-24 now as likely as men to use drugs. Daily e-cigarette use is highest in advantaged regions, while daily smoking is prevalent in lower socioeconomic areas. The survey shows stable illicit drug use trends, except for increases in hallucinogens and ketamine. Overall, e-cigarette use is rising, especially among young adults.

February 29, 2024 by thesaturdaypaper.com.au

Australia will ban vape sales starting July 1. Health Minister Mark Butler announced plans for legislation to outlaw vaping without a prescription, completing the government's crackdown. The opposition's support is sought, with a social media campaign launched to discourage vaping, backed by a $250,000 budget.

February 29, 2024 by smh.com.au

The wealthiest Australians have driven a surge in the country’s illicit drug consumption over the past three years as the use of cocaine, ketamine and hallucinogens such as magic mushrooms became more popular. The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey from 2022-23 has also revealed that fewer Australians are smoking tobacco than ever before but vaping among young people has risen fourfold, as it offers the first national snapshot of Australians’ drug and alcohol habits since 2019.