Read articles from Australia
November 12, 2024 by theconversation.com
Our new study shows teen vaping is linked to childhood trauma. Here’s why it might be harder to quit
Childhood trauma increases the likelihood of later substance use, including vaping. Despite bans, vapes containing nicotine remain accessible in Australia. Young people with trauma histories may face extra challenges and require tailored support to quit nicotine. Trauma affects brain development, leading to risky behaviors and difficulties in coping. Research shows a link between early trauma and teenage vaping, emphasizing the need for interventions targeting at-risk youth. Strategies combining behavioral and pharmacological support are crucial for quitting. Family and social support play a protective role, but children who have experienced trauma often lack this.
October 28, 2024 by themandarin.com.au
Vaping prescriptions need to be replaced by regulated retail sales
Australia's restrictive vaping policies, including a prescription model and retail sales ban, have not effectively prevented youth vaping uptake. Most Australian vapers obtained vapes illegally, fueling an illicit market. Public alarm over a perceived "vaping epidemic" has led to punitive measures, but focusing on prevention has not curbed youth vaping. Only a small percentage of adult vapers obtained vapes through the legal prescription pathway. Considering successful US models, Australia could implement measures like plain packaging, age restrictions, and licensed retailer sales to reduce youth access while aiding adult smokers in quitting. This approach could combat illicit sales and protect public health more effectively.
October 25, 2024 by thecritic.co.uk
How Australia punished smokers and normalised firebombs
Australia faces a rising black market, with criminal gangs resorting to firebombing shops amid high tobacco taxes and e-cigarette bans. The UK, following a similar path, witnesses declining legal tobacco sales and a growing black market due to high taxes. Government denial and lack of action exacerbate the issue. The situation signals an impending crisis, prompting a call for e-cigarette legalization and tax reduction as a solution. Without intervention, the black market will continue to thrive, affecting public health and government revenue.
October 22, 2024 by daily-pouch.com
Survey Says: Australian Prohibition Policies are Forcing Vapers Towards the Black Market
Despite modern Australian clowns like Simon Chapman lacking depth, their commitment to the art is evident. However, their disconnect from ordinary people and lack of self-depreciation are notable. Australian health minister, Mark Butler, faced criticism for his vape prohibition legislation, with concerns raised by experts about its impact. The legislation was eventually watered down, making vapes accessible through pharmacies without prescriptions. Critics argue this still creates barriers. The consequences of such policies on adult vapers and smoking rates remain to be seen. Additionally, a study on nicotine pouch use among young Australians has raised concerns, despite questions about its methodology.
October 15, 2024 by abc.net.au
Survey finds one in four young Australians have used illegal and unregulated dissolvable nicotine pouches
A recent survey of young Australians found that about one in four have used illegal nicotine pouches, with 34% citing flavor as the main reason. Some participants also used the pouches to quit or reduce smoking or vaping. Conducted anonymously between April and June 2024, the survey involved nearly 1,600 people aged 16 to 39, with 19% having used a pouch in the last 30 days. As restrictions on e-cigarettes tighten, retailers are shifting towards selling alternative products like nicotine pouches, according to the study’s co-author, Michelle Jongenelis.
October 11, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
Vapes are available from online pharmacies in Australia
Nicotine e-liquids for adult Australian vapers can be legally bought from online pharmacies with a prescription, despite initial confusion about a supposed ban. Online pharmacies offer a range of vape products like pod vapes and refills, but flavors are limited to tobacco, mint, menthol, and unflavored. E-liquids over 20mg/mL require a prescription. Some states restrict selling lower concentration e-liquids online. Online availability is crucial, especially for vapers in remote areas, as physical pharmacies rarely stock vape supplies. Lack of online access could lead vapers to revert to smoking.
October 04, 2024 by sydneycriminallawyers.com.au
Vapes Are Legally Available Without Prescription in NSW, But Only at Chemists
Health Minister Mark Butler's plan to ban recreational vaping ended abruptly when a Greens amendment allowed vapes to be sold over the counter in pharmacies from October 1, 2024. Originally aimed at reducing teenage vaping, the restrictive laws had forced legal vapes out of stores, increasing the risk of black market purchases. Despite concerns over unapproved products, the government's move has faced backlash, with calls for easier access to prescribed vapes. In the midst of controversy, the benefits of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, embraced by New Zealand, were highlighted, signaling ongoing debates on vaping regulations in Australia.
October 01, 2024 by pulsetasmania.com.au
Tasmania starts ‘vape crackdown’, going against national regulations
Tasmania maintains its requirement for a doctor's prescription to buy e-cigarettes, defying national regulations allowing over-the-counter sales. Public Health Director Mark Veitch enforces existing laws, prohibiting sales to under 18s. Meanwhile, the state government debates a bill restricting e-cigarette sales to adults with prescriptions.
October 01, 2024 by health.gov.au
Pharmacists prepared to help Australians quit vaping
Starting on October 1, 2024, Australia implements new vaping regulations to safeguard children against vaping risks. Therapeutic vaping products will be available in pharmacies, with controlled nicotine levels and limited flavors. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia collaborates with the government to train pharmacists in supporting these reforms. Adults over 18 can buy vapes for quitting smoking without a prescription, but must consult a pharmacist. Vapes will have strict controls like other pharmacist-only products. Pharmacists will be insured when dispensing vaping products and must verify the buyer's age. Vapes can only be purchased through pharmacies.
October 01, 2024 by theconversation.com
Pharmacists are now allowed to supply nicotine vapes over the counter. But they might not be so easy to access
New Australian laws effective from October 1 allow pharmacists to provide vapes with up to 2% nicotine without a prescription to aid smoking cessation. Under 18s still need a prescription. Evidence shows vapes can help quit smoking with fewer health risks than cigarettes. The changes aim to balance adult access for therapeutic use while safeguarding youth. Barriers like pharmacist concerns and state restrictions may affect implementation. Despite concerns, the move aligns with government policy not penalizing vape users. Vapes are one of many cessation options available without a prescription, including non-nicotine medication.