Read articles from Oceania

May 28, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Youth vaping is under scrutiny by Australian health organizations, highlighting the importance of balancing risks and benefits. While concerns exist, severe harmful effects are rare. Nicotine dependence is low among non-smokers, and vaping is considered less harmful than smoking. Studies show vaping doesn't impair brain function as feared and may divert young people from smoking. To address youth vaping, enforcing strict regulations and promoting education are key. Vaping trends are declining in various countries, and studies suggest vaping isn't a gateway to smoking. Encouraging responsible usage and restricting access to minors are critical in managing youth vaping.

May 27, 2024 by thenightly.com.au

Kellyanne Conway's use of "alternative facts" echoes Australia's current vaping crisis. Despite evidence showing failure in the prescription model and ban, young Australians increasingly access vapes illegally. Organized crime profits from a $4 billion industry, impacting 1.5 million vapers. Proposed excise taxes could raise $9-12 billion, potentially curbing addiction and black market sales. Political leaders, like Nationals Leader David Littleproud, are reconsidering policies to address the epidemic. Public opinion favors taxing and regulating vapes like tobacco. Lobbyists suggest redirecting tax revenue to education and law enforcement. The Greens and Coalition are reviewing their stances, aiming to protect children from addiction amid widespread illegal vape availability.

May 24, 2024 by rnz.co.nz

A new study by the University of Canterbury found that approximately 30% of vape stores in the country are located within a five-minute walk of a school. The research identified a higher presence of vape stores in lower socio-economic areas and close to schools, with a significant difference among different areas. The study highlighted the need for further research on the impact of vape store exposure on youth vaping. New regulations have been introduced, restricting vape shop locations near schools and marae. The researchers created an interactive map for tracking vape store density. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing youth vaping trends.

May 22, 2024 by nzherald.co.nz

The Cook Islands are implementing stricter regulations on tobacco and vape products due to the rise of non-communicable diseases. The new laws include a ban on imitation tobacco products, raising the smoking age to 21, and hefty fines for non-compliance. The government aims to curb youth access to vaping devices and combat misinformation about their harmful effects. While some believe vaping offers a safer alternative to smoking, critics argue against infringing on individual rights and question the extent of smoking-related health issues in the Cook Islands. The legislation aligns with global health standards, with concerns about potential black market activity emerging once vaping is outlawed.

May 16, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores criticizes the country's failing anti-vaping laws, leading to black market crimes. Research shows concerns from Australian parents about unregulated vapes, calling for a model like alcohol and tobacco regulations. Most voters support adult-only vape regulation similar to tobacco. Despite evidence that banning vapes doesn't prevent youth access, the government persists. The CEO blames Health Minister Mark Butler for the black market surge and youth crisis. AACS urges lawmakers to reject legislation worsening the situation and implement strict regulation like alcohol and tobacco. The current approach leads to crime escalation and should not heed opponents like Emily Banks and Simon Chapman.

May 10, 2024 by gfn.tv

Australia has taken a hardline approach to vaping leaving smokers wanting to quit with few legal routes to access safer nicotine products. In today's episode leading Australian THR advocate Colin Mendelsohn asks, have these restrictions actually achieved their intended goals? In his recent evidence to Australian Senators, Colin set out how a compassionate approach could be the key to improving Australia's vaping situation.

May 09, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

EMERITUS PROFESSOR SIMON CHAPMAN AND COLLEAGUES are predicting that illegal vapes will virtually disappear in Australia because the Chinese government requires “all exporters to obey the laws of the countries to which they are exporting”. A Chinese government report showed that the number of vapes leaving China for Australia fell by 93% in the first 2 months of 2024 after the disposable ban was introduced. According to Chapman, this is the ‘smoking gun’, and its “All over, red rover”. Seriously? There is so much wrong with this prediction.

May 09, 2024 by abc.net.au

New research shows 8 out of 10 young Australians who regularly use nicotine vapes are buying them from bricks and mortar shops.

May 08, 2024 by youtube.com

A new report shows a majority of Australians do not believe the government’s ban on vape products is working. According to the Australian Association of Convenience Stores, 75 per cent of people don’t think the ban is keeping vapes away from children. Organised crime figures are importing an estimated $1 billion of illegal vapes into Australia each year. The figures also show that around eight in ten people believe vapes should be taxed and regulated the same as tobacco. In March earlier this year, the importation of all reusable vapes, regardless of whether it had nicotine, were banned, excluding therapeutic ones supplied by pharmacies.

May 08, 2024 by health.gov.au

Health bodies in Australia support new vaping legislation by the Albanese Government to combat underage vaping and curb Big Tobacco influence. The legislation aims to restrict non-therapeutic vape products and make therapeutic vapes available only with a prescription. Concerns arise from high youth vaping rates and the gateway effect to smoking. Health professionals emphasize the risks of nicotine addiction and stress the need for controlled access to vapes through medical supervision. The government and health practitioners are intensifying efforts to help people quit smoking and vaping, focusing on personalized support and guidance. The united front against vaping targets safeguarding public health, particularly among young Australians.