Read articles from Oceania

March 29, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

The parliamentary debate on vaping reform focused on reducing youth use, despite disagreement on other aspects. Concerns about youth vaping were challenged, with evidence showing minimal health risks. The debate highlighted misinformation, neglecting the positive impact of vaping as a quitting aid for adults. The current prohibition model was criticized for fueling the black market controlled by criminals. The Nationals proposed a regulated approach, similar to alcohol sales, to curb illicit trade and protect children. The future legislation will be determined by a Senate Inquiry accepting submissions until April 12, to decide between continuing prohibition or adopting an adult consumer regulation model.

March 28, 2024 by theguardian.com

Health experts warn that new laws banning vaping ads on social media may be ineffective without additional policy changes due to the widespread promotion of vapes online. Research shows most e-cigarette content on TikTok and Instagram violates platforms' policies. Laws taking effect in April will ban tobacco and e-cigarette ads online, including influencer sponsorships. Experts urge government action to regulate harmful e-cigarette social media content. Calls for monitoring and enforcement of new regulations are emphasized. Industry self-regulation is deemed insufficient, highlighting the need for government intervention.

March 27, 2024 by theconversation.com

Vaping rates are rising in Australia, especially among the 18-24 age group. As more people seek to quit, the use of apps for assistance is considered. A study evaluated 30 apps for vaping cessation, highlighting features like goal-setting and feedback. Not all apps excelled in behavior change support. Future apps should focus on customization, goal setting, and transparent funding sources. Quit smoking apps have been more successful than quit vaping apps in behavior change. Developers should collaborate with experts to improve quit vaping apps and incorporate stress-relief features like meditation. Transparency on ownership and ongoing app improvement are crucial for effectiveness.

March 25, 2024 by go.com

New Zealand said Wednesday it will ban disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, and raise financial penalties for those who sell such products to minors. The move comes less than a month after the government repealed a unique law enacted by the previous left-leaning government to phase out tobacco smoking by imposing a lifetime ban on young people buying cigarettes. New Zealand’s Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said Wednesday that e-cigarettes remain “a key smoking cessation device” and the new regulations will help prevent minors from taking up the habit.

March 25, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

MARK BUTLER HAS INTRODUCED his vaping Bill to Parliament. If I were a member of Parliament, I would oppose the Bill. The current regulatory model has failed and will only get worse with the proposed changes. [...] The reality is that vaping is here to stay whether we like it or not and it needs to be regulated better. A better regulatory model is for nicotine vaping products to be sold as adult consumer products from licensed retail outlets with strict age verification, like tobacco and alcohol.

March 18, 2024 by youtube.com

With regulations around vaping tightens in Australia, concerns are growing as Nicotine pouches have spiked in popularity after viral videos advertised them as a means of quitting e-cigarettes.

March 14, 2024 by newstalkzb.co.nz

The concept of nicotine pouches has seen a mixed response from the public and experts alike. Posts have been making the rounds on social media, influencers promoting flavoured products such as “zyn”, “buff”, and “ace” as a method to quit smoking and vaping. Public health experts are concerned, Sydney University’s Becky Freeman saying that the “wellness” influencers who promote these products are often unclear that its sponsored content. The sale of nicotine pouches was banned in New Zealand by the Labour Government in 2020, but importing from overseas remains legal as long as they are not sold on.

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.