Read articles from Oceania

November 12, 2024 by theconversation.com

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.

November 08, 2024 by labour.org.nz

Concerns persist over tobacco industry influence in government policy, as the Office of the Auditor-General declines to probe the halving of excise tax on heated tobacco products. Labour's Ayesha Verrall calls for transparency on conflicts of interest, criticizing Cabinet's ties to the tobacco sector. Questions arise amid allegations that policy aligns with Philip Morris strategy. New Zealand's institutions are criticized for failing to resist vested interests. The absence of legislation implementing WHO tobacco control agreements is noted, with recent policy shifts favoring the industry. Verrall questions Associate Health Minister Casey Costello's motives. Transparency and accountability are urged, emphasizing the need to safeguard public health from harmful products.

November 01, 2024 by filtermag.org

Dr. Marewa Glover's efforts to reduce smoking in New Zealand led to a significant decrease by promoting safer nicotine products. The government's support for vaping and harm reduction strategies contributed to this success. In contrast, Australia's stricter policies have resulted in a slower decline in smoking rates. Dr. Glover's work with Indigenous communities, especially Māori, has led to substantial progress in reducing smoking prevalence, with many switching to vaping. She emphasizes the importance of policies that consider marginalized groups and opposes heavy tobacco taxes that harm vulnerable populations. The New Zealand government's approach includes risk-proportionate taxation and support for vaping products.

October 28, 2024 by themandarin.com.au

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

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

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

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

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 07, 2024 by gfn.tv

New Zealand takes another step in its smokefree journey with its latest vaping proposals, but how will New Zealand's last minute change to these vaping restrictions impact people looking to quit smoking in the country, and will these new measures have a real-world impact on youth vaping? Joining us is Nancy Loucas who will guide us through New Zealand's latest efforts to combat youth vaping.

October 07, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Dr. Marewa Glover emphasized how New Zealand's adoption of vaping helped halve its smoking rate in just five years. She urged governments globally to embrace tobacco harm reduction products to save lives. New Zealand and Sweden serve as successful examples, with Sweden reducing smoking rates by 55% in a decade through safer alternatives like snus. New Zealand's Ministry of Health endorsed vaping for smoking cessation, leading to a significant decrease in smoking rates. Glover compared New Zealand's success with Australia's restrictive approach, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based harm reduction strategies in reducing smoking-related deaths worldwide.