Butler’s vaping policy is a missed public health opportunity

Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted legitimate concerns about youth vaping. However his proposed solutions could undermine public health and miss the chance to leverage vaping as a cessation tool for adult smokers. [...] The crux of the issue is Australia's flawed vaping regulation. The current regulations have created a thriving black market which make vapes readily accessible for young people. The prescription-only model for vaping has been opposed by healthcare professionals and rejected by the public. It has created a booming black market, complete with violence and criminal activity, and a proliferation of substandard, unregulated products sold to minors.