Australia restricts vape sales to pharmacies in ‘world-leading' move to cut nicotine use

Buying a vape in Australia just got more difficult due to the introduction of strict anti-vaping laws. These laws restrict the sale of vapes with nicotine to pharmacies. Users must now provide a doctor’s prescription to purchase vapes, and the options are limited to three flavors: mint, menthol, and tobacco. Australia claims to have implemented “world-leading” laws to combat colorful branding and enticing flavors that appeal to children. While the restrictions will ease in October for adults, some leading pharmacy chains have chosen not to stock vapes without a prescription. This has sparked concerns about the emergence of a black market. The Greens Party in Australia pushed for amendments to the legislation to allow adults to buy vapes without a prescription, arguing against prohibition and the criminalization of vaping. Personal possession of vapes is not a criminal offense, but the import and sale of large quantities can result in significant fines. Critics worry that the new laws may prompt young vapers to switch to cigarettes if they cannot access vapes.