Australia has introduced some of the world's toughest anti-vaping laws, limiting the sale of nicotine vapes to pharmacies.
CNN reported that starting Monday, July 1, users must present a doctor's prescription to purchase vapes, which will be available only in mint, menthol, and tobacco flavors. This aims to curb nicotine use and eliminate colorful branding and enticing flavors that authorities believe target children.
The Australian government describes these measures as "world-leading," considering they are the first country to implement such laws.
Health Minister Mark Butler said that they represented a meaningful step towards improving the health of young Australians.
While a political compromise will ease restrictions in October, allowing adults to buy vapes in pharmacies without a prescription, many leading pharmacy chains have announced they will not stock these products.
Punishment for Illegal Posession of Vape
At the same time, the Greens Party successfully pushed for amendments to prevent criminalizing personal possession of vaping products. Nonetheless, the import and sale of commercial quantities of vapes will include hefty fines, raising concerns about a potential black market similar to that of cigarettes in Australia.
A similar tactic is employed in the US, according to VCPost, with the FDA and DOJ appointing a task force to crackdown on ilelgal distribution and sale of vapes to fine them thousands of dollars.
However, experts fear that restricted access to vapes may drive young people back to smoking cigarettes, which are heavily taxed in Australia.
Addiction expert Hester Wilson noted that the uncertainty caused by the new legislation might prompt young vapers to turn to smoking to satisfy their nicotine cravings.
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