The Commonwealth government’s “world-leading” vape ban is expected to come into effect next week, but sudden changes mean they will be easier to buy in October.
The amendments to a bill before federal parliament have sparked disagreement among health professionals, law experts, elected officials and industry groups.
If the bill clears parliament, Australia will become the first country to ban the sale of vapes outside of pharmacies.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes to the vape ban.
Is vaping banned in Australia?
From July 1, vapes containing nicotine can only be legally sold by pharmacies to people who have a prescription from their doctor.
It’s part of a suite of measures taken by the Albanese government to limit the availability of vapes, while making them available as aids for people who are trying to quit smoking.
But amendments to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 could make vapes available to many more people just three months later.
Who can buy vapes from October?
From October 1, pharmacies can sell vapes containing nicotine to anyone over 18 years old, eliminating the need for a medical prescription.
The change will occur because vapes containing nicotine will be downgraded from schedule 4 to schedule 3 of the poisons standard.
In many ways, the process of buying a nicotine vape will be similar to that of buying a packet of cigarettes — only from a pharmacy.
Vapes containing nicotine will only be available behind the counter and people will have to present identification to the pharmacist.
The packaging will be plain and their flavours limited to mint, menthol or tobacco.
The government claims the concentration of nicotine in e-cigarettes will be limited.
How do pharmacists feel about the change?
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia represents 5,800 community pharmacies nationally.
A spokesperson said the change is “a bad decision” and describes the expectation that pharmacists become vape retailers as “insulting”.
“Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who dispense medication that provides a proven therapeutic benefit,” a spokesperson said.
“No vaping product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration based on its safety, efficacy or performance.”
Why is the government making the change?
The federal government has been trying to pass its “world leading” vape bill after it was introduced into parliament in March 2024.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the amendment was made to win the support of the Greens in the Senate.
The support could see the bill pass parliament and the ban come into effect next week.
