Australia is set to heavily restrict recreational vape access and sales outside pharmacies to curb surging youth nicotine addiction, reversing earlier relaxed policies.
Vapes Marketed as Smoking Cessation Aids
E-cigarettes were initially approved in Australia as prescription-only smoking cessation tools. But recreational sales have boomed, often to youth, via loosely regulated retail stores instead of pharmacies.
Unchecked 'Black Market' Led to New Generation of Users
Lax enforcement spawned an unregulated vape "black market" across convenience stores, tobacconists and vape shops. This fueled a large recreational user base, especially among teens. Up to 25% of young adults now vape.
New Measures to Block Non-Pharmacy Imports and Sales
To reverse this trend, Australia will now crack down on vape imports not destined for pharmacies. It will also ban retail store sales, restricting legal purchase to pharmacies with a prescription.
Packaging and Flavor Regulations to Deter Youth Appeal
Vape packaging must follow pharmaceutical standards - no more "bubble gum flavors" or designs "disguised as pens" that attract kids. Single-use devices and child-friendly flavors will also face prohibition.
Doctors Empowered to Prescribe Vapes for Smoking Cessation
Only 1 in 20 Australian doctors can currently prescribe vapes. The new policy will authorize all doctors to do so, maintaining vape access for quitting smokers while curbing recreational sales.
Significant Public Health Investments Planned
Australia will invest over $490 million into efforts like a national vaping/smoking quit campaign, lung cancer screening, and youth prevention - recognizing regulatory steps alone are insufficient.
Widespread Teen Vaping Shows Earlier Policies Failed
With up to 1 in 6 Australian teens vaping amid an unregulated market, experts agree earlier vape policies completely failed. The crackdown aims to protect youth while still aiding adult smoking cessation.