Despite several pieces of legislation trying to stamp out vaping in recent years, nicotine vapes can still easily be bought, despite being illegal without a prescription.

The latest law introduced to Parliament could be the biggest move made against access to vapes yet. 

Currently, the public can legally only access nicotine vapes from pharmacies with a prescription, using the vape as a tool to help quit smoking.

However, nicotine vapes can still be seen everywhere, and are often bought from shops who are selling them under the guise of being nicotine-free. 

The Australian government has introduced legislation that would become a world-first vape ban, making them only available through pharmacies, including nicotine-free vapes, making it harder for stores to illegally sell the nicotine product. 

“Vapes were sold to governments and communities around the world as a therapeutic good: a product to help hardened smokers, usually people in their 40s or 50s, to quit smoking and kick the habit,’ Minister for Health Mark Butler said.

"If vapes are therapeutic goods then it is entirely appropriate that Australia should regulate them as therapeutic goods, instead of allowing them to be sold alongside chocolate bars and bubble gum in convenience stores, often down the road from schools.”

Consequences for breaking these laws include up to seven years in prison or fines of up to $2.2 million. 

In introducing the new legislation, Mr Butler acknowledged that the ban would naturally be followed by fear of a rising black market for vapes, but was confident in the laws surrounding the movement of vapes, particularly that began from January 1. 

In the first month of the ban on importing disposable vapes, millions of dollars of vapes have been seized, including 13 tonnes in Adelaide. Another 210,000 were seized in NSW in early February. 

The second stage of the new legislation aims to further regulate the importation and domestic manufacture, supply and advertisement of all vapes.

Royal Australian College of GPs President Dr Nicole Higgins urged all MPs to back the bill, which will see vapes continue to be used for smoking cessation.

“All GPs can now prescribe nicotine vaping products for smoking cessation,” Dr Higgins said. 

“My message to everyone in the community is that if you are smoking or vaping and want to quit – please consult with your GP, we are here to help. It may be the best health decision you ever make.” 

The bill will be debated at a later date, and if passed, would be enforced from 1 July, 2024.