Flavoured Air causing a Pharmaceutical Scare
Vape laws are changing
Photo by wild vibes on Unsplash
In a sweeping reform, Australia has enacted new legislation that fundamentally alters the landscape for vaping products across the country, effective July 1, 2024. These measures represent a significant departure from previous regulations and position Australia as a pioneer in global vaping policy.
Pharmacy-Exclusive Sales
Australia has become the first nation to restrict the sale of vaping products exclusively to pharmacies. This means that as of July 1, vapes will no longer be available for purchase in convenience stores, supermarkets, or online platforms. The move is aimed at tightening control over the distribution of these products, aligning their accessibility more closely with pharmaceuticals.
Prohibited Activities
Under the new laws, the domestic manufacturing, supply, commercial possession, and advertising of disposable and non-therapeutic vaping products are banned outright. This comprehensive prohibition aims to curb the availability of vapes outside tightly controlled pharmacy settings. Furthermore, regulations mandate that all vaping products sold must adhere to strict guidelines on nicotine concentrations and packaging, with flavors limited to tobacco, menthol, and mint.
Changes to Access
Initially, adults seeking therapeutic vaping products will need a prescription from their general practitioner (GP). However, starting October 2024, this requirement will be relaxed for adults, allowing them to obtain these products through discussions with pharmacists instead. Minors, on the other hand, will still require a prescription regardless of nicotine concentration levels.
What was once a surpluss product in a high demanded market, has been driven to a complete stop, leaving many questions as to how society will respond.
Read more about the law changes here.
It can only be a good thing right?
Photo by Tbel Abuseridze on Unsplash
Like many laws, unfortunately, to take the good you must also take some level of bad. But who would have an issue with changing vape laws?
I’d ask the pharmaceutical workers- who are now makeshift security guards over some of the most saught after controband in the country- if this was the job they signed up for.
Robberies will likely skyrocket towards pharmaceuticals, with international importations becoming harder year on year. With the laws already changing in July and then again in October, it is not farfetched to assume that we could see even stricter laws come into play in the future or harsher penalties to deter the acts.
Bad advice from jeremy
Following on last week from asking ChatGPT to “roast” what our writer had written, I have asked it to write a rap about how vapes are bad:
Yo, listen up, it's time to get real,
I'm droppin' knowledge 'bout a big deal.
Vapes in your hand, think it's all cool,
But puffin' on that mist, man, you're playin' the fool.
You think it's just vapor, but it's more than you see,
Chemicals inside, messin' up your body.
Nicotine's a trap, keeps you comin' back,
Once you're hooked, man, it's hard to break that.
(Chorus)
Vapes ain't the way, don't be led astray,
Gotta keep it healthy, gotta find a better way.
Vapes ain't the game, they just bring you pain,
Put 'em down, walk away, don't go insane.
(Verse 2)
Flavor's so sweet, like candy in the air,
But the damage underneath, man, it ain't fair.
Lungs takin' hits, thinkin' they can handle,
But every little puff is just lightin' up a candle.
Bronchiolitis, popcorn lung,
Names sound funny, but the damage ain't none.
Heart rates risin', blood pressure too,
Vapes got you locked in, like superglue.
(Chorus)
Vapes ain't the way, don't be led astray,
Gotta keep it healthy, gotta find a better way.
Vapes ain't the game, they just bring you pain,
Put 'em down, walk away, don't go insane.
(Bridge)
Look around, see the truth in the stats,
Kids hooked young, gotta face the facts.
Marketing's slick, but the dangers are real,
Time to stand up, time to heal.
(Verse 3)
Spreadin' the word, we gotta educate,
Health over hype, it's never too late.
Talk to your friends, let 'em know the score,
Vapes ain't the answer, let's settle the war.
Kick the habit, take a deep breath,
Choose life, choose health, choose to be your best.
No more clouds, let your mind stay clear,
With every step forward, leave behind the fear.
(Chorus)
Vapes ain't the way, don't be led astray,
Gotta keep it healthy, gotta find a better way.
Vapes ain't the game, they just bring you pain,
Put 'em down, walk away, don't go insane.
(Outro)
So here's the message, take it from me,
Vapes ain't the path to where you wanna be.
Stay strong, stay wise, and always keep it real,
Your future's in your hands, time to seal the deal.
Let us know what you think about the law changes below!