Australian vaping
Vaping has become a worldwide phenomenon, and Australia is no exception. As someone who has been involved in the Australian vaping community for a while, I would like to share my knowledge and experience about the current state of Vape in Australia. In this article, I will cover the history of vaping in Australia, current regulations and laws, and the availability of products. Whether you are new to vaping or a seasoned vaper looking for more information about vaping in Australia, this article is for you.
History of Vaping in Australia
Vaping was first introduced in Australia around 2008, when electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) became available for purchase. It quickly gained popularity and by 2016, there were estimated to be around 227,000 vapers in Australia. However, the Australian government was slow to respond to this new trend and didn’t regulate vaping until 2017.
In 2017, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) banned the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in Australia. This meant that vapers had to import nicotine e-liquids for personal use or rely on the limited options available from local vendors. The ban also made it illegal to sell e-cigarettes or nicotine e-liquids in Australia, leading to the closure of local vape shops and the rise of the black market.
However, in 2020, the Australian government amended the law to allow the importation of nicotine e-liquids from overseas with a prescription from a doctor. This change was a result of intense pressure from vapers and advocates who argued that vaping was a safer alternative to smoking. The prescription requirement is an added hurdle, but it has opened up access to a wider variety of vaping products for Australian vapers.
Regulations and Laws
The current regulation of vaping in Australia is a mix of federal and state laws. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates e-cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids under the Therapeutic Goods Act 2020. This means that any vaping product containing nicotine is classified as a therapeutic good and must go through a rigorous approval process before it can be sold in Australia.
However, different states and territories have their own laws governing the possession and use of e-cigarettes. In most states, it is legal to possess and use e-cigarettes, but there are restrictions on where you can vape. For example, in New South Wales, you cannot vape in any public place where smoking is prohibited, and in Western Australia, you cannot vape in a car with children under 16 years of age. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state before you start vaping.
Availability of Products
The availability of vaping products in Australia has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to the law changes. You can now buy nicotine e-liquids from overseas vendors, and some local vape shops stock nicotine-free e-liquids. However, one of the challenges faced by Australian vapers is the limited options of products available locally compared to other countries.
Australian vapers are mostly limited to traditional pod systems, starter kits, and basic tanks. This is because it is costly and time-consuming for vape manufacturers to go through the TGA approval process. As a result, many popular and advanced devices, such as box mods, are not available in Australia. This makes it challenging for vapers to upgrade or try new products. Additionally, there is usually a significant price difference between the same product sold in Australia and overseas due to the costs of importing and the lack of competition.
As a solution, many Australian vapers turn to overseas online retailers, such as Australian vaping, for a wider selection of products and better prices. However, this can also create its challenges, such as long shipping times and the risk of customs seizing the package.
Benefits of Vaping in Australia
Despite the challenges faced by Australian vapers, there are many benefits to vaping over smoking. Vaping has been found to be a safer alternative to smoking and can help smokers quit or reduce their tobacco consumption. Unlike cigarettes, which produce thousands of harmful chemicals through combustion, vaping only involves heating and vaporizing a liquid. This significantly reduces the health risks associated with smoking.
Moreover, vaping allows for more customization of nicotine intake, as e-liquids come in different strengths. This can help smokers gradually wean off nicotine or find their preferred level of nicotine intake. Vaping also offers a variety of flavors, which can make the experience more enjoyable and help smokers break the habit of smoking tobacco.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vaping in Australia is a growing community, and while there have been challenges and limitations, the future looks promising. The recent changes in laws and regulations have made it easier for vapers to access products and have given hope for further developments in the industry. However, as with any emerging trend, it is essential to stay informed about the laws and regulations in your state and follow safe vaping practices to ensure the continued growth and acceptance of vaping in Australia.
