Australia Withdraws E-cigarette Commercial Sales Plan, Allowing Non-prescription Purchase at Pharmacies

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jun.24.2024
Australia Withdraws E-cigarette Commercial Sales Plan, Allowing Non-prescription Purchase at Pharmacies
Australia government withdraws e-cigarette sales plan, allowing non-prescription purchase at pharmacies. Health Minister Mark Butler reached agreement with Greens.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald on June 24th, the Australian government has withdrawn its plan to allow e-cigarettes to be sold commercially. E-cigarettes will not require a prescription to be purchased in pharmacies.

 

Minister of Health Mark Butler reached an agreement with the Green Party on Monday, June 24th, to relax the ban on e-cigarettes scheduled to take effect in July. This was in order to pass legislation in the Senate to prohibit retail sales, as the initially stricter proposal did not have the support of the majority of senators.

 

According to sources familiar with the agreement, after the ban on e-cigarettes takes effect in July, consumers will still need a doctor's prescription to purchase e-cigarettes. However, in the future, adults will not need a prescription from a general practitioner to buy e-cigarettes from pharmacies. They will only need to speak with a pharmacist and can purchase them over the counter.

 

At the same time, individuals under the age of 18 are allowed to purchase e-cigarettes with a prescription from a clinician if deemed appropriate.

 

The government has promised to provide additional funding to support young people in quitting e-cigarettes.

 

E-cigarettes sold in pharmacies will still be regulated and must comply with standard packaging requirements.

 

Butler's adjustment is a concession to the substantial political capital invested in the success of the e-cigarette ban. He will announce the full details of the changes later today.

 

Butler previously proposed the idea of allowing people to purchase e-cigarettes from pharmacies without a prescription, but he stated that this would only be considered if the prescription drug model is not successful.

 

He stated in November of last year,

 

Health ministers are interested in exploring whether e-cigarettes can be provided solely by pharmacists in pharmacies, where similar products are often located behind the counter and require interaction with a pharmacist but not a doctor's prescription.

 

We have not made a decision yet, but I have said that if the proposed reform does not adequately ensure that people with genuine treatment needs can access e-cigarettes, we will consider other options.

 

Both the Greens and the National Party have expressed doubt about the proposal put forward by the Labor Party to ban all retail sales of e-cigarettes and require a prescription from a general practitioner to obtain them from a pharmacy. This is a stricter version of the law first proposed by former Coalition Health Minister Greg Hunt in 2021.

 

The Green Party and the two major political parties are aligned in their desire to prevent children from purchasing e-cigarettes from unlicensed stores.

 

However, the Greens' health spokesperson, Jordon Steele-John, expressed concerns about the difficulties and costs of quitting smoking for those who need to make an appointment with a general practitioner in order to get a prescription. The Department of Health's analysis of Butler's original plan indicates that 450,000 Australians per year will seek e-cigarette prescriptions, requiring nearly one million visits to general practitioners.

 

John also expressed skepticism towards the prohibition model, pointing out that drug bans have proven to be ineffective.

 

Many young Australians are using e-cigarettes, banning the sale of e-cigarettes could potentially become a political issue.

 

No one should be punished for personal use of e-cigarettes. Prohibition policies for drugs have failed. Many people under the age of 18 are becoming addicted to nicotine. We need to ensure there are proper resources in place to help these individuals quit using e-cigarettes.

 

Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

Product | Adjustable Flavor Strength and Acidity via Rotating Dial: LOST MARY Launches ULTRASONIC 35K in U.S.
Product | Adjustable Flavor Strength and Acidity via Rotating Dial: LOST MARY Launches ULTRASONIC 35K in U.S.
LOST MARY has released the ULTRASONIC 35K disposable vape in the U.S., offering up to 35,000 puffs. It features a rotating dial to adjust flavor strength and sourness, plus an LED screen showing battery and e-liquid levels. The device is priced at $16.99 and is now available in the U.S.
May.28
Thailand Seizes Over 20,000 E-Cigarette Devices in May Worth Nearly $220,000
Thailand Seizes Over 20,000 E-Cigarette Devices in May Worth Nearly $220,000
Thai customs have intensified their crackdown on illegal imports, seizing goods worth 12.56 million baht (about $380,000). E-cigarettes and related devices were a key focus, accounting for approximately 7.43 million baht (about $220,000) of the total.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Media: After the Ban on Disposable E-cigarettes Takes Effect, Most Users Switch to Rechargeable Products
UK Media: After the Ban on Disposable E-cigarettes Takes Effect, Most Users Switch to Rechargeable Products
After the UK's ban on disposable e-cigarettes in June, vape shops report mixed impacts. Some owners see increased sales as customers switch to rechargeable products, while others note a decline in overall sales due to the ban.
Jun.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s STMA Holds E-cigarette Regulatory Press Conference, Discloses Policy Enforcement and Industry Development Guidelines
China’s STMA Holds E-cigarette Regulatory Press Conference, Discloses Policy Enforcement and Industry Development Guidelines
May.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Queensland, Australia Seizes 76,000 E-cigarettes and Tobacco Products Worth $20.8M
Queensland, Australia Seizes 76,000 E-cigarettes and Tobacco Products Worth $20.8M
Recently, Queensland, Australia seized a record amount of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products, totaling 76,000 items worth about 20.8 million Australian dollars. The operation, supported by heavy fines introduced in April, collected 5.09 million Australian dollars in the first week. It aims to combat the illegal market and protect youth.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia's Kedah State to Stop Renewing E-Cigarette Sales Licenses, Plans Full Ban by 2026
Malaysia's Kedah State to Stop Renewing E-Cigarette Sales Licenses, Plans Full Ban by 2026
The government of Malaysia's Kedah state has announced it will stop renewing licenses for e-cigarette sales. The Chief Minister stated that to avoid legal risks, the ban will be implemented gradually, with a full prohibition planned once existing licenses expire. The move is partly driven by concerns over the misuse of e-cigarette devices for consuming synthetic drugs.
May.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai