The accessibility of nicotine e-cigarettes in Queensland, Australia has become a matter of concern. According to the American Medical Association, since October, Australians must have a prescription to legally obtain e-cigarettes containing nicotine, but the regulatory measures have not been effectively enforced. Doctors have expressed that these products are "clearly" targeted towards non-smokers, specifically youth and young adults.
According to a doctor, electronic cigarette products are "clearly" targeted towards non-smokers (image source: AP). Maria Bolton, the president of the Queensland Medical Association, stated that tobacco companies promote e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, but currently liquid nicotine e-cigarette products are not approved for use in Australia.
According to the American Medical Association, despite nearly 84% of individuals never having smoked, over 20% of 18-24 year olds have used e-cigarettes in the 2020-21 year. State government data reveals that approximately 16% of Queensland high school students have reported using e-cigarettes.
Dr. Boulton stated that many teenagers believe that the dangers of vaping are lower than smoking, but it can lead to addiction and inhaling heated gases has been proven to be harmful to the lungs.
Queensland's failure to enforce these laws means that these products are easily accessible, including some that are falsely labeled as "nicotine-free" and others that contain 50 times more nicotine than cigarettes.
A young woman living in the Brisbane city center reported that local suppliers have nicotine e-cigarettes available at their counters, and they will even offer discounts if you pay in cash. When she attempted to purchase non-nicotine e-cigarettes, she was told that the nicotine products were better. Another Brisbane resident suggested asking about available flavors and mentioning that you will pay in cash in order to purchase nicotine e-cigarettes. A woman from the Sunshine Coast claimed that "gift shops" sell e-cigarettes and nicotine versions are typically easy to obtain. However, she also noted that some legitimate vendors, usually tobacco retailers, do not easily sell nicotine products and require identification.
The American Medical Association has written to the Health Minister and Attorney General, urging them to "urgently correct these mistakes before the children of Queensland become the next generation of smokers and suffer the associated catastrophic health consequences".
Dr. Boulton is calling on the government to take action on a series of proposed legal reforms in its tobacco law reform discussion paper, including banning smoking in outdoor markets and school parking lots, disallowing children from smoking in bars and clubs, and requiring tobacco retailers to obtain licenses.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has announced that measures to crack down on the illegal tobacco industry are being considered as part of Queensland's smoking law reforms. In a statement released in May, she expressed the goal of granting authorities additional enforcement powers to combat the illegal tobacco trade.
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