As of October 1, 2024, Australia has implemented significant changes to its vaping laws aimed at both protecting young Australians and the wider community from the risks associated with vaping, and making therapeutic nicotine vapes more accessible to adults.
These reforms support individuals seeking to start their smoking cessation journey or manage nicotine dependence while ensuring that therapeutic vapes are available for those who need them in clinical situations.
These new regulations allow for the purchase of vapes with nicotine concentrations up to 20 mg/mL without a prescription for eligible adults over the age of 18.
Why Astrid is offering a Smoking & Vaping Cessation Service
At Astrid, we believe holistic health is a journey and we are here to support you. Whether you’re looking to quit smoking or would like to explore alternative nicotine dependency pathways, we recognise every cessation journey is different.
Astrid’s friendly, highly-trained pharmacists will have a chat with you and determine your eligibility, if nicotine vapes (up to 20 mg/mL) are right for you, offer personalised advice, and support you on your path to smoking cessation.
Keeping in mind, therapeutic vapes are one of many options, and whilst not necessarily a first line of treatment for smoking cessation, it is certainly one most often enquired about.
To help you navigate the changing laws, we’re here to answer some of your frequently asked questions:
- What is the process for accessing over-the-counter nicotine vapes?
- Eligibility Screening: Your eligibility for nicotine vaping products is assessed with a 30-second questionnaire
- Pharmacist Consultation: If eligible, you can visit or call our pharmacists who will provide guidance on safe usage and offer support for your smoking cessation journey
- Products Dispensed: Once approved, the pharmacist will dispense the appropriate nicotine vaping products
- What are therapeutic vapes, and how are they used?
- Therapeutic vapes are vaping products used to aid in smoking cessation or to manage nicotine dependence. From 1 October 2024, pharmacists will be able to supply these products without a prescription under specific conditions.
- Do I need a prescription to get a nicotine vape?
- No, from 1 October 2024, patients aged 18 years or over will no longer need a prescription to access vapes with less than 20 mg/ml nicotine (if eligible).
- What do I need to provide to buy a therapeutic vape?
- You will need to provide evidence of your age and identity, as nicotine vapes can only be supplied to people aged 18 years or older; you will need to meet eligibility criteria.
- Will the pharmacist give me advice on how to use a therapeutic vape?
- Yes, pharmacists will provide advice. They will also inform you about alternative cessation therapies and smoking cessation support services.
- How much vape liquid can I buy?
- Pharmacists can only supply up to 1 month’s supply of vaping liquid.
- What nicotine strength can I purchase without a prescription?
- The nicotine concentration in therapeutic vapes must not exceed 20 mg/mL. If you require a higher concentration, a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner is required. See QuitRx website for more information.
- Can someone under 18 purchase a vape?
- No, therapeutic vapes cannot be supplied to individuals under 18 years old, unless prescribed by a medical or nurse practitioner.
We know every cessation journey is different, and are proud to offer a supportive and informative service. If you have more questions, feel free to ask your pharmacist at Astrid Dispensary.
Get started on your smoking and vaping cessation journey today: https://astrid.clinic/smoking-cessation-services/
All information is accurate at the time of publication: 8th October 2024
Vapes have not been assessed for safety and efficacy and are considered unregistered goods by the TGA. Access more information from The Vaping Hub (TGA).
