Tasmania has reinforced its vaping laws, requiring adults to have a doctor’s prescription to purchase e-cigarettes, e-liquid, and vaping devices.
This contrasts with other states where certain e-cigarette products can be bought over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription.
The Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill 2024 passed its final legislative hurdle in the Tasmanian Parliament, securing what the government describes as a “nation-leading” approach to vaping regulation.
Roger Jaensch, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said the legislation is aimed at reducing youth vaping.
“In October last year, the national laws about the sale of e-cigarette products changed, meaning in some states adults can buy certain e-cigarette products over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription.
“However, the Tasmanian Government instead took a nation-leading approach to protect our community, particularly our youth, from the harms of vaping.
“Tasmania has retained the requirement that e-cigarettes can only legally be accessed through a pharmacy and that adults must have a doctor’s prescription to access e-cigarettes, e-liquid and vaping devices.”
The sale of vaping products to people under 18 remains illegal in Tasmania. Jaensch said the government is committed to “all actions possible” to reduce the harms of vaping.
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