Vaping and the Law

Vaping and the Law

Vapes also known colloquially as, e-cigs, vape pens, e-hookah’s, pods, and stigs are a modern twist on traditional cigarettes (NSW State Library). Vapes are battery operated devices which resemble common everyday items such as memory sticks (NSW State Library). They have a function which heats liquid and turns it into vapour to be inhaled, hence the name ‘vapes.’

Vapes contain different chemicals. They expose both users and passive inhalers to harmful toxins such as propylene glycol, or ethylene glycol (NSW State Library). These toxins can cause cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Like any new product on the market not enough long-term tests have been done to fully understand the potential harmful effects of vaping.   

While all vapes contain chemicals, only some contain nicotine. It is well known that nicotine is a highly addictive substance.  Only vapes which are nicotine free can be legally sold in NSW and only to adults over 18 years. From October 1, 2021 vapes which contain nicotine can only be supplied to adults over 18 with a valid doctor’s prescription. All vape products, even if they don’t contain nicotine, cannot be sold to minors (under 18 years). In addition, it is illegal to inhale vapes in smoke free zones. Some vapes which claim to be nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine.

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References

NSW State Library, Drug Info (2022) available at: at Vaping | State Library of NSW