Changes to the law.
Vapes are often marketed as safer alternatives to smoking or as a tool to stop smoking, but they still pose significant health risks! Did you know that all vapes (with or without nicotine) can **only** be sold in participating pharmacies. It’s illegal for other stores like vape shops and convenience stores to sell them. This law helps to address the increasing health risks of vaping.
Vapes can contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm brain development. Other harmful substances found in vapes include chemicals that can damage the lungs, leading to respiratory issues.
To address these risks, people 18 years and older can only buy vapes nicotine vapes (20 mg/mL or less) from participating pharmacies without a prescription when state or territory law allows! But remember, you’ll need to chat with the pharmacist about dosage and quitting options, show your ID, and can only buy a month’s supply at a time. In some cases, you’ll still need a prescription to access vapes.
Vaping can be highly addictive, making it hard to stop once you start. If you’re feeling dependent, help is out there—no shame, no judgment.
If you’re under 18, and where state and territory laws allow, you need a prescription to access vapes, ensuring you receive proper medical advice. For vapes with more than 20 mg/mL nicotine, a prescription is also required, regardless of your age. Plus, flavours are limited to mint, menthol, and tobacco, with all vapes following plain packaging standards.
The harms of vaping.
Most vapes contain nicotine and harmful chemicals—even the ones labelled ‘nicotine-free.’
These chemicals can damage your health and that may impact your brain development. There are many resources and services to help you quit vaping – and stay vape-free. There is no one way and for many, a combination of methods is most successful.
Vaping can harm your lungs. It can lead to persistent coughing, breathing problems, and even permanent lung damage.
Want to quit or cut back on vaping? You’re not alone.
Many young people have successfully quit with the right support. Talk to someone you trust or check out quitting resources that work for you.
Ever tried quitting and felt irritable, anxious, or had cravings? That’s nicotine withdrawal. The good news? It gets easier, and support is available.
Most vapes contain nicotine, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms like irritability, dizziness, and insomnia.
Supporting quitting.
Quitting vaping will give your body the chance to thrive. Protect your health, your brain, and your future by making the choice to quit.
Can’t quit cold turkey? That’s okay! Try setting a goal to vape less, switch to lower nicotine levels, or get support from youth-friendly quit programs.
No more planning around vape breaks or worrying about cravings. Quitting vaping gives you the freedom to enjoy life on your terms, and with all the money saved each year, you can invest in what truly matters.
When you quit vaping, you’re doing more than protecting your health—you’re reducing harmful vape waste that pollutes the environment.
Be part of the change for a cleaner planet.
There are many resources and services to help you quit vaping – and stay vape-free. There is no one way and for many, a combination of methods is most successful.
Resources
Quitting supports your health, helps the environment and saves money – and there is support available to help. If you or someone you know is considering quitting – they don’t have to do it alone.
- Download the free My QuitBuddy app – you’ll get personalised information and advice to support you on your quit journey.
- You can also speak with a GP or trusted healthcare professional or find resources in different languages on health.gov.au/vaping.
- Quitline (13 7848) is a confidential phone service. You can talk to a counsellor about ways to quit. In some states and territories, you can chat to a counsellor online.
- Confide in family or a trusted adult for support and guidance. Share your quitting journey with friends who support your decision.
Quitting can be challenging, but you can do hard things and it’s okay if it takes a few tries!