Queuing at the local pharmacy could get a little longer and more complicated, following new laws allowing pharmacies to sell
electronic cigarettes, also known as vaporizers.
Since July 1, pharmacies have been the only legal distributors of nicotine-containing vaporizers. Initially, a prescription will be required, but from 1 October the law will change and adults will be able to purchase them after consulting their pharmacist.
Many pharmacy chains and independent chemists have indicated they will not stock the products, with the Pharmacy Guild describing the expectation that pharmacists will become vape retailers as “an insult”.
“Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and community pharmacies do not want to provide this potentially harmful and addictive product without a prescription,” said the corporation’s national vice president, Anthony Tassone.
The guild points out that vaping products have not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and no nicotine-containing vapes are listed on the Australian Therapeutic Goods Register.
The laws were passed by Parliament after a compromise between Labor and the Greens.
From October 1, pharmacists who wish to do so will be able to sell vaporizers to customers aged 18 and over with ID but without a prescription, because nicotine vaporizers must be downgraded from Table 4 to Table 3 of the Poisons Standard . People under 18 will need a prescription.
Related reading: Pharmacy Guild, ABC
