"I have been vaping for 10 years & I don’t seem to have any health problems" - Vaping Consumer
- Kim
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
I have had incredible difficulty quitting smoking. I smoked for 25 years before switching to vaping. I tried everything but only vaping has helped me quit . I have been vaping for 10 years. It’s way cheaper and I don’t seem to have any health problems e.g. no cough which I had with smoking, and I work out at a fairly high level for my age.
Vapes should be a consumer product like cigarettes and alcohol, not a medicine or therapeutic product requiring a prescription. Currently I vape Roasted Strawberry flavour which tastes better than tobacco. We used to have a plethora of flavours, and it was fun and enjoyable to try them out.
I am at high risk of going back to smoking which the Health Minister seems to be OK with.
The vaping products available now seem very basic and streets behind the vaping industry which had existed for many years prior to this. The current model is fuelling youth vaping which is a direct result of the black market. I am concerned that criminal gangs have taken over the market creating a frightening crimewave (firebombings, murder and extortion).
I think a different regulatory framework would work better. For example, in other countries like New Zealand, nicotine vapes are sold as adult consumer products from licensed retail outlets with strict age verification. Vape shops could provide expert advice, support and a wider range of products. Licensed retailers are unlikely to sell to kids if there is a risk of losing their license and paying huge fines. There seems to be no significant black market in countries that adopt this framework. This type of model would be better for everyone. We would have better access to safe, regulated, approved products. It would help the economy providing employment and tax revenue.
The government needs to support adult smokers.
Vaping should at the very least be as easy to access as deadly cigarettes.
My basic human right should be the choice of a safer alternative to smoking to be able to improve my health. I also have a mental illness and need nicotine.
Submission To Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 Inquiry
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